How to Build Wooden Raised Planter Boxes
Raising the bed of a garden has many benefits. Raised soil stays warmer longer, extending the growing season. Because it will not be walked on and compacted, a raised garden bed will have better soil conditions. You can make a temporary raised bed by piling up the dirt with no structure surrounding it. For a permanent structure, build a wooden planter box. Building a planter box high enough decreases the need to lean over, making the garden wheelchair-accessible and easier to work for those with back or knee problems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Spade
- Roto-tiller
- Railroad ties
- Drill
- Sledgehammer
- 1/2-inch rebar
- Screws
Instructions
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Lay your railroad ties in the shape of your bed. Mark the area by plunging your flat-headed spade into the soil along the outside of the railroad ties.
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2
Plunge the spade down into the center of the marked out area, and dig down one spade's depth deep. Remove the soil from the area.
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3
Till the area down to a depth of 4 to 8 inches to fluff the soil. Return the old soil to the area.
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4
Dig down around the fluffed soil to a depth that is half the height of your first railroad tie. Place the railroad tie in the trench.
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5
Drill two holes into the top of the railroad ties, at the ends.
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Hit a piece of rebar into the holes drilled into the ties so that one foot of rebar goes into the ground. This holds the tie down. Cut the rest of the rebar using a hacksaw to make it flush with the top of the tie.
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7
Place the new railroad ties on top of the first level. Cut the railroad ties and lay them on the first level so that the corners are overlapping, much like brickwork. Staggering strengthens the wall. Drill screws down into the new ties to attach them to the first level. Continue building the bed until it is at your desired height.
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Tips & Warnings
Make the bed no more than 4 feet wide so it is workable from both sides.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
