Why Organic?

Just after the Second World War  there was a massive  amount of chemical stock piled which were meant to be used in munitions. Governments decided to use these chemicals as additives for the production of crops . Farmers stopped using the natural manures and instead used the synthetically produced 'fertilizers'. These fertilizers were easy to apply and were less labor intensive. However, the soil was not being fed and so the decline in soil fertility began, the plants were being fed but the soil was being starved of the natural bodies it needs to produce strong , healthy plants.

So now, we as a people are coming full circle and through education are realizing the value of good healthy soil in which we can grow our own vegetables. Healthy soil is the basis for any good vegetable garden. It takes time and work to get your soil to the optimum for growing veggies, as I stated on the front page "this is not a quick fix".

What is the cost?

There is a fee of $125 for the initial on site consultation, for this I will spend at least an hour discussing your needs and advising you as to the viability of the project. For the more advanced projects which require a scale gardenscape plan a 10% fee of the overall project cost will be charged.

According to the USDA figures the average family of four is spending $16,367.00 a year on food purchases 26% of that is vegetables or $4255.42 and that figure is two years old. With the 14% increase this year of 2010, which we keep hearing about in the news, the investment you would make by having your own vegetable garden will certainly pay off.

The standard four raised bed system using a wood frame, top soil/compost blend and installation starts at about $2600. This also includes a crop rotation plan for the next three seasons. I can also install a automatic micro irrigation system designed specifically for your location. This system will save you at least 70% on water usage and be crop specific.

Why raised beds?

The advantages of raised beds are the ease of working them to plant and pick, the beds are designed at 4' wide. The beds warm sooner in the spring and stay warmer in the fall. Studies by various Universities have concluded that raised beds have double the production than conventional beds. I have found over the years using raised beds without the wooden frame are no better or worse, it is purely an asthetic value to you the homeowner. The beds with the wooden frame look neater in the yard, in fact the design of multi level beds can look very attractive and become a good feature of your property.

When can the beds be installed?

Obviously the earlier in the year is an advantage for the upcoming grow season. However, remember this is a long term project allowing the beds to be installed at any time just so long as the weather co-operates. If you are reading this with a thought to using my services and the the traditional growing season is well under way do not wait until next spring to contact me. The system I advocate can be installed at any time just so long as mother nature co-operates i.e. the ground is not frozen. Installation in the late summer early winter will give your beds a head start for the next spring by allowing them to settle and have the all important soil building process begin.