by DJ Featherton

I’ve been a very average gardener. Maybe a little below average. Years ago, in the spring of the year I would plan my garden with exciting expectations. I’d till up a great big area and plant everything imaginable. By midsummer, however, weeds would take over and every animal in the area ate from my garden. Most of my harvesting were surprises buried within the weeds. I’d find zucchinis bigger than baseball ball bats! Oh well, that was then ….. BEFORE I discovered Garden Boxes!

Today I watch my two daughters and their families each enjoy having several 4’x 8′ garden boxes in their suburban backyards. They grow flowers, herbs and veggies, and I’m amazed at what, and how much, these little gardens produce. Further, the delight and pride my five young grandkids have pulling out a carrot, or plucking a blueberry is just plain precious. Their raised gardens are nearly no work, and provide real backyard pleasure for the whole family.  

So, here’s what I’m suggesting to everyone who has a yard and is stuck in isolation from the coronavirus. Families are in search for involvement and things to do. Well…how about doing some raised bed gardening? This is the perfect time! You can plant just flowers to attract birds and butterflies or enjoy season-long fresh vegetables for the dinner table. You’re gonna get hooked! Even if you ain’t got no farmer in you, you’re gonna get hooked! The earth doesn’t stop it’s production because of a virus, nor does your backyard. It just keeps producing. This is your time to get involved, get outside, and watch your garden grow. 

There are a lot of directions available on how to build a garden box. However, size and shapes can get into some serious engineering. I’ll leave that up to you. Simple garden boxes can easily be purchased locally, but making your own to fit your yard and landscape is not hard to do. A 4’x8′ raised garden will produce quite a bit, but two of them will produce twice as much, etc. Though cedar is what the pros use, nailing 2″x 6″or 8″ untreated pine boards together in a rectangle is adequate. Put your box on level ground and cover the inside area of the box with plastic to prevent weeds. Fill the box  with 50% compost and 50% garden soil from the garden center. If you want, add a smaller 2’x4′  box in the middle for a second tier. And then, plant your garden! It’s that easy. 

BTW, small garden boxes can be made or purchased for small patios and balconies, or you may enjoy designing and building a major artistic and architecturally perfect one-of-a-kind garden box that really makes a statement! You might have to call the building inspector! It’s all up to you. Too much isolation can make us do surprising things. For me? Just give me a few boards and some good soil, and I’m ready to go.

Be safe, stay healthy, and enjoy your backyard. The virus won’t last forever.