Greg Reese is a first-generation regenerative farmer leading Fox Point Farms in Encinitas, California
How to Shape an In-Ground Garden Bed
Learn how to shape garden beds and walkways by setting clear widths, building up soil into raised beds, leveling the surface, and creating access points that maximize space and make a functional and productive home garden.
Key takeaways for shaping garden beds and walkways:
Bed and Walkway Dimensions: Standard garden beds are typically 30 inches wide. Walkways are generally 12 to 14 inches wide, which is roughly the size of a flat shovel.
Creating Raised Beds: To create a raised bed and walkway, use a shovel to dig out the soil for the walkway and place that soil to one side. It is recommended to work backwards while digging.
Leveling the Bed: Once the soil is moved, use a shovel to flatten it or a rake to level it as evenly as possible. Any soil that falls back into the walkway should be raked up and leveled out before planting.
Maximizing Growing Space: In very wide beds, pavers can be placed in the middle to provide a midway access point. This allows for easier harvesting and maintenance without the need for a full aisle, which would consume more square footage.
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