A Step - by - Step Guide (with video)
Want to grow your own veggies, but space is limited? A raised garden bed is the perfect solution. It offers perfect drainage, protection from pests, and easy access to your crops. A project that can be easily done in about under 1 hour.
These are two 4' x 8' garden beds conjoined together to accommodate our space. However, this tutorial will work with any size of bed you choose. All you need is a drill, some screws/fasteners, and a miter or circular saw if you cut the wood boards yourself. Easy.
- Note: Some local Hardware Stores, like Home Depot will cut your wood to size.
If you want to build one yourself check out our video tutorial below!
Before beginning your project, please take these steps in consideration.
https://www.helloani.com/how-to-plan-a-vegetable-garden-design-layout/
WHAT MATERIAL SHOULD I CHOOSE?
The most common material for raised garden beds is lumber. The major caveat, since raised beds are often used to grow edibles, is to steer clear of wood preserved with toxins. Avoid creosote-treated railroad ties; opt instead for naturally rot-resistant cedar or heart construction redwood. In terms of longevity, redwood can last up to 20 years, and cedar about 10 to 15 years.
STEPS TO BUILD YOUR OWN RAISED GARDEN BED:
Tools & Materials needed for one 4 x 8 feet x 16" high bed:
(4) 2 x 8 x 8' boards
(4) 2 x 8 x 4' boards
(6) 2 x 4 x 4' corner posts/framing studs (optional)
(2) 2 x 4 x 4' mid section support (optional)
3.5" - 4" wood screws
Drill
Miter saw, or circular saw (if cutting wood boards yourself)
Measuring tape
Step 1: Cut Boards
The boards already come in 8 feet length. That will be the length we use for the sides. Altogether will need (6) 8 feet boards. Four for the sides, and four for the end boards. Cut (2) 8 feet boards in half, to get four 4' long end boards.
Step 2: Layout and Assemble your Garden bed
Now that you have four 8' long 2 x 8 inch side boards, and four 4' long 2 x 6 inch end boards, begin assembling them using 3.5" or 4" long wood screws. Drill to attach the boards on each side. Using four screws per side to attach sections.
Step 3: Add Stretcher Support in middle section
We added two 2 x 4s framing studs for support in the middle of bed. This is to keep the sides from bowing once the beds get full of soil.
Step 4: Add Corner posts (framing studs). This is only needed if fencing is desired. We added six 2"x 4" x 4' posts. A 2 feet high Chickenwire fence will be attached to these post to keep rabbits and squirrels at bay.
Lastly, we hope this tutorial was helpful to you. Be sure to pin this for later and also check out the video tutorial as well before getting started 🙂
Happy building!
xo Diana
COMMENTS