On Mon, 1 Jun 2009 16:01:59 +0100, none wrote
(in article ):

I have recently got a back problem and it's permanent. I am thinking
about ways to cope, and one that's been suggested is to use more
intensive methods in raised beds. I'm looking for sources of advice
about this - books, etc. Can anyone help get me started?

Make sure that you can reach across to the middle of the bed from both sides
(ie don't make it too wide). Make the sides from anything you have, or
sleepers (not the tarry ones) or old scaffolding boards. Don't bother to dig
out or over at the bottom of the bed. Cover the bottom with heavy cardboard
(raid your local shops if necessary) and then get some rotted horse manure
into the bottom, and top up with your own compost if you have it, or top
soil. With a back problem (and I have one too) you will obviously need help
to do this.

Remember that the level will sink so be prepared to top up as necessary.
Also, I find the tools made by Wolf Garten very useful in that they have
interchangeable handles (short and long). I use the short handles near at
hand, but can easily switch to the long one for weeding the middle.

You may also find it useful eventually to get some stone round the beds as a
path.

HTH

--
Sally in Shropshire, UK
Posted through uk.rec.gardening