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Gardening can take many forms depending on the space and skill level – raised beds can be a great option. In this post we will teach you how to make a raised bed.
Elevated garden bed plans
Gardening has become so popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Gardening is fun and helps us feel at one with the world around us. It helps us to feel more conscious of what we are building into our body.
One of the most popular methods of gardening is the raised bed: a garden bed framed by wood, brick, concrete, or some other durable material. This style works so well because it’s better for the plants, easier to maintain, and accommodates a variety of gardening restrictions. You can build a raised bed on any budget and in a short amount of time.
So you are ready to build a raised bed …
Building a raised bed can honestly be accomplished with a trip to the hardware store and just a few hours of work. F.First of all, however, make sure that you have planned the bed from where you are going to put it to what you will grow in it. Here’s a great link on what you need to know as you start planning your raised bed.
Now that you know where the garden will be, you can get to work!
Which material should I use for a raised bed?
Most often, people make raised beds out of wood. It’s simple to use, relatively inexpensive, and easy to get. But you can make a raised bed out of anything: bricks, cinder blocks, corrugated iron or other materials. Just make sure that what you use has not been chemically treated, painted, or otherwise treated in a way that would endanger your health.
Cedar and pine are good choices for wood. Cedar is durable in the elements and pine ages well. Redwood, juniper, and other sturdy woods will also work. Some woods will only last a few years before needing replacement, but cedar will last longer. You can build a garden out of planks or even landscape ties. Just make sure your selection has not been treated with chemicals. The wood is labeled and you can ask your dealer.
If you want to build something more durable or polished, brick is a great choice. Many people use reclaimed or leftover stones, they are both attractive and sustainable. This option requires more work and precision, but it can be done in a weekend.
How do I put together a raised bed?
Create the site that you will plant to create your garden. If you’re using brick, use string and stakes to make sure you keep straight lines as you work. We also used spray paint to see the lines in the grass.
We covered the garden plot with paint and string to ensure a straight, even line.
If you’re building a raised bed out of wood, you can secure the boards with screws or even use special corner pieces that are available online and at hardware stores. There are some landscape bricks with four sections cut out that are specifically designed to hold boards in place and are perfect for quick, tool-free construction. You can set up a garden in about an hour using this method.
The use of screws is superior to nails as they hold better and are more resistant to wear and tear. You can use wood glue for added stability, but it is not required.
While you can drill the holes in your garage or driveway and sand the wood if necessary, it’s time to put the garden together on site. Moving a constructed wooden frame is nearly impossible due to weight and size issues.
Level the floor under the bed or dig a small trench to secure the boards if the floor is not level. Dig up the grass underneath, especially if the bed is flat. While the grass won’t penetrate, it will be easier for the plant roots to dig deep into the ground if they don’t have to go through the grass first. Even though the grass is unlikely to penetrate the surface, it will still compete with your plants for water and nutrients for a while.
For brick beds, you’ll need to dig a trench twice the width of the stone and use paving sand to level the trench. This is a crucial step in building a brick raised bed. If your foundation is not secure and level, the entire garden can collapse after a heavy rain.
Stamp off the sand and carefully place the stones in the trench. Put a level on each brick to make sure things line up. You can use a landscape glue for extra stability and it won’t add time or cost to construction. You will need to let the glue cure for a few days before you put it in the floor.
It sounds like a lot more work, but it’s not an overwhelming undertaking. We built our brick bed over a weekend. Friday evening we dug the trench and carefully laid the first level of brick. We finished by noon on Saturday. In total it was about 6 hours of work for two people.
It took about 6 hours to make this 4’x12 ‘garden bed, which took two people to make it from start to finish.
Do I have to do anything else?
Many people think their raised beds require a lot of additional materials, but you really don’t need any extras to make your raised bed a success. But let’s look at some popular supplements in case they’re right for you.
Garden fabric? Some shed black fabric, but it isn’t necessary unless you have a specific reason, such as: B. Drainage problems to consider. It also prevents beneficial organisms such as worms from getting into the garden bed and doing their helpful work. However, in shallower beds, it’s an easy way to keep grass from becoming a nuisance and add stability.
For this garden we only laid garden fabric to prevent the grass from becoming a nuisance as there are multiple beds in a row and it takes up a large part of the lawn.
Chicken wire? Knowing you have moles and other burial creatures, you can place chicken wire at the base of the bed to limit their ability to get into the bed. You have to decide right away if you want to do this. Ask if pests often dig in your area.
Sometimes people use chicken wire to create a barrier around the perimeter of the garden to keep rabbits and other ground animals out. If you’re not sure if this is what you need, hold the button and add it later. Chicken wire will not scare deer off, however.
Colour? There’s no need to paint or stain a garden bed, especially one you grow food with. The fewer contaminants and chemicals you expose plants to, the better. If you want to paint, be sure to use an exterior paint. Even so, these are not suitable for food and cannot be guaranteed to be safe.
Grid or cage? Grids are required for certain plants, such as peas and indefinite tomatoes. Cages help large plants grow and give them extra structure. These should be added to the garden at the same time as the plants so that they do not damage the large root system.
You can also use a grid for vine plants such as smaller pumpkins, zucchini, or cucumbers. This saves space in the garden. It has the added benefit of removing the plants from insects and animals. The downside is that these plants need more water as more plants are exposed to the sun and air.
Mulch? People put mulch down to prevent weeds. It also helps with drainage and adds organics over time. It’s not necessary for the average garden and I don’t use it for most of my beds.
Let’s check
Check out this post to make sure you’ve selected the ideal space and plants for your garden.
Prepare the site and materials by leveling the ground, drilling holes as needed, and carefully measuring to make sure things fit.
Lay out the materials and build them on site. Do not try to bring the finished bed to the construction site unless it is very small.
Brick beds must have a trench and paving sand. They need to be built with a level in hand to make sure it doesn’t go askew and collapse under pressure.
There’s no need to paint, fence, or otherwise beautify the garden unless you want to. Don’t forget to add trellises or cages at the beginning of planting.
Make sure you are using suitable soil for raised beds.
With these tools and guides, you should be able to design your own bed and have beautiful, happy plants in no time!
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