wayne Mall

How will the beds be prepared?  Well, that is a question, isn't it?
Some say don't disturb the soil and plant on top of it.  others say dig/mix it up.

Should I till it with some compost or use a fork and just try and break up the soil a bit?
Maybe I'll try one bed tilled and one not and see what the difference is between them.

But I will be getting some straw to cover the beds with to help with moisture staying in the soil.

I also have a pile of wood chips from the last bunch of brush I cleared and had chipped.  I'm sure I can find a use for it as well.

Hi Eric,

I do realize the logs will rot out but I don't think that'll be a problem.
If I have to replace them every few years with "new" fallen trees that should be fine.
It seems every winter there are trees that break off so getting more shouldn't be an issue.
the main thing is for now to get everything started.  I'll deal with the rotten logs later.

Thanks for the help.  Once I get everything done I hope to post a few pics.

Wayne

Thanks for the reply.
That will make things a lot easier, and cheaper.  I have a bunch of downed trees that I can use.

Hi All,

I'm new to this whole planting berry bushes thing so I'm looking for some advice.

With spring arriving I'm starting to look at planting some berry bushes.
I want to plant some blackberries and raspberries and maybe honeyberry and some other fruit bushes as well.
the ground I have is hardpacked clay so I want to put in some raised beds.

I have some trees that I have cut down and I was wondering if they could be used to make the beds.
Trees are pine, poplar, and spruce.

My question is: can I use these trees to make a border and fill with soil?  Would I have to take the bark off the logs?
would keeping the bark on the logs put any bushes at risk of insects from the logs?

Just looking for advice so I don't waste time and energy on something that is not the best setup.

Any advice is appreciated.