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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Sunday - October 25, 2015

From: Ft Worth, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens, Planting, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Making a raised garden bed in Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

I just bought a house in Ft Worth Texas and the soil is undisturbed red clay. I was told I probably would need to build a raised bed to make a 25 ft by 4-6 ft butterfly/humming bird/bee native flower bed as there is little or no existing drainage. How deep should I make the bed and what type of soil should I put in it?

ANSWER:

Raised beds are a good idea for gardening in uncooperative soils.  Searching for "how to build a raised garden bed in Texas" on Google brings up a number of sites offering tips.  I chose this one as a good example to follow.  I believe it has all the information you will need. Happy gardening!

 

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