JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs
Garden Voices
Forums
Garden Forums Home Forums Nature Forums
Photo Galleries
Garden Galleries Home Galleries
Ask The Experts Tools & Directories
Organization Directory Events Calendar Hortiplex Glossary Zone Finder Garden Bazaar
       
Return to the Accessible Gardening Forum | Post a Follow-Up

o
Beds raised on stilts

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings
Posted by jcarter 5a Canada (jimcarter@ripnet.com) on
Mon, Mar 31, 03 at 17:14

I have multiple sclerosis and am in a wheelchair. Our landscaper has come up with an idea for raising the garden for me by putting the box portion on stilts so that I can drive my legs under the box and work as if I were at a table.

The only possible drawback that I can see is that the soil would be rather shallow, which I think can be dealt with. Has anyone else tried this method or can anyone else think of other drawbacks?

Work will begin in about a week so time is just a little short.

I like the idea because it allows me to face the work rather than doing everything with the work beside me.

Follow-Up Postings:

o
RE: Beds raised on stilts

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

i think this would be just like container gardening - in fact, why not make different 'tables' with different kinds of containers on top? and instead of the raised bed box being make out of wood, you could use different container materials in which the dirt might not dry out as fast [in fact, many are made with water reservoirs]

o
RE: Beds raised on stilts

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

I must admit your idea appeals and is more practical than simply a raised bed. I will think on it to see if it compensates for not being able to get my hands down in the soil, which I love doing.

Thank-you.

o
RE: Beds raised on stilts

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

if your containers are big enough [which mine usually are] - you can get your hand plenty dirty :>) - just make sure that you can still keep your wrists neutral, or you may be in for other troubles.
have also spoken to a friend of mine whose husband does fabrication and they will start thinking about making cool raised beds that people can sit under - it would be nice, not only for wheelchairs, but for anyone to sit under. i'll keep you posted!

o
RE: Beds raised on stilts

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

I am probably too late for you, but my dad just built me a garden on legs. We used cedar as it will not rot as fast and I will get yrs of enjoyment out of it!! I hope! The dimensions are: 4ftX6ft wooden box. He made slats on the bottom close together (so the soil won't fall through). the sides are 12 inches deep. He put it on (i beleive, he is the carpenter not me) but 2X4 cedar posts and made the decorator cuts, it forms a triangle if you know what I mean, on top so it wouldn't just be flat and water sit on it. It is about 30-31 inches tall total to the top of the bed. it is just about rib height.

I am doing square foot gardening in it and going by Mel's recommendations on all that stuff. I have rods and screws in my back, MS and fibromyalgia so i thought this was out of the question of me ever doing gardening again! Thanx to my dad, I get to enjoy it again!

o
RE: Beds raised on stilts

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Maybe you could find a old wheelchair that would let you set and face your garden and work that way rather than go to all that extra cost and expense. I sure use mine a lot and for the rest which isn't raised I get down and scoot which allows me to face anyway I chose. We all have to find what is best for ourselves and go with what we like.
Paul

o
RE: Beds raised on stilts

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

This is exactly what I'm working on now. The biggest concern I have is with stability. So I've built mine on 4x4 corner posts. The height from ground to the top of the bed is adjustable. The critical measurement is how much room is required to wheel under the raised bed if that is what is wanted. It can be done but will require some planning. Ideally you would be able to access the planter box from all sides, but at minimum two sides. I'm building a box now with a cold frame top that can be removed when needed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Raised Garden Box

  
 

 

 


Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.



iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community
Join | Garden Forums | Home Forums | Exchanges & Trading | Member Pages | Contact Us
© 2006 iVillage Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Policies FAQ | Advertising
  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network