This is sort of a long one, bear with me.
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| Raised Bed Install - Day 2 |
Weekend Roundup
The beds are finally installed, and the seeds are planted. It just took longer and cost more than expected. And what project doesn't?!
After a defeating Saturday (I wear a pedometer and ended up walking something ungodly like 16,000 steps on Saturday), we got up and started again around 10am on Sunday (I didn't wear my pedometer in fear my feet would revolt if they truly knew how far they'd walked over the 2 days). We cut the 4x4 posts in 1/2, which ended up being 25.5 inches (don't ask -- we thought they were 4' long). Sinking them into the ground went slowly, but easier than those stupid plastic stakes. We've built fences before, so it was a little easier for us because of the learning curve since this was essentially the same thing.
We made sure everything was level and even, and screwed the boards on throughout the day, one by one, as the posts went up. Around 5pm, we were finally ready to begin moving dirt. We moved dirt until 8pm, and all the beds were full. He went and bought Gatorade, and I cleaned up.
Chris left for Tucson on Monday, and with rain in the forecast for Monday night, I came home at lunch on Monday and moved about a yard of dirt, wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow, by myself. I think it was actually good for my sore muscles to not have a day off, because I'm not nearly as sore as I was on Monday!
I also planted the seeds on Monday. They got a nice soaking of rain last night, so they're on their way. I'm most excited about growing my own soybeans!
Project Breakdown
$$$$
Total cost for the project, including incidentals and unexpected costs:
$63 Seeds
$150 Plastic Corner Joints
$468 10-20' 2x6 Trex Decking (Lowe's delivered)
$187 Dirt (50/50 compost-sand mix, 4 yards delivered
$250 Posts, Caps, Screws*
$1118 SUBTOTAL
$99 New Drill
$4 Wasp killer
$11 Togo's
$42 100' hose (either that, or my next project would be installing a water spigot)
$3 Hose corner twisty thing
$30 Hose sprayers (Q: 3)
$3 Extra large popsicle sticks to mark plants
$192 INCIDENTALS
$1,310 TOTAL**
**I edited some costs once I got my credit card bill. I underestimated slightly here.
*Unexpected cost
This project cost far more than I imagined it would, partly because we ended up not using the plastic corners, had to buy a new drill, and had to spend more because our plans changed late Saturday. Overall, the project isn't difficult, just time consuming. Although the plastic corner things would have been mighty easy in sandy or wet soil, the rocky soil of Folsom (and much of the Northern California foothills) just doesn't work with them. I thought the posts were easier to deal with.
Homeowner Rating
I would rate this project 2/5 stars in difficulty. Most people who can use a skill saw, pick axe, level, and power drill could complete this project.
Tools Used
Mini pickaxe
Large pickaxe (both of them -- different blade types)
Heavy metal rake
Sharp shovel
Flat, square shovel
Skillsaw
Rubber mallet
Chisels
Hammer
Power drill
Post hole digger
Mini shovel
3' Aluminum level
Trowel
Hoe
(it seemed like a lot more every time I had to walk back to the garage...57 steps BTW...)
Advice for others wanting to do this project:
I was glad we measured and thought about everything before we bought the decking boards. It was great not having a lot of waste or extra pieces. Remember, measure twice cut once. I've been planning this project for 6 months.
I would recommend composite lumber for something like this. Yes, it's more expensive in the outlay, but composite boards will never rot, split, fade, or discolor, and never need to be replaced. (At least not in my lifetime). I think they give the beds a nice look. Hell, the gray matches the stucco! (PS -- The redwood color isn't as nice, and it's WAYYY more expensive!)
Chris and I splurged and bought composite decking nails, which helped keep the mushrooming effect of the screw holes in the boards to a minimum. They worked really well and I'd advise anyone using composite boards to spend the extra money for them, they're worth it.
Play in your dirt to get an idea of how it would be to have to dig 6-12" holes. Try to dig one. Reconsider project? Haha!
Give yourself more time than you think. It's not a walk in the park exactly.
Order seeds early. Harass...err...notify shipping company if not received promptly. (I'm too nice...). Also, remember that you'll receive ALOT of seeds in each packet. Think about how you're going to store them over the next year.
Remember to wear safety gear when using power equipment -- eyewear, and ear protection are an absolute MUST. Don't forget the sunscreen! Remember to apply to your neck and back of your legs.
TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS AND DRINK LOTS OF WATER. I CAN'T STRESS THIS ONE ENOUGH.
Check out the photo album above. I'll post updates as plants occur.
