Raised Bed Gardening in Colorado - Hoop Houses

Raised bed gardening using wooden frames and French chenille hoop houses.

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "Raised Bed Gardening in Colorado - Hoop Houses" by Blossom Flower Delivery

Key insights about video Raised Bed Gardening in Colorado - Hoop Houses

✨ We use raised garden beds in Colorado Springs because the soil there is poor and mostly gravel.

💪🌱 We build deep beds with high-quality soil and use the lasagna layering method to create nutrient-rich soil.

🌿 Raised beds are especially beneficial for deeply rooted plants like Swiss chard, beetroot, onions, carrots, and leeks.

🏡 We can grow in these raised beds year-round by using plastic or greenhouse glazing for different seasons.

🌿 We use a French chenille hoop system in our raised beds to provide structure and allow for easy adjustment.

☀️ This system also allows us to use shade cloth to protect plants from extreme heat or provide them with more sun as needed.

🛠️ When building raised beds, it's important to choose materials that won't interact with the soil, such as rot-resistant wood or plastic.

Timestamped Summary

00:12 Raised garden beds are used in Colorado Springs due to the poor soil quality.

00:19 The soil used in the raised beds is built on-site using the lasagna layering method.

00:30 The soil in the beds is black, holds water well, and is rich in nutrients.

01:13 Raised beds are used for deep-rooted plants such as Swiss chard, beetroot, onions, carrots, leeks, and plants that spread out.

01:41 The raised beds can be covered with plastic for different seasons and months.

01:48 The French chenille hoop system is used for the raised beds to create a semi-rigid structure.

03:06 The chenille hoop houses can be raised or lowered to control temperature and sunlight exposure.

03:31 The system with shade cloth can protect baby plants from the sun and can be opened up for more sunlight as needed.

03:52 Consider the material used to build the raised beds, such as wood, porcelain, or plastic.

04:24 Attach the ribs of the bed to the inside of the material and use a wire screen on the bottom to keep out pests.

04:36 If there are any questions or information about building raised beds, viewers can leave comments or send an email.

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Q&A

Why do you use raised garden beds?

We use raised garden beds because the soil in Colorado Springs is not suitable for growing plants. The raised beds allow us to build deep beds with good soil and provide optimal conditions for plant growth.

How do you build the soil in the raised beds?

We use the lasagna layering method of soil building. We use straw, composted chicken manure, and composted rabbit manure to build the soil on-site. We have been building the soil in these beds for about two or three years, resulting in beautiful, nutrient-rich soil.

What types of plants do you grow in the raised beds?

We grow deeply rooted plants in the raised beds, such as Swiss chard, beetroot, onions, carrots, leeks, and plants that spread out more than what is comfortable in the greenhouse. These beds serve as a secondary growing system for these plants.

How do you protect the plants in the raised beds?

We use a French chenille hoop system, which involves a rigid structure underneath and over the top of the beds. Taut strings create tension between the structure and the top, holding the material in place. This system allows us to raise or lower the material depending on the weather conditions, protecting the plants from extreme temperatures.

What materials are recommended for building raised beds?

Wood, porcelain, and plastic are good choices for building raised beds. Rot-resistant wood is particularly recommended. Old bins, bathtubs, and basins can also be repurposed and used as raised beds.

Should I attach the ribs of the raised bed to the inside?

Yes, it is recommended to attach the ribs of the raised bed to the inside of the material you are using for construction. This ensures stability and durability of the raised bed structure.

Should I use a wire screen on the bottom of the raised bed?

Yes, it is beneficial to put down a wire screen on the bottom of the raised bed. This helps prevent moles, voles, and gophers from burrowing into the bed and damaging the plants.