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Layers of cardboard under wood raised beds.
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Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are a great way to grow vegetables, herbs, potatoes and even flowers.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Servings 1 raised bed
Author Jessica Robinson

Ingredients

Raised Beds

  • 1 (4x4x8) pine lumber (not pressure treated)
  • 3 (2x6x10) pine lumber (not pressure treated)
  • 1 (2x6x12) pine lumber (not pressure treated)
  • 2-3 pounds (#10) 3 ½-inch decking screws
  • ½ pound (#10) 2 ½-inch decking screws

Instructions

Raised Garden Beds

  • 2x6x10 pine boards will be cut once at 7 feet, leaving a 3-foot section to be used for the sides.
  • 2x6x12 pine boards will be cut twice. One cut at 7 feet and another at 3 foot, leaving a 2 foot piece to be used as bracing in the center.
  • Cut the 4x4 pine board into four sections, 2-feet each.
  • The 7-foot pieces (2x6 boards) should be lined up to be flush with the ends of the 3-foot (2x6 boards). Predrill and countersink holes and use 3 ½-inch screws to secure boards together on all four corners.
  • Measure the rectangle to make sure it is square. Then place 4x4 (2-foot) boards in each corner. Predrill and countersink holes and use 3 ½-inch screws to secure boards on all eight sides, contacting the 2x6 boards. (Approximately 3 screws per side)
  • Continue placing 2x6 boards and fastening at each end in the same manner as the same boards, until all boards are fully secured.
  • Take the 2x6 (2-foot boards) and place them vertically in the center of the 7-foot section, spanning all four 2x6 (7-foot boards) on each side. Predrill and countersink and use the 2 ½-inch screws to secure. (Approximately 2 screws per 7-foot long board)

Filling Raised Beds

  • Choose the best placement for it in your yard. For many vegetables, they prefer full-sun. Choose the best location based on your needs.
  • Cover the grass or area where you will place the raised bed with a layer of flattened cardboard. Remove any plastic packing tape, as it is not biodegradable.
  • Add a layer of organic material, including sticks, branches, leaves, coffee grounds, paper coffee filters, eggshells and other natural products.
  • Use a 50/50 mixture on top of the organic materials (50% topsoil and 50% compost). Use either your own compost or locally purchased from a garden or landscape supply store.
  • You can use a bulk 50/50 raised bed mixture or bagged soil for raised beds. Use whatever is most convenient for you.
  • Add your vegetable seeds and/or plants. Use plant markers to identify what you have planted.
  • Water as needed.

Notes

These plans make one raised bed that is 3 feet x 7 feet long and 2 feet tall.
Placement of raised beds should be based on what you plan on growing. We opted for a full-sun location near our existing vegetable garden.
Do NOT add stones or rocks to the bottom of raised beds, as this will potentially cause an issue with drainage.