Veggie Garden

Wood boxes are a classic for raised beds, but beware of using materials that will either rot or seep into the soil. Check with your local garden center or a garden designer for the best materials for your site. I love the classic four-square grid for a vegetable garden. No matter the size of your yard, this design can work — just scale it to fit.

Q

Stone walls are timeless way to define the space, whether you go for a grid or an organic shape like this.

Q

A raised bed doesn't need to be 3 feet off the ground! Stone or brick edge walls and gravel paths are gorgeous ways to define your vegetable beds and make it easier to pick the fruits of your labor.

Q

It's a lovely idea but the timber used is not durable and therefore it will not last very long in soil contact. You either need to use pressure treated timber stated as suitable for external ground contact use or timber classed as naturally durable such as Canadian Western Red Cedar or Oak. Chose a reputable supplier and look out for independent accreditations like Benchmark and DeckMark.

Q

Go for the cold. Some cool-season vegetables can even cross the line and survive as cold-season vegetables. Kale in particular can survive until the temperature reaches the freezing point and may even last through snow.

Q