How to Landscape on Bedrock

When covered with only a few inches of soil, bedrock is difficult to grow a garden on. The easiest way to plant on such a surface is to build up the soil with a raised bed. Raised beds allow you to add just the right mix of soil for the plants you plan to grow. They also keep down weeds, and when properly constructed, they drain well and keep out burrowing rodent pests. Laying down a base of welded wire will prevent moles from eating plants and tearing up the soil. Add plenty of earthworms to your raised beds for an organic fertilizer boost.

Screws
Screwdriver
Wood, eight 2-by-4s, 6 feet long
Wood brackets
Welded wire
Compost
Mulch
Soil
Earthworms
Plants

Instructions

- 1
  Paint the 2-by-4s with a food-safe sealant if you're growing vegetables or adding earthworms. Allow the boards to dry.
- 2
  Screw two of the board ends together. Do this by arranging two boards into a right angle and securing the ends together with screws. Repeat this step until you have four right-angle sections made up of eight boards.
- 3
  Screw two of the right-angles sections together to form a box. Make two boxes.
- 4
  Stack the boxes on top of each other, securing the box corners together with brackets and screws as you go.
- 5
  Attach welded wire to the base of the box to prevent moles and other burrowing pests from accessing the gardens.
- 6
  Fill the raised beds with a friable, organic soil mix. Pack the soil lightly; do not pack it down as hard as a rock, or the plants will have trouble sending out roots.
- 7
  Water the raised bed thoroughly, adding more soil as it settles.
- 8
  Dig a shallow trench and add the earthworms to the soil. Bury them so they don't dry out.
- 9
  Feed the worms with organic matter, such as leaves, garden scraps and eggshells.
- 10
  Add your choice of plants to the raised beds. Some plants to try include turnips, potatoes, carrots, beans, radishes and onions.
- 11
  Add mulch around the plants. Use straw, hay, grass clippings or compost.

Building Ideas for a 1,300-Gallon Pond With a Waterfall

How to Design Beautiful Planters

Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens