The Harvest Center

Ron's Varmint Proof Raised Bed

Ron Capen, Lee Willoughby, and James McNamara presented examples of raised bed design. All designs work for their intended purpose.  Kathy Willoughby conducted a “hands-on” demonstration of planting seeds in recycled cups.

Ron Capen and Kathy Brandt’s “Varmint Resistant” raised bed was very well received.  The 4′ x 8′ bed will hold plenty of vegetables.  The panels will  keep the varmints out and offer weather protection. The cost was quite reasonable at about $125.  Filling the bed with garden mix (topsoil and lama manure) from Ute Pass Sand and Gravel will cost about $20. With the weather warming unusually early this year, Ron and Kathy may be transplanting seedings to the bed in 2-3 weeks.  He plans on monitoring the temperature in the bed before setting plants out.

The idea for Lee and Kathy Willoughby’s “Veggie Delight with 3 Toppings” began with the purchase of 16 pieces of 2″ x 4″ x 4′ cedar lumber at 50 cents each from the cull bin at Home Depot and the subsequent question, “Now What?”

Lee & Kathy's Veggie Delight

A plan evolved which called for stacking the lumber in a 4′ x 4′ square.  A 3/4″ hole was drilled down through the wood at each corner and a piece of 1/2″ PCV pipe was inserted to hole the lumber in place. The remainder of the PCV pipe was used to form two hoops which act as support for the 3 toppings.  First, deer netting was placed over the hoop.  We bought our 6 mil UV treated plastic at Phelan’s in Colorado Springs to use as topping #2.  During hot weather, we will remove the plastic and cover the hoop with shade cloth. The cost of materials was about $50 and the garden mix from Ute Pass Sand and Gravel was about $8.

James' JPod

James presented his new raised bed covering, “JPod MAK I”, after reviewing his long time garden companion, “Le Poisson”.  His 20-year-old pod shown in the left and lower right panels above has managed to produce vegetables year round during several winters in that time span.

The new pod covering has a higher profile and is made of a polycarbonate covering that is lightweight and very strong.  James said the materials cost approximately $385.07.  The 4′ x 8′ footprint is sufficient for a steady supply of vegetables for two.

Kathy's Seed Starter Demonstration

Kathy brought seeds and supplies to the workshop for a “hands on” demonstration.  She brought recycled coffee cups to make the point that they can be used for seed starting before they are sent to the landfill.  It is wise to water the potting mix and let it soak in the cup before planting the seed.  A simple poke of the little finger creates the depression needed for the seed.  When using fresh, organic seeds, it is not necessary to plant more than one seed per cup. She’s had 100% germination this year.  After demonstrating the process, members of the audience planted a cup or two to take home and watch grow.