How to build a raised garden bed

Gardening starts from the ground up, and building a raised bed is the most effective way to control your soil quality and drainage. By elevating your planting surface, you eliminate soil compaction and make weeding significantly less taxing on your back and knees. A well-built bed lasts for years, provided you use rot-resistant materials and secure the corners properly. A project done right results in a rigid, square structure that keeps your soil contained and provides a clean, professional aesthetic to your yard or patio.

1. Find and Flatten Your Site. Choose a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Clear away any grass or weeds, then use a carpenter's level and a shovel to flatten the area so your frame sits flush against the earth.
2. Cut Cedar to Size. Cut your cedar boards into four pieces to match your desired bed dimensions. A standard four-by-eight-foot size is ideal for reaching the center of the bed from either side without stepping into the soil.
3. Screw Corners Rock-Solid. Stand your boards on edge to form the perimeter. Use a drill to create pilot holes at each corner, then fasten the boards together using exterior-grade deck screws driven into a vertical corner post.
4. Dial In Perfect Corners. Check for square by measuring diagonally from corner to opposite corner. Adjust the frame until both diagonal measurements are identical, then stake the corners if the frame feels unstable.
5. Barrier Against Weeds. Lay heavy-duty landscape fabric or a layer of thick cardboard at the bottom of the bed. This allows for drainage while preventing weeds and grass from growing up into your garden soil.
6. Load the Perfect Soil Mix. Combine equal parts screened topsoil and high-quality organic compost. Fill the bed to within two inches of the top rim, ensuring the mix is evenly distributed and lightly compacted.