Raised Bed Gardening - Building the Structure

The purpose of constructing a raised bed garden canthe cost of construction materials. That said, beds
be varied; adding visual interest to the landscaping,should not be too long. Feet and garden equipment
reducing the amount of bending and stoopingshould be kept out of the bed as much as possible
required as you tend to your garden, and providingto avoid compacting the soil.
an optimal growing environment where soil conditionsAs an example, if your plan calls for a bed forty feet
are less than ideal.long, it is a good idea to construct two beds 19 feet
To begin your raised bed garden, the first step is tolong with a two foot pathway in between. This
decide the dimensions you would prefer. Probably thearrangement will also save you a great many steps
most widely used depth dimension used is four feetas you tend your raised bed garden.
(48"). A bed this deep is accessible from both sidesHow high you raise the bed will depend mostly on
without an inconvenient spot in the middle. Also, ifyou. Factors to keep in mind are that most plants
you are using lumber in the construction, it is widelyrequire a minimum rooting zone of between 6 and 12
available in 4 foot lengths which will reduce theinches and deeper is better. Also, the higher you build
amount of cutting and waste.your retaining structure, the more attention must be
Tip: If your bed is not going to be accessible frompaid to foundations, bracing, and supports which
both sides, you should limit the depth to no moreincrease both the cost and the complexity of the
than three feet (36") to be sure you can get to allproject.
parts of the bed.Dimensional lumber such as 2X8s can easily be held in
The length of your new bed is not critical except asplace using rot resistant stakes on the inside of the
to how it fits visually into the overall landscape andstructure and attached with screws.