THE SUPPLIES
Stone and Substrate
Once we had the design of the bed laid out, it was time to start specking material. Eight inch depth Limestone was chosen as the stone type so that it will hold up to many years of wear and tear compared to wood. Since these trial beds will be used to test plants in tough and natural environments, we chose native topsoil and organic matter (compost) as the substrate for the bed, in a 3:1 ratio respectively with a 0.5 inch layer of pine bark mulch.
The numbers below are overestimates of what was needed to account for any contingencies.
The numbers below are overestimates of what was needed to account for any contingencies.
Material |
Amount |
Limestone 8" |
300 linear feet |
Top Soil (Clay Loam) |
40 cubic yards |
Organic Matter (compost) |
4 cubic yards |
Pine Bark Hardwood Mulch |
2 pallets of 50lb bags |
Irrigation
Along with the raised bed irrigation, we added onto the nursery irrigation for future use using schedule 40-1" PVC pipe and fittings.
The bed was double plumbed to anticipate for future needs. As stated prior in "The Design" section, the bed was divided into 8 irrigation zones, 7 on city water and 1 on rain water. The rain water zone would be for specimens such as Azaleas that are more susceptible to salt damage and nutrient deficiencies that they would otherwise get if they were irrigated with the city water in College Station. Each zone contains a flow regulator at 10-psi that is connected to the drip system.
The table shows all the irrigation material used in the build and the amount of each item.
The bed was double plumbed to anticipate for future needs. As stated prior in "The Design" section, the bed was divided into 8 irrigation zones, 7 on city water and 1 on rain water. The rain water zone would be for specimens such as Azaleas that are more susceptible to salt damage and nutrient deficiencies that they would otherwise get if they were irrigated with the city water in College Station. Each zone contains a flow regulator at 10-psi that is connected to the drip system.
The table shows all the irrigation material used in the build and the amount of each item.
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Miscellaneous Equipment and Tools Used
Shovel, Tine-bow Rake, Line Level, string, 2x4 stakes and nails for T-posts
Toro Dingo with tiller, bucket, and forklift attachments
Kubota tractor
Toro Dingo with tiller, bucket, and forklift attachments
Kubota tractor