Raised beds:

* increase the growing area by reducing the amount of space in the garden delegated to paths.
* create order by clearly defining planting areas.
* save resources; fertilizer and compost are applied only in the beds, not broadcast over the entire garden area.
* reduce work; after the first year you won't need to do any heavy cultivation.
* are convenient; it's easy to reach the center of a three-foot-wide bed without * increase planting flexibility; in each bed, you can plant parallel rows of vegetables running the length of the bed.
* Or you can broadcast seeds across the bed in three-foot-wide blocks of any length. Larger plants like eggplants and peppers fit well when staggered in a triangular or diamond pattern.
* adapt well to trellises; an A-frame trellis fits nicely over a three-foot bed and enables you to plant two rows of climbers, such as cucumbers and beans, in one bed.
* adapt well to ready-made season extenders; most fabric row covers and the hoops that support them fit three-foot-wide beds.
* warm up and dry out faster in spring, so plants get a jump on the season.
* help plants grow better; root crops grow especially well in the loosened, fast-draining soil of raised beds.

The "Overlook" Hoop House

ASSEMBLY and PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Select a location with good sunlight and space. Fill with 5 cubic feet of soil. Most home warehouse stores or garden centers will have quality soil in 1 cubic ft. bags. Leave at least an inch of clearance from the top of the soil to the top of the box. Some soil will escape from the gaps in the corner this is normal and as the soil settles will fill in and clog. You may use a piece of newspaper to help prevent the spillage if you desire.

2. Plant your starts or seeds. Lettuce and greens are good options to grow in the hoop house. We have had success with lettuce all they way through the winter.

3. Water regularly. Use care to not shoot water directly at the corners this will help prevent erosion. The box is constructed of cedar which makes it very durable to the elements. It will weather to a beautiful silver gray and provide many years of growing enjoyment.

4. The hoop house (clear plastic) + (PVC sections) may be added to extend the season, grow more heat tolerant plants or get an early start on spring planting. USE CAUTION AND WEAR EYE PROTECTION when assembling the hoop house portion. It is a good idea to pre-bend the PVC sections prior to the initial installation. You can use both hands to bring the ends together or place one end on the ground and push the other end down towards it. After you have put a bow in the PVC section insert one end of the PVC tube into its holder on the outside of the box. Bend the tube over and insert it on the opposite sides holder. Ask a friend to help steady the box if necessary or use your foot on the edge of the box to stabilize. Use caution here: grip the pipe tight and use your strength to gently bend/arc the pipe. Keep your face out of the spring back direction. Once you have all three tubes in place you will be ready to cover. You may notice the boxes sides tilting slightly this is normal.

5. Cover evenly with the clear plastic and use the black-tube-clips to secure the covering to the hoops. Placing the clip over the plastic film which is over the hoop sandwiching the film between the clip and the hoop. This will cause the film too bunch together which is normal. The clips are very durable and may be slightly difficult to attach at first. Try to open them a little wide as to stretch them out before applying them. Place the first clip on the top of the center hoop this will allow you to stretch the film to either side evenly. Once you have the clips and film positioned to your liking cut away or tuck the remaining covering under the box or staple it to the sides. The green spring clips are intended to be used to secure the ends. One method is to roll the loose film on the end together at the center and then clip it to avoid having it unroll. Some people prefer to use a large stone. Leaving the ends loose will allow access to the garden and allow ventilation.

6. For lettuce, plant seeds about 5 inches apart and as they grow you can thin them to about 2 ½ apart so that they have plenty of room to grow. Providing ample space for your seedlings also helps avoid problems with fungal diseases.

7. Harvesting your lettuce at the correct time is important for maximizing its flavor and texture. If you let your lettuce crop sit in the garden too long, it will increase in bitterness and the leaves will become tougher. Lettuce is generally ready to harvest about 80 days after planting with seeds and about 60 days after using seedlings.