Beds > How to get started with deep beds

How to get started with deep beds

The use of deep beds as a method of growing crops has become very popular with organic gardeners for several reasons, including:

once set up, the amount of work you have to do every year (digging and so on) is much reduced
there is an improvement in soil structure because of reduced compaction from being walked on
you can cut down on the amount of compost or fertiliser you use, because you don't waste it on areas that aren't going to be used for growing.

The basic idea of the deep bed is that you divide your plot into sections about 2-3m (6-10') long by about 40cm (4') wide, separated by pathways about 500cm (2') wide. The dimensions are important: the width should be no more than is comfortable to reach across (for weeding, planting, harvesting and the like) from either pathway. The length should be long enough to be usable, but not so long that you are tempted to take a shortcut across the middle. If you do find yourself doing this, cut the bed in half with another path. When planning the layout of the deep beds, try to align them so that the length of the beds is on a north-south axis, to give the crops maximum benefit from the sunshine, and when planning the cropping of the beds remember to site the tall crops on the northern side so that they do not overshadow the lower growing crops.Many people use wooden or plastic supporting 'walls' around the beds.

You can make a frame out of planks of wood, if you wish. However, if you have any trouble with slugs or snails (and who doesn't?), you will quickly find that these provide a lovely little haven for them. You may prefer to go without, or you may work on the principal that, if you know where the culprits are, they are easier to deal with.Although it may be tempting, to make the layout look attractive, don't stagger the paths. Put them in straight lines wherever possible. Remember, you will probably be wheeling a barrow down them at some point, and a straight line is the shortest route between two points.If you're doing a four-course rotation, double dig one bed in four for four years, incorporating large quantities of compost and, if possible, farmyard manure, as you replace the soil, and removing all the perennial weeds.

The incorporation of large amounts of organic material means that the completed bed has a surface several inches higher than the pathway on either side. These heavily manured beds will be used for the more hungry crops, such as brassicas. Single dig and weed the remainder. From this point on, the beds aren't walked on or disturbed.The initial manuring of the beds will provide adequate nutrients for the first year's cropping. From then on an annual dressing of blood, fish and bone or another organic fertiliser in the Spring, together with further applications of compost as a mulch, will keep soil fertility high.Check the pH of the beds every other year with a soil testing kit and apply a sprinkling of calcified seaweed if the beds are becoming too acid.

Avoid any major disturbance of the soil: just sprinkle the fertiliser or calcified seaweed onto the surface and hoe it in lightly. Because the soil is so friable, it is possible to harvest deep-rooting crops such as carrots, parsnips, salsify and scorzonera without the aid of a fork: they can simply be pulled out by hand..

Bunk Bed Basics

Bunk beds are a great way to fit two beds into a smaller space, or to maximize the floor space of a shared room. There are now bunk beds available with storage drawers, roll out mattresses and even some that double as desks and workstations. All the additional amenities that bunk beds now offer are certainly something to be considered, but nothing is more important when purchasing a bunk bed than safety. Know what to look for and you will get a great looking bunk bed that serves its purpose. There are certain things an educated consumer should know to look out for, and it also goes without saying that not all bunk beds are created equal.

There are several manufacturers of bunk beds who make quality furniture pieces, and armed with a little knowledge, you can purchase the right bed for your children.

All bunk beds should have rails for the top bunk. Without question, the number one cause of bunk bed related injuries stems from children falling out of the top bunk....

Bunk Bed Basics

Beds > Bunk Bed Basics

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

This article provides a detailed review of popular adjustable beds available for purchase both on and off-line.
Prominent adjustable bed manufacturers include Craftmatic, Sleep Comfort, Sealy, Tempur Pedic, and Spring Air.

Craftmatic Adjustable Beds
The Craftmatic Adjustable Bed Company has been in the marketing of adjustable beds for more than 30 years and the company has sold more than 800,000 adjustable beds across the world.
A Craftmatic Adjustable Bed with optional Heat & Massage may provide temporary relief from health problems like low back pain; sliding hiatus hernia; poor local blood circulation; water retention or swelling of the legs; arthritis; rheumatism; aches and pains from fatigue; night heartburn; asthma; stress and tension; joint and muscle inflammation; or neuralgia.

Sleep Comfort
Sleep Comfort Adjustable Beds are available in two models -- Standard and Wall-hugger. The company offers twin, full, queen...

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

Beds > An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

Bunk Bed Basics

Bunk Bed Basics

Beds > Bunk Bed Basics

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

Beds > An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

Kids? Bunk Beds: How to keep your child safe.

Kids' bunk beds are by far the most common types of bunk beds. Bunk beds were created for more functional, adult-oriented sleeping purposes, and one recognizable example of these bunk beds is the kind used in the military. The rise of kids bunk beds' popularity is due to their ability to combine entertainment with functionality ? they get kids excited to go to sleep.For many children, bunk beds are exciting. Many small children desperately want a "big kid bed," especially those who recently graduated from a crib. Bunk beds have the advantage of allowing children to sleep above or below a sibling, and they are also a fun play space.For all their fun and entertainment, however, bunk beds also come with significant safety risks.

There is a need to educate parents about the risks associated with buying a bunk bed. The major safety risk is injuries resulting from kids falling from their beds, which usually occurs when kids are playing haphazardly and/or are left unsupervised for an...

Kids? Bunk Beds: How to keep your child safe.

Beds > Kids? Bunk Beds: How to keep your child safe.

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

Beds > An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds