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How to Make a Raised Bed Garden - Urban Farmer's Guide

Home > Gardener's Guide > How to Build a Raised Bed Garden

A raised bed garden can be used for yards that have poor soil and drainage problems. The idea of a raised bed is to build above ground, where you don’t have to battle against poor soil and bad drainage, where you have total control over the soil texture, contents and drainage.

What is a Raised Bed Garden?

A raised bed garden is a garden that is above ground and contained in an area with high sides. The gardener walks between the beds and it is a very organized way to garden. It can be any depth you choose and can be used for virtually anything you wish to plant. Herbs grown in raised beds have an advantage over in the ground growing for a few reasons.

How to Make a Raised Bed Garden

The most popular raised bed is the ‘contained raised garden bed’. They offer great growing condition for many vegetable and herb gardens, as well as for flower gardens. Also, many fruits such as strawberries, grapes and raspberries do well in raised garden beds.

Since most raised beds are constructed from wood we have created steps for a wooden raised bed.

Step One

Selecting a site is one of the most important decisions you will make when creating a raised bed garden. Make sure to pick an area that will get full sun since most vegetables need full sun. If you want to plant vegetables that need partial sun either create another bed in a different location or find a location that will receive both full and partial sun. Also make sure the area is flat so it will make it easy to water and all areas will receive a constant and equal amount of water. If you want to make watering easy try installing a drip irrigation system that will be easy to use and keep your garden perfectly watered.

Step Two

Decide the size and shape of your garden. Make sure you will be able to access all part of your garden without stepping into the bed. Try keeping the garden long and narrow which will allow you to access all your vegetables without actually stepping on the garden. This is good because your soil will not become compact from stepping all over it. This will give you carrots that will grow and grow as straight as an arrow. Remember accessibility is key and if you decide to put your garden up against a fence try making it only 3 feet wide so you don’t have to step on the garden. The depth of the raised bed garden is up to you but the deeper the better, especially if you will be growing carrots or parsnips that need deeper soil. If you can try making your bed 12 inches deep!

Step Three

The prepping of your site is very important. Once you have the shape and size of your garden you will begin building the bed. It’s a good idea to dig out the existing sod and loosen the soil below to a depth of eight to twelve inches. This will give your garden extra depth and good drainage. If you want to move fast just cover the existing sod and soil with newspaper or cardboard.

Step Four

Now it’s time to construct the bed. Use a lumber that is rot-resistant such as cedar or one of the newer composite woods to construct your bed. Depending on the size of the garden by ‘two by six’ pieces of wood that will be able to build the entire garden. Cut your pieces to the desired length, then attach them together to make a simple frame. They are many different ways to attach the wood but select one that is easy for you and will be able to hold up well for years of use.

Step Five

After constructing the frame in a location you desire make sure to level your bed from all directions. This is a necessary step because if your bed is not level, you will have a situation where water runs off of one part of the garden and sits in another. If part of your frame is high, just remove some of the soil beneath it until you have a level frame.

Step Six

After leveling it is time to fill your garden with soil and compost. This will allow you to create a garden with great soil that is ideal for the vegetables you choose to grow. Once they're filled and raked level, you're ready to plant or sow seeds.

Maintaining a Raised Bed Garden

Raised bed gardens require very little maintenance. Each spring or fall, it's a good idea to top dress with fresh compost and manure, or, if your bed only holds plants for part of the year, go ahead and dig the compost or manure into the top several inches of soil. As with any garden, mulching the top of the soil will help retain moisture and keep weeds down. Moisture retention is important, because raised beds tend to drain faster than conventional beds.

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