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Mixed use raised garden plan to provide vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers for 3 older adults. We are located in USDA zone 4 and have, on average, 120 growing days per summer season. Our native soils are alkaline clay. Farming practices in this area focus on no till, non irrigated grains.
The vegetables and herbs will be planted in stock tanks that are 2' wide, 1' deep, and 4' long each. There are 11 total. We drilled 35 holes in each, then laid 2' of smooth river gravel (native), a layer of 1/2" hardward cloth, and completed with 9" of composted topsoil. The tanks are placed on 6"x6" timbers bringing the raised height to 18". 18" is average knee height or an adult using a tractor seat scooter. The garden is good for moderately disabled or physically challenged adults.
The exterior planting of flowers and winter squash is directly into native soil amended with 4" of composted top soil. The cover crop or ground cover is newly established alfalfa that can be easily mowed.
I uitlize both intensive and companing planting practices in all my gardens.
Due to moderate mammal pressure I have installed an 8' high deer fence using the new poly fence materials. An additional 12" is turned under to discourage rodents. The botton 3' of fence has an extra layer of tightly woven mesh to also discourage diggers. A 4' wide gate will make access easy.
This is the first step of what is an eight year mixed development plan to reestabilsh native prairie for game and native birds. There will be a larger fenced area that will include a sustainable food forest, chickens, and milking goats. Eventually I hope to maintain my own bee hives and get bats back in the area.
Thanks for looking!
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| Garden Location:
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Great Falls, Montana, USA
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| Garden Size:
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35' 5" x 19' 11"
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| Garden Type:
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Farm / smallholding
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| Garden Layout:
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Raised Beds
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| Sun or Shade:
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Sunny
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| Garden Soil Type:
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Heavy / Clay soil
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Garden Plan
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Plant List
Planting Times
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