3-Step Guide to Building a Raised Garden Bed

Add flowers, herbs, or veggies to even the smallest patio. Growing your own produce is a classic case of expectations vs. reality. (The reality often including lots of poor, acidic, or even lead-contaminated soil.) But don’t give up on home-grown crops just yet. 3-Step Guide to Building a Raised Garden Bed!

Building your own raised garden beds — for both edible and decorative plants — is easier than you think. Just stick to a simple design and pick up a hammer for a DIY garden you’ll use all summer-long.

 1. Plan It

Choosing a square or rectangular layout for simplicity’s sake. As for materials, regular wood won’t hold up to rain and moisture. Instead, opt for vinyl or pressure-treated lumber, which is specifically designed to be weather-resistant.

Most home stores — including Lowe’s and Home Depot — will even cut the wood for you. If you’re placing your garden bed directly on the ground, a bottom isn’t necessary. Just make sure the sides are tall enough for at least 6 inches of soil, so the roots don’t reach the earth beneath the bed.

 2. Build It

Nail the sides together with a hammer. For a portable bed, build a base and attach casters. With or without wheels, if you do add a bottom, drill 1-inch holes every 12 inches to allow excess water to escape.

 3. Plant It

Fill about three-quarters of the bed with soil, then spray the dirt with water to help it settle. Plant your crops as you normally would and then cover with a final, thin layer of dirt. Wait one to two weeks before fertilizing so your plants can adjust to their new home.

Source: Recommended Tips