Cindy's Varmint Panels #5--The Next Steps

The next step in construction of the anti-varmint system is to install your irrigation system connections, because those will probably have to run under the sides of the raised beds and through the hardware cloth barrier.  The final configuration of the irrigation system will have to wait until the soil is in the bed, but the connections should go in before the soil does.

Another step before the soil goes in is to use galvanized pipe strapping to secure PVC pipes to the inside of the beds in the corners and wherever you may want a support stake for a large panel.   These tubes will hold the panel stakes.  Tip:  make sure the PVC pipe you use is large enough for the garden stakes you will use to fit inside the pipe.  Also, wait to secure the PVC pipes until you've constructed the panels; it's easier to adjust them than it is to re-cut a panel.

For the first few years that we had this system, Cindy simply drove the stakes into the soil of the beds when she wanted to replace them after she had removed them to tend to the plants.  This became very tedious and she came up with this solution, which has made removal and replacement of the panels much easier.

This picture shows a corner with two panels inserted into their tubes.  

Then it's finally time to add the soil.  If your soil is as horrible as San Diego's soil, which is composed mostly of sand, clay and lots of rocks, it's well worth your time to buy some decent soil for your garden.    Cindy also enriches the soil each year by growing a cover crop that can be chopped up and mulched back into the soil to provide additional nutrients.  

Next: Construction of the Panels