
What You Need for This Project
Tools
What Type of Wood to Use
The wood to use for a raised bed is your decision. Here are some options:
- Cedar and redwood are naturally water-resistant but can be expensive and hard to find. Hemlock, fir, and pine are suitable materials for raised beds but aren't very long-lasting.
- Pressure-treated lumber has been a controversial topic for many years. The purpose of chemical pressure treatment is to protect wood from rot, decay, and wood-ingesting insects. Creosote-treated wood is not a good option for vegetable raised beds.
Compared to untreated wood, pressure treated lumber lasts longer and is available at a comparable cost. Some types are specifically treated for ground contact. But keep in mind that even water-based treatments such as ACQ contain the fungicide and pesticide necessary to make it effective. Here are some practices that may address concerns about using it in raised beds.
- Let the wood dry before use. It can take six months or longer for treated lumber to dry.
- You can then use as-is or paint or seal it.
- Line the interior sides of the bed with sheet plastic or pond liner.
- Plant edibles nearer the center of the bed, a few inches away from the wood.
Guidelines
- Use fasteners and hardware labeled for treated lumber — stainless-steel or hot-dipped, galvanized screws.
- Butt lumber tightly. Pressure treated wood shrinks as it dries.
- Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting when nailing or screwing boards.
- Use wood rated for ground contact when necessary for the project.
Safety
- Wear gloves, a dust mask and eye protection when handling or cutting wood.
- Wash your hands after working with treated wood.
- Dispose of sawdust and waste according to local regulations.
- Don't burn pressure treated wood.
- Don't use pressure treated wood as mulch.
Building Your Garden Bed
Cut Your Garden Bed Walls
Tip: For our frame, we cut six 6-ft. boards, six 3-ft.-9-in. boards, and ten 10-1/2-in. support posts. You can build this bed with ten 2-in. by 4-in. by 10-in. boards.

Attach the Posts

Connect all the Sides

Outline Bed
Note: A large frame is heavy and unwieldy. You may need a helper when it’s time to move it.

Remove Grass

Attach Wide-Mesh Hardware

Attach Heavy Duty Plastic to the Bottom of the Frame

Planting & Care
Add Soil

Plant
Set the plants in holes and lightly fill in with soil. Keep the soil loose around the plants to allow water to reach the roots.
Tip: If you use container plants, break up the root ball before planting.

Water
Tip: A timer on a soaker hose can make as simple task like watering even easier.

How to Terms
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