This step by step diy project is about how to build a garden bed. If you want to grow vegetables in your garden even in the cold season, you should pay attention to this article. Building a garden bed is not enough to ensure the plants are proper climate during the cold night, so you should also install light hoop frames and put polyethylene film. Work with attention, after reading all the instructions and tips.
First, you need to remove the weeds and lay out the garden bed, using string and batter boards. Next, you need to dig in the ground about 3-5”. You can improve the drainage of the soil by putting a 2” thick layer of gravel. Fill the bed with soil and cover the surface with landscaping fabric, making sure the materials also extends to the walls of the wooden structure. We strongly recommend you to use weather-resistant lumber, such as pine, cedar or redwood.
Projects made from these plans
How to build a raised garden bed
Building a raised bed
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 20” long CORNER POSTS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 51” long, 4 pieces – 96″ long FRAME
- C – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 54 1/2” long, 2 pieces – 101″ long TRIMS
- 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 8′
- 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
- 2 1/2″ screws
- landscape fabric
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One weekend
Related
Building a raised garden bed
Building the corner posts
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the four posts for the raised garden bed. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to build the posts out of 4×4 lumber.
Cut the posts at the right size by using a circular saw. As you can notice in the diagram, you need to sharpen the tip of the posts in order to set them into the ground easier.
Building the sides of the raised bed
Continue the woodworking project by attaching the 2×6 slats to the corner posts as described in the plans. Drill pilot holes through the slats and set them to the posts by inserting 2 1/2″ galvanized screws.
Make sure the corners are right-angled and add waterproof glue to the joints in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure. Leave no gaps between the slats to get a professional result.
Fitting the side components
The next step of the garden project is to attach the 2×6 slats to the sides of the raised garden bed. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the wooden slats and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws into the 4×4 corner posts.
Top Tip: Make sure the corners are right-angled and take accurate measurements before inserting the galvanized screws, in order to get the job done in a professional manner.
Fitting the landcaping fabric
You could install landscaping fabric inside the raised garden bed, in order to keep the weeds away. Make sure you staple the fabric to the raised bed frame tightly.
Fitting the trims
If you want to enhance the look of the raised garden bed, you could attach 2×6 trims to the top of the frame. Cut both ends of the trims at 45 degrees by using a miter saw before locking them together, as described in the diagram.
Top Tip: Fit the trims into place, drill pilot holes and secure them to the frame by inserting 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Add glue to the joints in order to create a rigid structure.
How to build a raised bed
Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, make sure the hoop frames are plumb and equally spaced. You could cover the raised bed with polyethylene film, to raise the air and soil temperature.
Top Tip: If you want to save yourself from work, you should install a simple drip-irrigation system. The drip emitters will deliver water to the plants roots constantly, so you just have to wait until the first harvest.
This woodworking project was about free raised garden bed plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
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2 comments
This material list for this plan is incomplete. It is similar to the raised garden bed one.
List updated.