A simple DIY tutorial on how to build a raised garden bed for your home.
There is a joy in growing your own food and to do this you do not need a huge garden, you can use the easier method of garden beds. We decided to make two garden beds for our backyard and the size of these raised boxes is 3ft x 8ft. We, also, wanted the option of placing solar lights on the posts to light up the backyard.
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DIY Raised garden boxes
MATERIALS:
Supplies and instructions for two beds:
- (6) 2″x12″x8ft Redwood boards
- (1) 4″x4″x10ft Redwood post
- (1 box) 2-1/2″ outdoor screws
- (8) Solar Lights (optional)
- bags of soil
- plants
TOOLS:
- Miter Saw
- Tape Measure
- Drill
- Pencil
- safety glasses
- face mask (for dust)
- ear protection
- shovel
- rake
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I read a lot on what wood to use and everywhere said the two best options for outdoor use was Redwood or Cedar. Do NOT use treated wood because this can affect your plants.
THE PLANS:
To help you with this project, I have created some free printables. You will have to subscribe to my newsletter to receive the FREE PDF. If you have questions, please visit the Q&A page on free printables/plans.
STEP 1: Cut the wood
CUT LIST for two garden boxes:
(4) – 36″ from 2″x12″ boards
(8) – 15″ from 4″x4″ post
Start by cutting the wood to the cut list. You will only cut two 2″x12″ but the other four are already cut to size.
SIDE NOTE: We had to flip the boards on our miter saw to cut the full 12″ board.
STEP 2: Mark the boards
Now take your pencil and mark your 4×4 legs. Mark 2″ down from the top of each post. Turn every post one direction (rotate once) and mark 2″ again. This line is where your 2″x12″ boards will line up on the leg.
These next marks you do not have to make but it will give you a more finished look. Mark the end of the 2″x12″ boards for where the screws are going to be placed, follow the photo below for where to place the marks.
UPDATE: On the longer side- 8ft, place two more marks (where screws will be placed), closer to the edge of the board where the two boards meet.
Next drill a hole into each mark, make sure the drill bit is smaller than the screw. Doing this will help the boards from not cracking when placing the screws.
STEP 3: Assemble the sides
Take a 36″ board and place it on two leg pieces, lining up the edges and the line you marked earlier. Make sure the other line is facing the side where the other board will go.
Then drill in the 2-1/2″ screws where you pre-drilled for both sides of the board. Complete this step for each 36″ board.
Here is an example of what the side piece should look like.
STEP 4: Assembling the garden box
Next is adding the 8ft board to the side pieces. Stand the side piece up and place the 8ft board on top, making sure the mark on the leg is facing where you place the 8ft board.
SIDE NOTE: It is helpful to have another person to hold the boards.
On one side of the 8ft board, line up the board to the marked line on the leg but have the end flush with the side board.
After lining up the boards, attach the boards together with the 2-1/2″ screws.
Do the same thing for the other side of the 8ft board.
After you have both sides of the 8ft board attached, flip the boards so that the just added 8ft board is on the ground. Then repeat the step by adding the other side with another 8ft board.
Complete this step again to create your second box.
STEP 5: Place your garden boxes
Decide where you want to place your garden boxes then dig in that location where the frame of the boxes will be in the ground. You want to box to be under the dirt by about an inch.
After you have dug for where the frame will sit, place box into the hole and level the box.
SIDE NOTE: I read that you should have your boxes at a slight slope. This way the water can drain easier. But you can decide what you want to do.
Fill in around where you dug for the frame then place your gardening soil into your boxes.
TIP: Place a weed barrier first to help prevent unwanted growth in your garden boxes.
Next add the solar lights to the posts to give your garden boxes some light.
The raised garden boxes are now complete and you can plant your favorite plants.
How to build a raised garden bed
Making a garden bed doesn't need to be difficult. Follow these steps on how to build a raised garden bed to create your own 3ft by 8ft gardening space. Visit the post to get the plans.
Materials
- (6) 2"x12"x8ft Redwood boards
- (1) 4"x4"x10ft Redwood post
- (1 box) 2-1/2" outdoor screws
- (8) Solar Lights (optional)
- bags of soil
- plants
Tools
- miter saw
- Tape Measure
- Drill
- Pencil
- safety glasses
- face mask (for dust)
- ear protection
- shovel
- rake
Instructions
- Cut (4) 36" pieces from the 2"x12" boards and (8) 15" from the 4"x4" post.
- Mark the side boards and predrill holes for where the screws will be placed.
- Also mark the legs 2" from the top.
- Assemble the 36" pieces to two legs with the 2" mark above the 36" pieces and attach each post with three screws.
- Assemble the 36" pieces and legs to the longer 8ft side boards using five screws per side.
- Place your garden beds into the ground. Then fill with dirt and plant your plants.
