DIY: How to Create a Raised Garden Bed

Raised Garden Bed

Spring is here! That means it’s time to start your gardening projects in time to have delicious, fresh veggies and herbs, or a bountiful flower garden all summer long!

Not enough space in your backyard for a big vegetable or flower garden? Raised garden beds are the perfect solution for gardeners with limited space!

In this blog, we’ll run through a step-by-step guide on how to create a raised garden bed for vegetables or flowers.

1. Choose Your Materials

Select your bed frame materials. This can be as simple as regular 2×4’s or even patio retaining wall blocks. The size is up to you!

The height of the bed should be at least 6 inches high, which gives the plants’ roots plenty of room to grow.

 

2. Mark the Perimeter

Once you’re done putting together your raised garden bed, it’s time to select a sunny spot ideal for growing and relocate the frame. Remember, if you’re growing vegetables, you need to find an extra sunny spot with plenty of late day sunlight.

Using an edger or spade, mark the ground around the perimeter of the frame.

 

3. Prepare the Soil

Now that you’ve created the frame and marked the perimeter, set it aside so you can start preparing the soil. Use a sod cutter or grub hoe to skim away the grass layer, if one exists.

 

4. Anchor the Raised Garden Bed

Once you’ve leveled it out, dig a 5- to 6-inch deep hole for each of the corner posts. Then sink each post into the ground, using a 4-foot level to level it out.

 

5. Add a Layer of Hardware Cloth to Keep Out Pests

Gophers and moles can sometimes be an issue with garden beds. To keep them out of your garden, add a layer of hardware cloth before you pour in your planting soil. Rake any existing soil at the bottom of the bed to level it out. Then smooth it out. Line the bed bottom with hardware cloth, making sure the cloth is flat against the bottom of the bed and touching each side. Secure the cloth by stapling it to the sides of the bed.

 

6. Add Your Soil

Fill the bed with a 50/50 mixture of planting soil and compost. Once the bed is full, rake the soil smooth and moisten it with a slight spray from the hose.

 

7. Plant!

Now it’s time to plant your vegetable, flowers and herbs! Plant anything you like that works in your area.

 

7. Water Regularly

Don’t forget to water your plants often! After all, you’ve spent a long time putting together your garden bed, so you want to make sure you are taking good care of your vegetables and flowers.

 

Now get started on your spring garden bed project, and start enjoying fresh produce and gorgeous flowers!

Lawn care or gardening questions?

Visit us in Greenville or Windham to discuss your project with one of our experts. You can find everything you need to create your beautiful garden with help from GNH Lumber.

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