Instructions* for Building a Raised Garden Bed
Supplies
Materials
2, 10’x1”x10” cypress or cedar—untreated rough sawn lumber
1, 6’x1”x10” cypress or cedar —untreated rough sawn lumber,
cut in half
1, 3’x1”x8” cypress or cedar—untreated rough sawn lumber
1, 8’x1”x1” untreated post—cut into 4 equal sections
32, 2½ ” rust proof deck screws
Newspaper (if placing bed directly on grass or weeds)
1 cubic yard of organic grade soil (preferably mushroom )
Newspaper
Tools
Drill with bits
Sledge hammer
Hand saw
Shovel
Garden rake
Wheelbarrow or buckets to move soil
Assembly
Instructions
1. Pre-drill the
end and midpoint of each long board with three holes (in a vertical line). This is where the screws will enter to secure
the short boards to make the box.
2. With the short
board sitting inside the top edge of the long pre-drilled boards, drill screws
through both boards to assemble the box.
3. Insert the third
short board (8”) as a brace midway, and screw it to the long boards.
4. Place the box on
its predetermined location.
5. Use your
sledgehammer, drive one (24”) stake into the ground as far as possible (at
least 18”) at each inside corner of the box.
Cut off any extra so stake is level with top of bed.
6. Secure the box to
the stakes using four screws (two screws at each right angle of box).
7. Fill
bed with soil, overfilling to create a slight sloping mound.
Note: If the bed is placed on
grass or weeds, use four layers of newspaper and line bottom before filling with
soil.
* Supply list and assembly instructions are based on UPE’s
garden bed design as instructed by Triskeles Foundation.
Other Options for raised bed gardens:
Straw bales
Cinder blocks or bricks
Plastic containers (BPA free)
Landscaping ties (untreated)
Metal buckets/drums
“The Big Bag Bed”
