If you plan to have several planting beds side-by-side, orient them so the long sides face north-south. This will prevent the beds from shading each other. Avoid building your planting bed under a tree to prevent excessive shade and leaf litter.
To check if the ground where you want to build is level, hammer 2 stakes into the ground around the same distance apart as the length of the planter you want to build. Tie a length of string between the stakes and hang a carpenter’s level on it. If the area is level, the bubble should appear between the 2 center lines. If you can’t find a level part of your lawn, you may have to topdress it to even out bumps, or even build a terrace if your whole yard slopes. You can level out uneven areas in your yard by filling in depressions with soil and tamping it down.
If possible, leave at least 18 inches (46 cm) between the planting bed and any surrounding beds or planters so you can move between them easily. You can build your planting bed up against a wall or fence if you wish, but you’ll need to make it narrow enough so you can easily reach plants at the back of the bed (i. e. , at most 2 feet (0. 61 m) wide). [5] X Research source
For example, you might build a planting bed that’s 4 feet (1. 2 m) wide and 8 feet (2. 4 m) long. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education Go to source
A higher planting bed also has the advantage of being easier to reach without bending over or squatting as much.
Most modern pressure-treated or chemically treated lumbers no longer contain arsenic or other toxic compounds. Choose a copper-based treatment such as ACQ, which is considered safe for food crops. If you’d rather avoid chemically treated wood altogether, get a more durable type of natural wood, such as cedar, redwood, or cypress. These types of lumber are more expensive than less durable woods, like pine, but they may last for up to 20 years.
For example, if you want to make a planter that’s 2 feet (0. 61 m) wide by 4 feet (1. 2 m) long, cut 2 planks that are 2 feet (0. 61 m) long and 2 planks that are 4 feet (1. 2 m) long to make the sides of the frame. [11] X Research source You may be able to cut your boards to the desired length at the store where you buy them.
Use a shovel or spade to cut grooves into the turf along the outer edges of the planting bed site. [12] X Research source Alternatively, mark out the corners with stakes and run string or twine between them to define the edges of the bed.
Purchase or rent a sod cutter to make this task easier, especially if you’re building a long planting bed. [15] X Research source If you come across any large rocks or old roots under the turf, remove those as well. If you remove the turf carefully enough, you may be able to save it and use it to patch another area of your lawn.
Purchase or rent a sod cutter to make this task easier, especially if you’re building a long planting bed. [15] X Research source If you come across any large rocks or old roots under the turf, remove those as well. If you remove the turf carefully enough, you may be able to save it and use it to patch another area of your lawn.
To make it easier for your plants to root in the soil under the bed, remove the top layer of loosened soil and then dig down about a spade’s length deeper. Put the soil you removed back in the bed and mix the 2 layers of loose soil together.
Use stakes that are long enough to reach the tops of the planter walls after you drive them in. If you’re building a long planter (e. g. , longer than 4–6 feet (1. 2–1. 8 m), you may need to drive in stakes every 3 feet (0. 91 m) for extra support.
To improve drainage, pour a little gravel into the bottom of the trench. [20] X Research source
You might find it easier to pre-drill the planks if you are using screws. You can also create a frame by attaching the boards together with brackets, then simply set it in place around the outside of the bed. [22] X Research source Then, fix it to the stakes for extra stability. If the boards you’re using aren’t wide enough to achieve the height you want, use taller stakes and build up the walls with 2 or more courses of boards. For example, use stakes that extend 24 inches (61 cm) above the ground, then built the sides of the frame with 2 rows of boards that are 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
The hardware cloth will keep out pests without preventing good drainage or rooting.
The type of soil and fertilizer you need will depend on what you’re growing in your planter. Research the needs of the plants you’re interested in growing or talk to someone at your local garden center. [25] X Research source
Plants that grow tall, such as tomatoes, cucumber vines, pole beans, or tall flowers like foxgloves, are good choices for raised beds. You may need to support them with stakes or trellises. [28] X Research source
For larger planting beds, it may be helpful to install an automated irrigation system to make sure the plants get all the water they need.
Cut sections of stiff 1 in (2. 5 cm) pipe to the same length as the height of the frame (e. g. , 18 inches (46 cm)). Use clamps and screws to attach 2 sections of 1 in (2. 5 cm) tube opposite each other on the inside of the frame anywhere you want to install an arch. For example, you might install these tubes at both ends and the middle of the planter frame. Insert 1 end of the 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) pipe into one of the short tube sections, bend it in the middle to create an arch, and insert the other end into the tube section on the opposite side of the planter.
