Raised Garden Bed

You can make a raised garden bed in many ways. There are many benefits to raised beds. This is how I did it.

Step 1: Tool and Supplies

First,as with any project, you need tools and supplies. There are many ways to do this, but this is how I did it.
-landscape timbers (4"x6")
-3/4" stakes
-reciprocating saw with wood blades
-tape measure
-power drill
-3/4" spade bit
-carpenter pencil

Step 2: Beginning

First mark the width of one of your timbers on the end of another one.

Step 3: Cutting

Cut the timber on the line you marked to about halfway through.
Next, turn the timber on its side and cut in from the end to your other cut.

Step 4: Notched

Now you have a notched timber and a handy little jig to make things easier. Take the chunk that you just notched out and use it to mark your next cut on the other end of the timber. Make sure to use the same jig on all of your cuts so they all remain the same.

Step 5: Sizing It Up

I made my bed 8'x4'. Since the timbers come in 8' lengths, I hade to cut some in half. Simply measure from the end to 4' and make a mark. Cut the timber and the notch the ends accordingly.

Step 6: Put It Together

When all your timbers are notched it should be easy to fit them all together.

Step 7: Stake It

Now that you can see everything fits together, reinforce it with stakes. Use you drill with spade bit to make your holes then drive your stake through the holes and into the ground.

Step 8: Voila

Your raised garden bed is now ready for dirt and any plants you desire!

Comments

[bbrown65]

Thanks! My 4 year old daughter helped me. She loves being outside.

[bbrown65]

Yeah I put 5 mil plastic in it for vegetable planting I forgot to mention that haha

[ckoehler1904]

Beautiful job and well documented. However, I would strongly caution about planting edible plants (i.e. vegetables) in such close proximity to treated lumber. Also, you might want to consider putting anchoring reinforcements midpoint on the long sides to keep them from bowing outward (I had that problem with mine after several years)..

[bbrown65]

Thanks!