One thing we have started doing recently is checking dumpsters at commercial construction and renovation sites. It is legal in most states as long as it is on public or commercial property. They throw away SO MUCH WOOD! One person I talked to who was building an O’Reilly store told me they can’t reuse any wood because of insurance reasons, and also, all the materials are delivered on long 4x4s and they go into the dumpsters as well. 

I got all of this here from a dumpster the other day, and decided to turn it into a raised garden. Much of the land here is hilly and rocky, so raised gardens are simply going to be easier. They are also easier on the back once it’s time to harvest!

Of course, it isn’t pretty, but that’s okay. A little paint on the outside of it will fix that right up.

Once it was done, I added a roll of landscape fabric (all natural) to keep weeds from growing up, and then I added a thick layer of leaves and then a row of wood from the clearing we’ve been doing here on the property. My next project is to add some compost from the pile I started last year and then fill it up the rest of the way with dirt from the creek which runs through the southern side of the property. 

I can’t wait to see how this works out this year! I never thought I’d enjoy doing so many DIY projects, but I love it.