Basics for Making a Raised Bed Garden

Jordan Meggs • April 1, 2021

Words by Jasef Wisener | Instructions by Good Housekeeping | Illustration from Venture Magazine - Spring/Summer 2019

Do you want to garden this spring but don't think that a typical garden is for you? A raised bed garden may be a great choice! A raised bed garden offers benefits to all types of gardeners, and they're super easy to build!

The first thing you'll need to do is gather your supplies. Here's what you're going to need:

Two 2x12 planks, each 8 feet long
Two 2x12 planks, each 4 feet long
Twelve pieces of rebar, each 2 feet long
Rubber mallet
Newspaper or cardboard
Soil to fill the finished frame

After you've collected your supplies, you'll want to position your boards; do this by laying them down on a level section of ground with their inner corners touching. Stand one long board on its side and hammer two pieces of rebar 1 foot from each corner with the rubber mallet, a few inches deep into the ground.

Next, use a piece of rebar at the center of each plank for temporary support while you prop up the short sides: prop up the second long side and adjust the alignment of your frame as necessary. Hammer rebar a few inches deep 1 foot from each corner of the second long side.

After propping up the sides, you'll want to add more support. Do this by hammering rebar a few inches deep 1 foot from each corner of the short sides and remove the temporary supports. Then, add two pieces of rebar 2 feet apart along each long side; these will reinforce the frame when it's filled with soul. Finally, hammer in the rebar until only 6-10 inches show above the ground.

Once the frame is built, you'll want to line the bottom with either newspaper or cardboard and wet it thoroughly. The last step will be to fill your bed with soil to within a few inches of the top.

Raised bed gardens have an endless amount of possibilities, and they're a fantastic way to gardening in smaller areas or where you don't want to mess up the ground!

If you try a raised bed garden, be sure to share your photos with us on Facebook or by tagging us on Instagram!

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Youth Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball Registration Now Open at Cullman Parks & Rec

By Jordan Meggs • January 13, 2025

Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to sign up your young athletes for baseball, softball, and t-ball with Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism. Whether your child is a seasoned player or stepping onto the diamond for the first time, our youth sports programs offer a fantastic opportunity for children ages 3-12 to learn, grow, and have fun. Registration for the 2024 spring season is currently open and will continue through February 13th. Don't delay in securing your child's spot, as our programs consistently draw enthusiastic participation from throughout the Cullman community. Program Overview Our comprehensive youth baseball and softball programs are designed to accommodate children at various skill and age levels. For our youngest athletes (starting at age 3), t-ball provides the perfect introduction to baseball fundamentals. As children progress through the age groups up to 12 years old, they'll develop their skills, understanding of the game, and teamwork abilities. Important Dates to Remember Registration Period: Now through February 13, 2024 Player Evaluations: Week of February 17 (specific dates vary by age group) Practice Start Date: First week of March Season Opening: Games begin in April Player Evaluations The week of February 17 marks an important milestone in our season preparation, as we'll conduct player evaluations. These assessments help us create balanced teams and ensure every child is placed in an appropriate skill level group. Your child's specific evaluation date will depend on their age group, and detailed information will be provided upon registration. What to Expect Once teams are formed, practices will commence in the first week of March. This gives our young athletes plenty of time to build team chemistry, work on fundamental skills, and prepare for the excitement of the regular season. Games will begin in April, running through the spring months. Our dedicated coaches focus on: Teaching proper baseball/softball fundamentals Developing good sportsmanship Building confidence and self-esteem Creating a positive, encouraging environment Fostering a love for the game Benefits of Youth Baseball and Softball Participating in organized baseball and softball helps children develop not just athletic skills, but also important life skills. Players learn the value of teamwork, develop leadership abilities, and build confidence through achievement. The physical benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, overall fitness, and motor skills development. Get Ready for the Season As you prepare for registration, make sure you have: Proof of your child's age Current contact information Any relevant medical information Appropriate clothing and equipment (detailed lists will be provided) Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of Cullman's vibrant youth sports community. Register your child today and help them create lasting memories, develop valuable skills, and experience the joy of America's favorite pastime. For more information about registration, equipment requirements, or any other questions, please contact Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism directly. We look forward to another exciting season of youth baseball, softball, and t-ball in Cullman!

A man in a wheelchair is playing baseball with a group of people behind a chain link fence.

Celebrating Our Incredible CPRST Volunteers

By Jamie Kirk • November 12, 2024

At Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism, we are beyond grateful for the dedicated volunteers who bring our events to life. To all of our volunteers, thank you for your remarkable contributions. Together, we are building a vibrant community that values the arts, inclusivity, and youth development. Your support makes all the difference! Shining a Spotlight on our Amazing Community Theatre Members Their passion for the arts has enriched our special events and created unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Whether they are performing on stage, crafting immersive experiences, or utilizing their creative talents behind the scenes, these volunteers add an extraordinary touch to our community. Their unwavering commitment to the arts inspires us all, and we cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication. A Heartfelt Thanks to Wallace State Community College We also want to express our gratitude to our wonderful partners at Wallace State Community College . The support we receive from their students and staff is nothing short of incredible. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure our special events run smoothly. From assisting with event logistics to engaging with attendees, Wallace State’s involvement is crucial to our success. Their enthusiasm and energy help create unforgettable experiences for everyone who participates. Thank you, Wallace State, for your continued partnership—we look forward to many more fantastic events together! Ballet South: Elevating Our Events with Grace We are proud to collaborate with Ballet South, whose artistry and grace have significantly enhanced our special events. Their performances bring a touch of elegance and cultural enrichment to our community, captivating attendees and leaving a lasting impression. Ballet South’s dedication to the arts helps us create a vibrant atmosphere that exceeds expectations. Whether performing on stage or supporting behind the scenes, they are an invaluable part of our success. Thank you, Ballet South, for sharing your talent and passion with us! Honoring the Pilot Club’s Dedication We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of the Pilot Club . Their members have played a vital role in the success of our Archery Tournament and Therapeutic Recreation programs. Their dedication to service and willingness to help whenever needed exemplify true community spirit. The Pilot Club’s contributions ensure that participants of all abilities can enjoy our events in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Thank you, Pilot Club, for your commitment to our mission—you truly make a difference! A Big Shout-Out to Our Amazing Volunteer Coaches Finally, we want to recognize our incredible volunteer coaches who make our youth sports programs thrive. These dedicated individuals invest their time and energy to mentor young athletes, imparting valuable life skills that extend far beyond the game. The impact of our volunteer coaches is profound—they not only teach sports but also foster confidence, leadership, and teamwork in the youth they coach. We cannot thank you enough for your dedication to shaping the future of our community. Your efforts are creating lasting change!