How to Grow a Garden in Raised Beds & Containers

Have you been wondering if you can do Back to Eden Gardening in raised beds or containers? The answer is yes! Whether your in an urban setting and don’t have space or you have back pain or gopher problems, contained gardens can be very useful! ​

Back to Eden Gardening in Raised Beds:

1. Build the raised bed frame using untreated wood. Measure the bed to be at least 12 inches deep. Leave the bottom of the raised bed open to the soil. This way the roots can still reach the soil below and transform the top soil. Also, beneficial microorganisms like worms will be able to naturally inhabit your raised bed.

2. Securely staple in a layer of galvanized steel gopher wire as the base. Cut diagonals at the the edges of the wire sheet so you can fold them inwards flush to the interior corners of the raised bed. See photo below (left). If you don't have gopher problems you can skip installing the wire layer.

3. The main principle to consider that differs from other Back to Eden gardens is that you will ideally need at least 12 inches or more of composted organic matter as a growing base before adding the woodchips on top. Examples of compost to use as a BTE raised bed garden base include composted organic manure, composted and filtered woodchips, mushroom soil or vegetable compost. Whatever you use, make sure it is a clean, non-toxic source. In the photo above (right) we used composted horse manure.

4. Simply follow the BTE method adding 2-4 inches of woodchips on top.

5. It’s ready to part the woodchips, plant seeds in the compost below the raw woodchip layer and enjoy! ​​

6. The composted material will break down significantly after one year. To add more to your raised bed garden simply rake the woodchips to the sides of the bed, shovel in more compost and rake the chips back over. Then cover with several more inches of woodchips. Remember to never till the woodchips into the soil.

To be clear, Paul does not use raised beds in his gardens. Paul Gautschi uses composted and filtered woodchips as a growing material in this primary home garden directly on the ground. This example is brought to you by the filmmakers of Back to Eden. We have successfully grown in BTE raised beds and containers from California to Pennsylvania.

Back to Eden in containers and pots:

​In urban settings you may not have the space for a raised bed. If you only have a porch to grow on you can still grow potted edibles easily to access fresh lettuces, tomatoes, squash, herbs, blueberries, even fruit trees! ANYTHING that grows well in your climate will grow beautifully in pots with the Back to Eden gardening methods.

1. Pour 12 inches or more of composted organic matter as a growing base before adding the woodchips on top. Examples of compost to use as a BTE raised bed garden base include composted organic manure, composted and filtered woodchips, mushroom soil or vegetable compost. Whatever you use, make sure it is a clean, non-toxic source.

2. Simply follow the BTE method adding 2-4 inches of woodchips on top.

5. It’s ready to part the woodchips, plant seeds in the compost below the raw woodchip layer and enjoy! ​​

6. The composted material will break down significantly after one year. To add more to your pots simply shovel off  the woodchips on top and set aside in a bucket. Next, shovel in more compost dump the removed woodchips back over the top. Then add with several more inches of woodchips as needed. Remember to never till the woodchips into the soil.

7. Don't allow perennial plants to become root bound. Move them to larger containers as they grow larger.
​
TIP: Since plants in pots don't have the benefit of containing the beneficial micro-organisms that healthy organic soil contains in nature, it is a huge help if you can add some to your pots. If you have access to compost with worms in it add as much as possible to your pots! Otherwise, at your local nursery ask for earth worms to add to your pots to help them get started.

---

30% OFF DVD SALE!

Want to learn more about Back to Eden or gift a loved one with simple gardening methods? Buy the Back to Eden DVD to watch exclusive gardening tips in our Bonus Features! 

BUY DVD