Beds raised on stilts

23 years ago

I have multiple sclerosis and am in a wheelchair. Our landscaper has come up with an idea for raising the garden for me by putting the box portion on stilts so that I can drive my legs under the box and work as if I were at a table.

The only possible drawback that I can see is that the soil would be rather shallow, which I think can be dealt with. Has anyone else tried this method or can anyone else think of other drawbacks?

Work will begin in about a week so time is just a little short.

I like the idea because it allows me to face the work rather than doing everything with the work beside me.

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Comments (5)

handhelpers
23 years ago
i think this would be just like container gardening - in fact, why not make different 'tables' with different kinds of containers on top? and instead of the raised bed box being make out of wood, you could use different container materials in which the dirt might not dry out as fast [in fact, many are made with water reservoirs]
jcarter
Original Author
23 years ago
I must admit your idea appeals and is more practical than simply a raised bed. I will think on it to see if it compensates for not being able to get my hands down in the soil, which I love doing.

Thank-you.
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handhelpers
23 years ago
if your containers are big enough [which mine usually are] - you can get your hand plenty dirty :>) - just make sure that you can still keep your wrists neutral, or you may be in for other troubles.
have also spoken to a friend of mine whose husband does fabrication and they will start thinking about making cool raised beds that people can sit under - it would be nice, not only for wheelchairs, but for anyone to sit under. i'll keep you posted!
therhonda
23 years ago
I am probably too late for you, but my dad just built me a garden on legs. We used cedar as it will not rot as fast and I will get yrs of enjoyment out of it!! I hope! The dimensions are: 4ftX6ft wooden box. He made slats on the bottom close together (so the soil won't fall through). the sides are 12 inches deep. He put it on (i beleive, he is the carpenter not me) but 2X4 cedar posts and made the decorator cuts, it forms a triangle if you know what I mean, on top so it wouldn't just be flat and water sit on it. It is about 30-31 inches tall total to the top of the bed. it is just about rib height.

I am doing square foot gardening in it and going by Mel's recommendations on all that stuff. I have rods and screws in my back, MS and fibromyalgia so i thought this was out of the question of me ever doing gardening again! Thanx to my dad, I get to enjoy it again!
wally_1936
16 years ago
Maybe you could find a old wheelchair that would let you set and face your garden and work that way rather than go to all that extra cost and expense. I sure use mine a lot and for the rest which isn't raised I get down and scoot which allows me to face anyway I chose. We all have to find what is best for ourselves and go with what we like.
Paul