How to Build A Raised Garden Bed

About a year ago, I built a raised garden bed, and it worked out so well that I decided to make another one. Raised garden beds are not only easy and quick to build (usually just a few hours), but they offer a variety of benefits for your garden. They improve soil drainage, reduce weed growth, and make it easier to control the quality of your soil. Plus, they’re easier on your back when it comes to planting and harvesting!

For this project, I used rough-sawn, untreated cedar—an ideal choice for outdoor use because it’s naturally resistant to rot and insects. When choosing lumber for your own raised bed, I highly recommend untreated wood to avoid any chemicals leaching into your soil, especially if you’re growing vegetables. Cedar can last for many years outdoors, making it a long-term investment.

I made my bed 4 feet wide by 8 feet long and 11-1/4 inches deep. These dimensions make the project super simple since you can just cut three 8-foot boards in half for the sides. For the corner posts, I used sturdy 4″ x 4″ cedar, and I held everything together with 2-1/2″ screws. The 4-foot width also allows easy access from either side, which is important for tending to plants without stepping into the bed and compacting the soil.

If you’re placing the bed directly on soil, consider adding a weed barrier at the bottom to keep invasive plants at bay. If you skip the barrier, it’s essential to clear any existing vegetation and turn the soil a couple of times to ensure your plants have the best start. Whether you’re growing veggies, herbs, or flowers, raised garden beds offer a great way to optimize your garden space and make tending to your plants more enjoyable.

If you make one of these be sure to post a picture of it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page.  I’d love to see how yours turns out.

 

Material List

• (9) 2″ x 4″ x 8′ Untreated Cedar (I used rough cut cedar)
• (1) 4″  x 4″ x 8′ Untreated Cedar (I used rough cut cedar)

Cut List

• (6)  Ends – 2″ x 4″ x 4′
• (6)  Anchors – 4″ x 4″ x 11 1/4″ (Check the actual width of (3) 2″x4″ to ensure the length of the anchor)

Milling & Assembly

	For the lumber I used (9) 2″x 4″x 8′ untreated cedar boards and (1) 4″ x 4″ x 8′ untreated cedar board.  I also used rough sawn cedar boards, but that is strictly a preference.  Whatever lumber you choose be sure it’ll hold up well outside and be sure it’s untreated as you don’t want any chemicals leaching into the dirt.
	To get started on the rough cuts for the raised garden bed I measured (3) of my 2 x 4’s and cut them in half giving me my end boards.  Next I measured out my 4 x 4 posts to a length of 11 – 1/4″ (which is the same length as three 2×4’s).
	To get started on the assembly I attached the end boards to the posts using 2-1/2″ screws.
	After I had the end boards attached I then attached my 8′ boards to the posts.
	Here is my raised garden bed; basically complete.  I attached center posts in the middle of my 2 x 4 x 8’s.  This might not be necessary but I wanted to avoid any warping in my boards.
	Next up is an optional step.If you have good soil or want to use the soil under the box you don’t need to do this step.  If however, like me you have not so great soil and want to use the soil in the box a weed barrier is an excellent item to add.To attach this, simply roll out a weed barrier cloth and cut and attach it to the box.  I used staples to attach mine, but brads would work just as well.
	After I completed the Raised Garden Bed, I positioned it in my yard and flipped it over.  All that’s left is to add dirt and grow your plants.

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