Re. the grub issue. I have problems with them too and found that Sevin-10 dust does the trick.

We built 3 raised beds from recycled cedar from our neighbor's old deck. Fingers crossed....never gardened in boxes before.

I did not know that about arsenic being removed, that is good to know.

I was going to go with raised beds until I read the artical on the straw bail gardens, I bought some bails and have them watered down, waiting the 10 days for them to cure so to speak so I can get my pods ready to put into them, can't wait to see how it turns out!

Would like to know how the straw bails work out for you!

I was going to delete my post re. the sevin-10 dust but think it's important to leave up for others. I am reading that this dust is devastating to bees. I use it when the Japanese beetles are active. They destroy my plants and fruit trees. I've tried other dusts and sprays but they aren't bothered by anything. I had no idea bees carried this dust back to their hive in the pollen and it kills the whole colony. Does anyone have any alternatives to use against the beetles that won't harm the beneficial insects?

Tina S...hand picking or employ some backyard chickens

Ducks eat grubs and produce eggs and are cute.. just keep them away from the greens!

Use pallets. Take the center boards out and leave the frame. Put on ground, place cardboard pieces on the grass ans then put your dirt in..Your ready to plant your seeds or plants!!..

KMS, we raised 14 chickens about a year ago and wow are they fantastic. We had an ant problem before and now they are well under control as well as ticks and other insects. There were literally hundreds of the beetles covering the trees and plants so the hand picking is just about futile...maybe the chickens will make a difference this year. Thank you

Did that, also I put a 1 inch hole in side corner to put my hose through to hook up to my soaker hoses. In MT I then covered with clear heavy plastic to warm and germinate my seeds.

This was a great family project and it has become my oasis. Easy to do once you have a clear plan drawn out and a few weekends to accomplish it. Now we are up and running. Cant wait to make a salad.

I already have 3 raised beds 2-24 sq', 1- 81 sq'. I will be adding another one that is 100 sq'. I love it!!! I haven't bought veggies in months. :D

7 dust works well on fruits and veggie's , here in Texas we havn't had a problem using 7dust.

another trick to help wood last underground is to tack a strip of copper wire {no insulation} to bottom of board seems to help keep rotting from molds and insects down

in reply to sevin ten dust have found ground tobaco to be just as efective and not nearly as toxic to friendlys

If you can find a stables nearby try getting some manure from them in the winter. Pile it up in the middle and let it compost, make it a high pile cause when it does it really shrinks but it makes a wonderful soil. The trex is a great idea since it doesn't rot.

My brother and his wife do this and it turns out beautifully. They even have the kids join in helping plant. I'd do it if I had the space....

We have a deer problem...using straw bales only encourages them!

I have been gardening in boxes for three years now.We have lived here for 5 years and our soil is quartz rocks held together by red clay, so I have no other choice. Tried the straw bales before going with the boxes, it was a complete failure. I am using old treated deck wood, lined with a hard plastic used to make cones for speakers.( my brother had some remnent roles from a place he worked). I have also bought the double ones that Sam's sell. Each year I add more boxes and more success ...»

I built a raised bed with cinder blocks - two high - I hate to bend. It isn't the prettiest thing but the Jersey Tomatoes are wonderful :-) I filled it with a 50/50 mix of mushroom compost and good soil -

My husband built us a good size garden in a side yard that had been totally neglected. Get awesome potatoes, veggies! we threw away pallets left here when we bought!! DARN< DARN!! Who knew how useful they would be now!?

We had terrible spider mites last year--caused a lot of problems!! Any solutions,anyone? PLEASE!

Crystal the home center stores usually have premade steel stakes for concrete forms that work perfectly for planter boxes like yours. In fact I have a planter box just like that for berries and even though I used deck screws to put it together I put the stakes at the corners and in the centers of the long run because over time it will come apart, even with good attachments. The stakes are cheap and durable so you will get many years of service out of your box with no maintenance issues, ...»

Been wanting to do this for the last 4 years, since moving into the new house, and was able to do it this year. So exciting to see the new plants coming up. Now the only thing I have to do is figure out how to keep my hounds out of it.