A Western Raised Bed

Good  morning all.  With the wonderful weather we have been having I decided to get a raised bed built to start our lettuce and spinach in.  I have a bed in back for that purpose but it does not get much sun right now.  

Click here to go to other post on straw bale raised beds.

So we are putting one on the South side of the house to capture what sun we can at this time of year.  We eat tons of lettuce and it makes sense to grow it since it is so easy.

First off we need to consider snow, we have not had much this year, especially compared to the numerous feet of it we got last year but we can get a good amount up thru May.  That being said we needed to build a cover for the bed to make it like a greenhouse that is strong enough to hold up to the heavy wet white stuff should we get it. 



My husband rounded up the scraps of 2x4’s and some 3/4 inch plywood and made this gambrel shape.  It is quite sturdy and he assures me it will take whatever the weather throws at it. 



A few more angles.





We covered it with some clear plastic, 6 mil I do believe.  Fastened it with staples but not all the way down so I can lift the sides to access the bed.

It reminds me of a covered wagon.



This should heat up whatever bed it sets on just fine and extend my season quite well.



We purchased some straw bales to set it up on, making a hot bed. First I will grow lettuce in it while the weather is on the cool side then use it for plants that like it hot, tomatoes, peppers etc.  Maybe I can get some good home grown tomatoes to ripen for me much earlier!

Also this makes it easier on my back rather than stooping to the ground.  Now to fill up the bed and plant my seeds.  Not today though.



Winter is reminding us that it is still here!

My back deck yesterday..



And now today…



I need to head to my studio, I have sign orders to fulfill.  A good day to spend indoors painting flowers!