An Improved Raised Bed Garden

Step 2 Making The Form

The form is made using 1/4in. plywood, and 1x6 lumber cut to the correct sizes. See pictures for specifics. A key part of making these braces is the addition of a piece of wire mesh into the mold. I chose to use some rabbit wire for my reinforcement. It is easily cut with wire cutters, and shaped to fit within the mold between the bolt holders....these have been made out of regular PVC pipe, which is the 1//2 inch size. The form is assembled using drywall screws. Before assembly, it is a good idea to apply a coat of oil to the wood pieces to act as a release agent for the concrete. I just used some vegetable oils, but any oil will do.

Comments

[ventifact]

Usually a coarser gauge (bigger squares) wire mesh is used in form work as the smaller gauges make a weak plane that will shear first.

[Creativeman]

Thank you! what kind of mesh do you suggest? Cman

[ventifact]

One with 1.5 to 2 inch squares for small jobs. The smaller dimension squares don't let one side of the mortar bond properly with the other.

[kennylk]

This was a really well-done instructional - photos and instructions. Thanks much, as it is something I will be using to replace my 2-yr old "temporary" beds!! Thanks for taking the time to prepare this and share it.

[Pasketti]

A quibble. That looks like 3/4-inch plywood, not 1/4-inch.