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Beds raised on stilts
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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:
RE: Beds raised on stilts
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| 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] |
RE: Beds raised on stilts
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| 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. |
RE: Beds raised on stilts
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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! |
RE: Beds raised on stilts
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| 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! |
RE: Beds raised on stilts
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| I am in the process of building raised beds on 150mm round treated pine legs to be cemented in the ground supporting a frame 3mX360mm. I have used 150 X 50 treated mine sleepers 3 m long from Bunnings for $11 each. Two of them are the sides. The 3rd sleeper is cut and placed on the flat as dividers. The actual soil will be contained in fish tubs (also from Bunnings under $16 each. I purchased 4 of them. When completed each tub will hold about 350mm X 600mm of soil and compost. Total cost approx. $150 including screws and glue. I had the round poles left over from a previous job. I will try and post a photo when completed. Great for mobility restricted people who still want to garden but cannot bend over. If you want to know more email me at ted@kissick.org |
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