Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
I've often recommended raised bed gardens to new gardeners, and for many reasons. First of all, they're easier on your back and joints. Since a raised bed is usually a foot or higher, you can sit on a stool and work rather than on your knees.
Second, you'll have fewer weeds and pests to deal with. And third, the loose soil means you'll have less trouble planting seeds, better drainage, and a longer growing season. There are other reasons raised bed gardens are great, but you get the idea.
They're not very difficult to make, either. All you need is a few pieces of lumber, some peat moss, some compost, and a little bit of time. This video is by Hollis & Nancy's Homestead shows you how to build a raised bed that is 4 feet by 8 feet.
I summarized the steps below, but I would also watch the video so you can see how it's done.
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Raw Materials
- 3 pieces of 2×10 board, 8 feet long
- 1 piece of 4×4 board, 8 feet long
Steps to Build the Raised Bed
1. Cut the wood
Cut the wood the following lengths:
- 2 pieces of 2×10, 8 feet long (side rails)
- 2 pieces of 2×10, 45 inches long (end pieces)
- 4 pieces of 4×4, 24 inches long (corner supports)
2. Assemble the frame
- Attach each end piece to two corner supports.
- Use nails to hold the pieces temporarily, then pre-drill and screw them together.
- Stand the end pieces upright, then attach the side rails.
- Flip and repeat for the opposite side.
3. Prepare the site
- Dig in the corner posts with post hole diggers.
- Level the box to prevent water runoff.
- Loosen the ground inside the bed with a cultivator.
- Remove grass, roots, and debris.
4. Fill the raised bed
Use a 3-layer soil mix:
- Peat moss (base layer).
- Organic compost (cow manure or other natural compost).
- Miracle-Gro compost (top layer).
Mix and level the soil.
Watch the video below to see it done.
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