Just starting SFG!

jonesseptimus 10/25/2014, 8:50 am

Hi,
Complete amateur, well passed my sell-by date but keen and enthusiastic about SFG now I've discovered it online. Would appreciate a little guidance please ....
Have space for 6' x 4' raised bed (for veg) in small paved courtyard. Can I place the raised bed directly on top of the concrete paving slabs ? (I am reluctant to tear up the slabs) cheers

Many thanks
septimus

Vash_the_Stampede 10/25/2014, 10:14 am

Hello jonesseptimus,

$glad you\'re here$ $glad you\'re here$ $glad you\'re here$ to SFG!

I'm certain someone with a bit more experience will be along shortly to answer your questions better than I.

I'm sure you'll learn a lot here.

thanks

EDIT: Also I see you're in Wales. Be sure to check out the European regional threads for more area specific guidance. https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/f22-europe

Plantoid is the regional host and can probably answer all your questions.

**sanderson** 10/25/2014, 12:20 pm

Jones, Welcome to the Forum! $glad you\'re here$ Yes, you can set up a nice table top or raised bed on top of your pavers. That's one of the wonderful things about square foot gardening. Just make sure you have proper support under the plywood so it won't sag and you wake up in a couple of years to everything on the ground. At least every 2 feet if you use 1" plywood. Drill drainage holes in the center of each square foot and one in each corner of the box. Then lay weed fabric over the bottom to keep the mix from washing out the bottom. Have you read All New Square Foot Gardening, 1st or 2nd Edition, by Mel Bartholomew? It is a wonderful beginning (and advanced) guide to gardening. There are several topics on raised beds and table tops here on the Forum, complete with lots of photos. We love photos! Very Happy

Just use the Search box. If you have any more questions, please ask. We are here to help.

Marc Iverson 10/25/2014, 12:25 pm

Welcome!

Especially if you live in a particularly wet area, and being that autumn is here already, you might want to raise the beds enough so that when the bottoms get soaked, they can dry out more easily. That's not just better for the longevity of the wood -- some plants really don't do well with their roots always soaking. Soaking can not only lead to rot, it denies the roots the air they need too.

You don't want your beds to get flooded, either.

**AtlantaMarie** 10/26/2014, 11:38 am

Hi jonesseptimus! Welcome from Atlanta, GA (SE US).

I see you've already gotten your question answered on your beds... Smile

Be sure to check out the archives for info on all SORTS of stuff. The advice given has been hard-won thru practical experience...!

Most of all, have fun! (and post pictures!)

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	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.