Bed preparation time requirements

The initial preparation of a raised bed with moderately heavy soil, including the seeding and transplanting for the bed, will require from 6-12 hours for 100 square feet of bed, that is a bed which is 5 feet by 20 feet. After the first preparation, only 4-6 hours should be required to re-prepare and re-plant the beds. As beds become older, they will be more loose and fertile. Less work and time will be required on them for preparation.

After the beds have been planted, about 15-30 minutes per day are then required to maintain a 500 square foot area. This area is large enough to provide one person with vegetables for 12 months of the year in a climate which has a 9-month growing season.

CHART 5.1

Instruction chart for the first preparation of a 100 square foot bed with a heavy clay soil.