In this video, I show you how to fix and stop the sides of a Birdies metal raised garden bed from caving inwards.
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#raisedbedgardening #garden #gardening
30 Comments
G'day Everyone, if you are suffering a bit of deja vu in this video, it is probably because you saw my previous upload, where I also covered the subject of raised beds caving in. In this video, I explain the caving-in issue better in more detail and explain why I'm covering this subject again in the video. Thankfully, the bed caving-in issue is more straightforward to explain than why I'm doing it again… Cheers 😄
Thanks Mark!
I think if the manufacturer wanted to address the issue they would replace that threaded rod with a vertically oriented piece of flat bar. It has a lot of strength in the dimension you need but not a lot of surface area for the soil to pull down on. Threaded rod is very easy to bend in comparison in this application.
I'm confused. I've bought 7 of the Birdies tall raised beds for our paddock and there was only ever two braces suppied with each of them. And the instructions with the bed say you should only fix the braces three bolt holes from the bottom. Why do you even need the top braces? I don't think you need them at all.
At $300+ each, those beds are not worth it.
Solution 1: Dig the rods out and bend back to normal.
Solution 2: Put a slow decomposing 2×4 wood brace in the middle of the rods, with holes, for the rods to go through.
Possible solution 3 (what are your thoughts on this solution/possible problem?) : If you are filling it with trunks, branches, woodchips, etc; leave space around the rods and fill that portion (the rod area) with actual dirt, layer by layer, and maybe wet down each layer? (The rest of the bed using fillings like trunks and stuff.)
In addition to the wood brace, maybe?
I do not have one of these beds, but I am thinking about getting one this year and trying to figure out preventative measures. It would be hard for me to dig back down once it's filled up.
Any input or insite on #3 would be appreciated.
Fascinating — thanks for amplifying the info presented in the wood chip video. You are a fabulous explainer!!!
Mate your 2023 channel trailer was awesome.
Always good information.
Dear Mark. Instead of using a 2 x 4 with holes drilled in it, try using a 2" PVC pipe that sticks up above the bed by about 10"s or so, with holes drilled in it. Then if you want to erect a structor for the plants to grow up you have a section of pipe to insert a rod into to build it from. When you no longer need the structure you can remove it from the pipe, and you are left with a small pipe to reuse in the future.
You’re a Great resource. Thanks.
Mark, what do you think about cutting some pipes to fit over the braces that are the same length as the width of the bed?
I suppose you could use additional wood prunings of about 4" diameter as your cross-wire stabilizers. Or couldn't you also cut a piece of smallish log to wedge between the sides of the bed where it wants to kink. True, those would eventually rot, but . . . oh well; after all, that is the real objective, isn't it.
Slip galvanized steel (electrical conduit tubing) OVER the threaded rods. The tubing won't flex…
feed the rod through a length of steel tubing as the tubing will prevent the rod from bowing or flexing.
you could also use a metal or wood plate on each side of the tube as additional reinforcement for the tin sides
I'm in a totally different climate for growing (this one was pertinent for my garden for sure), but I enjoy your content so much and your humor, I just keep coming back for the entertainment. Thanks.
It's so nice to see so much green when it's SO cold and gray and brown in the US (Indiana)! Love your channel.
My auto close-caption calls you "Salsa Vision Me". Nice!
Perhaps having a pvc or steel pipe to cover and brace the bars to prevent bowing in or out of the sides.
I'll stick to wooden/concrete beds then.
Very helpful 🙂👏
I'm just a new Subscriber to your Channel and my first expression is awesome and Wonderful 💖🎉 Keep a healthy life 🥰
about 2 years ago at my parent's garden we put wooden sticks to maintain the distance between the walls. simple solution and works well.
Honest question mate, with a property your size, why are you buying planter kits and not just growing in the soil?
Would a solid 4×4 on each side where the rods are work better than the rods themselves? I see you demonstrated a 2×4 where the rods go through in the center but seems for more rigid support for the exterior you’d want the bed attached to something stronger like a thick 4×4 post. Love the channel🤘🏻 wish I could find a piece of land like you’ve got here in TX.
These are great tips…thank you Mark!!! I've bought one Birdies Raised bed for when I move to a new property… I'm so keen to start my garden. In the meantime I've got pots and tubs and geofelt containers with vegies growing. Love your videos so much… they have brought me joy and peace! Cheers, Maria from Yeppoon Qld
Hey Mark,
I am glad you got to the root of the problem! 😆 good job!
MulCH… Say it with me now!
Hi mark. I hope u find this comment,I’m currently looking at building a 1m wide 1m high and 7.5m long garden bed out of brick my question is 2 you would it still be fine as it’s going to be in direct sunlight,with plants and fill going to be constant moving In and out of it, or would it crack and fall apart?
Pretty surreal sitting up here above the Arctic Circle in Norway and being inspired by a guy in Australia living his dream (it seems).