How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

Build a raised garden bed by constructing a rectangular frame from cedar boards, securing the corners with screws, placing it on level ground, and filling with quality soil mix.

1. Find Your Perfect Sunny Spot. Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Mark out your bed dimensions - 4 feet wide is ideal since you can reach the center from either side without stepping on the soil. Length can vary based on your space, but 8 feet is a popular starting size. Avoid low-lying areas where water pools.
2. Cut Boards to Spec. Use cedar, redwood, or composite lumber for longevity. For a 4x8 foot bed, cut two boards at 8 feet for the long sides and two at 4 feet for the short sides. Cedar 2x8 or 2x10 boards work well for most vegetables. Avoid pressure-treated lumber near edible plants.
3. Clear and Level Ground. Clear the area of grass and weeds. You can lay cardboard over grass to suppress weeds, but remove rocks and debris first. Level the ground as much as possible using a rake. The surface doesn't need to be perfectly flat, but major dips or humps should be addressed.
4. Lock Corners Square. Lay the boards on the ground in rectangle formation. Drill pilot holes at the corners to prevent splitting, then secure with 3-inch deck screws. Use corner brackets on the inside for extra strength, or cut notches in the boards for a more finished look. Check that corners are square using the 3-4-5 triangle method.
5. Achieve Perfectly Level Frame. Move the assembled frame to its final location. Use a level to check all sides. If one corner is high, dig out soil beneath it rather than adding soil to raise the low corners. The frame should sit firmly without rocking when pressed.
6. Fortify Against Burrowers. Staple quarter-inch hardware cloth to the bottom of the frame to keep out gophers and moles. This step is optional but recommended if you have burrowing pest problems. Overlap seams by several inches and secure well.
7. Fill and Water Thoroughly. Use a blend of one-third compost, one-third peat moss or coconut coir, and one-third vermiculite for excellent drainage and nutrients. Alternatively, buy bagged raised bed soil mix. Fill to within an inch of the top. The soil will settle over time. Water thoroughly to help everything settle.