Rock Problem in Garden

[McDenny's]

The more and more I think about it, the raised beds might not be a bad idea. But, always a but isn't there, how long does the wood last and what do you use? PT or regular untreated wood? I am sure my wife knows how deep her garden has to be. I was looking to purchase a tiller for my MF 1445 but I wouldn't have to if I did the raised beds. A smaller one would work. I would just have her design out what she wants and build it.



Dennis

 

[Timber]

I would use rough cut oak planking 1x6. You can get that at a fence company use in Horse coral enclosures. They come in 10 foot lengths. I think I paid $4- a plank. Or you can go to a mill. Set your beds and nail off the corners and then stake the planks to hold back the soil. Buy a small tiller for this. I use a Troy built Pony, I don't think they even make it anymore. It is called a Junior now and is not as nice as my pony. Troy built isn't like it use to be. The temptation to buy a big tiller is there but for this design it will be less manageable

 

[Egon]

One could always use the field rocks for building the sides of the raised bed.

Uhh - I have been doing this for about 5 to 6 years now but never ever seem to get started.

 

[shvl73]

I always till with the loader on. When the tiller finds another rock, I stop, pick up the rock and toss it in the bucket, to be dumped in a pile when I'm done. Next season, repeat same.

 

[PineRidge]

Well the wife and I have been gardening in the same area for about 6 years now. Every year we get a bumper crop of rocks when we till. I have a spot on the lot where the smaller ones are piled and the larger ones go in one corner of the pond for structure for the bass.

My rocks are like the energizer bunny. They just keep coming, and coming, and coming.......

 

[patrick_g]

It sounds like a lot of work but digging the area out to a level below the frost line will allow you to elliminate the rock problem, ONCE. It is also a terrific time to add soil admendments. The rocks could be used to edge a raised bed or make a path to the garden. Some of the cute ones that are well behaved could be adopted out as pets.

Pat

 

[Egon]

Best be neutering the "Pet Rocks" before they multipy.

 

[Glowplug]

I've thought about how I would attack this problem. I don't have many rocks on my land. But I would like to use a "rock bucket" for a FEL. For those unfamiliar, rock buckets are buckets made of rails so that they can sift through the dirt. Grab a scoop, the dirt falls out, the rocks stay in. Then simply dump the rocks in a pile. The pile could then be used for various sundry projects. I would think that it would be actually fun and gratifying to do this; filtering out all the rocks and junk from the soil. Besides, this would give you an excuse to get a new implement!

 

[HEC]

Glowplug sounds like a good idea,you will have to invent one and put it on the market.
I have about half acre or more in 2 different garden plots so raised beds is a little out of the question for me.
Getting below the frost line ,that would be about 4 feet where I live .
For now it will have to be the old fashion way I guess,pick pick pick sore back and all.
The potato growers up here have actual rock pickers I have been told, just haven't seen one,or seen how they work.

Herb,

 

[PineRidge]

Glowplug sounds like a good idea,you will have to invent one and put it on the market.
I have about half acre or more in 2 different garden plots so raised beds is a little out of the question for me.
Getting below the frost line ,that would be about 4 feet where I live .
For now it will have to be the old fashion way I guess,pick pick pick sore back and all.
The potato growers up here have actual rock pickers I have been told, just haven't seen one,or seen how they work.

Herb,

Herb rock pickers are indeed manufactured. Look here