Gardening is not only a fun hobby, but can increase your property’s physical appeal. Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting out, raised garden beds are a wonderful way to explore gardening. In fact, they make the planting experience far easier and more enjoyable. Creating a raised garden bed is a fun, simple project you can do at home. Here’s how to build a raised garden bed step by step.
Building Your Raised Garden Bed
Before you start working on your raised garden bed, be sure to collect any necessary supplies and tools. Here’s a general list of what you’ll need.
- Wood (cedar, redwood, cypress are all good options)
- Screws
- Special soil mix
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Saw (if you cut the wood yourself)
- Drill
- Bolt tightener
You can also get a weed barrier, such as cardboard or cloth, to add to your raised garden bed to prevent weed growth. For the soil mix, we recommend a combination of compost, topsoil, and sand.
Trim Your Leaves Carefully
Once you have all your supplies and tools ready, it’s now time to start the project. Wood is one of the most common materials to use to build a raised garden bed; however, some opt to use plastic or stone instead. Let’s break down each step.
Select a Location and Determine Size
The first thing you want to do is to pick out a convenient location for your raised garden bed. Select an area that gets a good amount of sun, as many plants need 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. Consider the plants you want to grow and their sunlight needs when deciding a location for your raised garden bed. Pick an area that has sufficient drainage, because water overflow can harm your plants. Once you have a location in mind, you can decide on the size of the raised garden bed. One of the most common dimensions is 4ft wide by 8ft long, this allows you to easily reach the middle of the bed from each side.
Preparing the Area and Cutting the Wood
Before beginning construction, clean the area where you’ll be building your raised garden bed. Remember to remove any existing weeds or debris, as they can cause issues with the build. Once you have prepared a spot for your raised garden bed, you can start to cut the wood. Measure the selected area and cut the wood based on your chosen dimensions. If you know the dimensions ahead of time, you can get the wood cut in advance at a home improvement store.
Putting the Raised Garden Bed Together
After the wood is cut, you can put the bed together. Use screws to attach the four pieces together to form the bed’s frame. Drill the screws in and ensure they are tightened. Make sure your raised garden bed has square corners, you can use a measuring tape and level to check it’s put together at right angles.
Leveling the Bed
One of the most important steps is to ensure your raised garden bed is leveled and secure. Remove excess dirt and take the time to properly level the bed. Any tilts can become problematic later on. To avoid shifting, use stakes or corner brackets to secure your garden bed in place.
Add Soil and Plants
Once the bed is leveled, spread the soil mixture. After the soil is placed, you can put already growing plants or seeds in your bed. Be sure to choose plants that grow well in Florida’s hot climate. Have fun and be creative! Remember to put sufficient space between the plants so they have enough room to blossom.
Keeping Your Raised Garden Bed Healthy
It’s pretty easy to keep your raised garden bed healthy. Make sure to water your garden frequently, but not too much, or this can be harmful in the long run. Once the soil settles, you might need to add more compost to help your plants grow. If you see any pests, remove them as soon as you can. We recommend adding mulch around your plants to help keep them hydrated.
Why Should You Build a Raised Garden Bed?
A raised garden bed, or a garden built above the ground, has many key benefits. These include:
Soil Control
The gardener can control how much soil and what type of soil is used.
Drains Better
Since the soil in a raised garden bed is not in the ground, it can drain more effectively.
Not as Many Weeds
A raised garden bed’s design controls weed development.
Less Bending
Gardening can take a physical toll, with a raised garden bed, you don’t have to bend down as much.
Gardening Made Easy
Are you looking for a landscaping partner who can help you with your gardening? Progressive Lawn & Landscaping’s experienced team can design a garden for you that thrives in Florida’s warm weather. We will provide guidance on what plant types to include, what soil mixture to use, and much more. Our landscapers can also help with maintenance, ensuring your garden grows to its fullest potential. To learn more about our garden design and care services, contact us today and receive a free quote.
