Cali Concrete

[Jimbotomateo]

Originally Posted by Worth1

I had a huge place coverd in grass.
I didnt have time to screw around so I bought the stuff rolled it out and weighted it down the best I could.
Then I cut X's where I wanted the plants and planted them.
Then I covered the whole area with about a foot of fluffed hay.
This all packed down and did a fare job of stopping grass and weeds.

Great Worth, that will save time and work! I know the paper your talking about because I used in on a job or two back in the day. I think one side was a light red color and it's heavy duty. Pulpy! I'll throw a little dirt on to hold it while I'm putting my mix together. Still debating on peat , vermiculite or perlite or compost.jimbo. And thanks again guys!

[Jimbotomateo]

Originally Posted by BigVanVader

I know you said it rained but make sure to wet the cardboard/newspaper when you put it down. Here are some pics of when I first made the rows. there is cardboard under the rows as well. I had a fantastic garden that year so trust me tilling is not needed in most cases.

BVV, where do I get the snow at?

[Jimbotomateo]

Originally Posted by Worth1

Jimbo I am here.
The brown paper is unbleached brown raw wood pulp paper like you would make a paper sack out of.
It is used for drop cloth or what ever in the paint section.
It is 3 feet wide and comes in big rolls.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Easy-Mask...2108/204363635

I dont know if it is the exact stuff I have or not.

It's official. I'm pathetic.. Picked up the paper and bundle of stakes today and only got the bottom row of boards on one raised bed done. I said to my wife, do you remember the dude that built the fence on our first house and completely finished it in one day by himself. She said yeah. I said I ain't that guy anymore!. Jimbo.

[Jimbotomateo]

My raised beds run north south. How many feet should I allow between rows?

[BigVanVader]

Between rows or between raised beds? If you mean beds l leave enough to get a wheelbarrow down and no more because I have limited space.

[Worth1]

Originally Posted by Jimbotomateo

My raised beds run north south. How many feet should I allow between rows?

Depends on how big you are.
I would think four if you can spare the space maybe even more.

Worth

[Jimbotomateo]

Originally Posted by Worth1

Depends on how big you are.
I would think four if you can spare the space maybe even more.

Worth

I have room and was planning on Five so it all works out.. Wonder if I put my melons West of the last raised bed if five feet is enough there or should I make it more?

[Jimbotomateo]

I need a saw. Does Home Depot have a cheap functional saw? I would only need it once in a blue moon.lol. My sawzall is a little too tricky for this kind of work. Any ideas?.

[Worth1]

It is called a hand saw what do you need it for and what kind of boards.

I have a skill saw I have had for years and there have been many blue moons.

Worth

[Jimbotomateo]

2 by 4s and I picked up a Ryobi. Had one 15 years ago and it worked great. I see this one is made in China. Hope it's ok.

[Worth1]

It will be fine.

Worth

[Jimbotomateo]

Originally Posted by Worth1

It will be fine.

Worth

Saw worked great. Ok for house use .. Got one bed done starting another tomorrow. Thinking about third bed for melons cukes , squash etc.
I have enough boards but time and work would increase. .

[Jimbotomateo]

Originally Posted by Jimbotomateo

I have room and was planning on Five so it all works out.. Wonder if I put my melons West of the last raised bed if five feet is enough there or should I make it more?

Decided four feet is perfect! . Thanks Worth. . Planters aren't super straight but the measurements are right.. Note to self. Watch out for dog poop! . Should I leave room at top of raised bed?

[Worth1]

Like soil not being all the way to the top in reference to room at top of raised bed?
No heap it up if you can.
The soil will shrink.
Worth

[Jimbotomateo]

Originally Posted by Worth1

Like soil not being all the way to the top in reference to room at top of raised bed?
No heap it up if you can.
The soil will shrink.
Worth

Thanks Worth. Thinking of two layers of paper held down by big clumps of earthworm laden sod. Then adding my mix by hand after the soil dries out. Mix will be peat , yard soil, perlite . I have three 8 lb bags of tomato tone I could use too. Any ideas?