How to Build a Raised Garden Box

Completed Raised Garden Box

Want to grow vegetables without much work. Raised beds are the easiest way to get a garden started as all you have to do is build a box and fill it with dirt, that's it!

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Nails
• Tape Measure
• Saw (Circular or Miter Saw)

1. Determine how big of a box you want to build. Rectangles are the easiest.
   For example a single tomato plant needs about 4 square feet (2 feet x 2 feet). If you buy plants at a nursery they will be happy to tell you how much room you need to grow them.

2. Figure out how much lumber you need.
   Just add up the perimeter of the box you need. If you are using 2x6's, double the length (you will want to make it two high). 2x12 work great. Also you will need 4 feet of board to make the corners stronger.

3. Buy the lumber (and nails, hammer, etc. if you don't already have them).
   Redwood works best (it is getting pretty pricey these days, but will last.) Pressure treat will last, but is full of chemicals you don't want. Doug fir is nice, but will not hold up too many years.

4. Cut you lumber to the desired length and width.
   Don't forget to add three inches to the width if you want you boxes to look pretty on the outside.

5. Cut four pieces of lumber to about 10 inches tall for the four corners.
   If you have a table saw you can cut wider boards smaller, but it is not necessary.

6. Put it together.
   Nail the length boards to corner boards making sure they are even at the ends. Then nail the width boards to the corners so they overlap the length boards and everything looks square and even.

7. Add dirt and then put you plants in.

Tips & Warnings

• To save money on potting soil, use a compost mix that you can mix with existing dirt on you lot.

• Don't forget to give your plants enough water.