How to Build a Raised Garden Bed (Part Two)

Other than working in drizzly rain, today went relatively well.

We started the day by expanding our beds. We decided to use regular cinder blocks, stacked two high. This design is kinda neat for several reasons: 1) you can sit on the edges to help you plant and weed, 2) you can plant herbs in the little squares, 3) they are still very cost-effective (sometimes you can find them free.) Only downside was that we needed 20 blocks and they are very heavy, so we had to take 2 cars to load them in.

Our cinder block garden bed.

Next comes the dirt. We headed to Buchanan's in the Heights for the soil. Buchanan's is by far my favorite garden store in Houston. The selection is great and the displays are wonderful. The sales persons are knowledgeable but not needy. You have to ask for help if you want it, but once you do they are very nice and attentive. When I asked for help on picking soils, the salesperson suggested a mix of quality potting soil, cow manure, black humus, pine mulch, and fertilizer. We could have bought already mixed bags of soil, compost, and sand, but they were nearly 3x the cost.

Jason spreading the soil.

Once you decide what types of soil and compost you are using, it is important to thoroughly mix it with your existing soil. This way the roots don't decide to turn around and start growing up once they hit your original dirt.

Jason mixing the soil.

Next, you decide what you want to plant. We bought some herbs from Buchanan's and headed to Quality Feed Store for the rest of our veges. I have to say, the guy at the feed store was also very helpful. He helped us pick our plants and gave us tips for planting and harvesting. They have seed packets, buckets of seeds (because they "have been selling seeds before seed packets existed"), and potted vegetables. We got a variety since we don't really know what to expect.

Our herbs.

Our plants and seeds.

Now it's time to start planting. We already have some herbs and veges planted in pots which we transplanted from our backyard when we first moved in. One of our tomatoes didn't survive our Hill Country vacation, so we replaced it.

Jason planting the tomato.

Next we planted the herbs in the cinder blocks. Since mint and cilantro tend to be evasive species, the blocks are perfect to control their growth. Now we have three varieties of mint. Plenty of mojitos for everyone.

Planting herbs.

Finished planting the herbs.

Next we planted the rest of vegetables and seeds.

In case you can't read the picture, we have mint, cilantro, onion chives, basil, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage.

We also have Swiss chard, peas (which need a fence to grow), beets, onions (red, white, and yellow), and some sort of bunched onion that you use like chives.

Finished product. Another neat aspect is that it is basically all organic and all Texan - from the soil to the plants.

So overall a productive day. BTW, just because Jason is the only one in the pics, it doesn't mean that I don't work. I just happen to be our photographer. Plus, doesn't Jason look cute in all these pictures - being the Mr. Gardener that he is?