You don’t need an elaborate garden to enjoy fresh vegetables and colorful flowers. Consider installing a raised garden bed. All you need are a few materials, a small space and a few hours to complete this simple project.
Now we’re going to build another bed to match there beds. The size is going to be 2x4s by 4x4 posts at the corner. This is a basic container but you can build your garden bed from almost anything including stone, concrete, blocks or even just a pile of soil. You can even construct a raised bed as part of a deck. Now whatever method you use, just make sure you have at least 6 inches of soil for the plant’s roots to grow. Oh and if you’re plating vegetables, do not use treated wood.
In some regions, you can use standard lumber but we’re using cedar because it resists decay and it looks great. So here is what we’ll need for our project; 2x4’s, a 4x4 post, a tape measure, pencil and square, a drill with bits and screw, a circular saw, a dust mask, work gloves, safety glasses, landscape fabric, a shovel and hoe, a level, a utility knife, sawhorses, soil, a wheelbarrow to transport soil, a soaker hose and some flowers or vegetables.
You’re going to find detailed instructions with tools, materials and diagrams with this project at Lowes.com/videos.
Now the first thing to do is to select a location. You want a spot that gets plenty of sun and it helps to have access to four sides of the bed. If you build your bed next to your house or a fence, you might need to make it smaller so can reach the far side of the bed.
Once you have your location, mark the dimensions of the container on the ground and remove the sod. You don’t have to dig too deep, just enough to remove the grass.
Now it’s probably a good idea to check the ground with a level, making any adjustments as needed. And this is easier before the box is in place. Then lay landscape fabric over the area. Roll out enough so that it’s a little larger than your planting bed.
Okay, now let’s start building the box. For larger beds, you may have to anchor the posts into the ground. Now our bed is small so we won’t have to do that. It will be 3 ft x 5 ft. But you build yours to a size that works best for you.
Cut the 2 x 4s and 4 x 4 post to length. Drill pilot holes into the ends of the 2 x 4s. Now secure the 2 x 4s to the 4 x 4, making sure it’s flush with the top of the post. And even in square on the sides. Attach the 2 x 4s with screws and secure the posts on the other end the same way.
Now build the same thing for the other side of the box. Then add the 2 x 4s for the ends. The box is constructed so we can just set it in place. Make sure it is leveled. And when it is set, cut the excess landscape fabric.
Now fill the container with soil. If you have a compost pile, mix some into the soil. You can also add special fertilizers.
Now we can add our plants. Just pull the dirt bag. Put the plants in place and pack the soil around the roots.
The next step in this project is the irrigation plan. Now you can use recycled water from a rain barrel and to see how to install the rain barrel, visit lowes.com/videos or you can use a soaker hose to get water to the roots efficiently. Just lay it along a row of plants and cover it with soil. You can add a timer to the soaker hose to automatically water your plants for you.
And now your raised garden bed is complete. It’s a simple project that will give you years of enjoyment. For other outdoor projects including water-wise landscaping, visit Lowes.com/videos.
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