How to Build Raised Garden Beds
Learn how to build raised garden beds with our detailed step-by-step guide. Follow our easy instructions to get it done right.
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0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Choose Location and Size
Step 1: Choose Location and Size
Select sunny spot, plan bed dimensions (4x8 feet is common, 6-12 inches deep).
Raised Bed Gardening Book
Guide to planning and building productive raised beds
2 Step 2: Select Wood or Material
Step 2: Select Wood or Material
Use untreated cedar, composite boards, or galvanized metal - avoid treated lumber for edibles.
Cedar Fence Boards
Rot-resistant cedar for raised bed walls (6-inch x 8-foot)
Galvanized Raised Bed Kit
Metal raised bed kit (4x8 feet)
3 Step 3: Cut and Assemble Frame
Step 3: Cut and Assemble Frame
Cut boards to length, connect corners with screws or corner brackets.
Raised Bed Corner Brackets
Metal brackets for connecting bed corners (4-pack)
Exterior Wood Screws
Galvanized screws for assembling bed (5-lb box)
4 Step 4: Level and Position Bed
Step 4: Level and Position Bed
Place frame in location, level with shims if needed, can leave grass underneath.
Carpenter Level
24-inch level for checking bed is level
5 Step 5: Add Weed Barrier and Drainage
Step 5: Add Weed Barrier and Drainage
Line bottom with cardboard or landscape fabric, add drainage if on hard surface.
Landscape Fabric
Weed barrier for raised bed bottom (3x50 feet)
6 Step 6: Fill with Soil Mix
Step 6: Fill with Soil Mix
Fill with quality garden soil mix (1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 vermiculite).
Raised Bed Soil Mix
Premium soil blend for raised beds (2 cu ft bag)
Organic Compost
Compost for enriching raised bed soil (1 cu ft)