How to Build Raised Garden Beds in 7 Easy Steps

Use wood for raised garden beds, as one of the easiest ways to create a useful, attractive garden in a short time. Raised beds are beneficial in eliminating the back strain of reaching down to ground level, while planting seeds, pulling weeds or working in the soil. They allow handicapped and elderly individuals to plant and grow their own flowers or vegetables more easily. Basic carpentry abilities and basic woodworking tools are all that is needed in building a raised bed garden project.

Supplies and Tools

Hoe
Shovel
lumber (1-by-12 inches)
Electric saw
Screws
Electric drill
Drill attachments
Garden soil
Compost
Rake

Step 1

Locate a sunny location in your yard and mark off your garden area with the corner of your hoe.

Step 2

Measure the length of your first raised garden bed section. If you build more than one, make sure there is a 3-foot space between them, so there is room for maneuvering a garden cart or wheelbarrow. The width measurement of the raised garden beds should not be wider than you can reach to the center of the raised bed, without straining.

Step 3

Cut, with your electric saw, two equal board lengths for the front and back of the raised garden bed. Cut two more equal boards for the width of the bed. Cedar and redwood are the best types of wood to use outdoors, as they are more rot resistant than many other types. However, use what ever wood is available for the raised garden beds, just coat it with an exterior sealer or paint. This will prolong the life of the wood. If you are growing vegetables, make sure the sealer is nontoxic.

Step 4

Stand the boards on edge, to create a boxed, or frame-shape. The front and back, longer boards, should be standing parallel. Place the two shorter cut boards, crosswise inside and at the ends of the longer ones.

Step 5

Use rust resistant screws to attach the boards together, creating a permanent boxed-shape. Drill four screws, with your electric drill and attachment, into the front and back boards at the ends. The screws will catch the shorter end boards at the sides. Apply exterior sealer or paint to the raised garden bed box, if desired.

Step 6

Place the raised garden bed box onto the garden location. Fill the wooden box with garden soil from your local nursery or garden center, up to 5 inches from the top.

Step 7

Layer 2 inches of nursery compost on top of the garden soil. This will add nutrients and amend a clay or sand soil. Work it into the soil, completely. Evenly rake the soil across the garden bed. Your new wooden raised garden bed is ready for planting.

Tips

*For vegetable gardens, place your raised beds going east to west, lengthwise, to make use of the most sunshine.
*Plant your tallest vegetables at the north end of the garden.