A garden featuring a raised bed is currently in style. A blessing for gardens that feature poor drainage or soil, because it allows the gardener to have full control over the soil. With a walled border surrounding it, the raised garden looks modern and clean. It is easy to keep children and pets away from the area and the elevated height is more convenient for gardeners because it puts less strain on the back, not having to bend over to tend to the garden.
You will need:
Chalk line
Measuring tape
Gravel
Shovel
Two 12-inch x 12-inch x 6-foot boards
Two 12-inch x 2-inch x 4-foot, 4-inch boards
Wood screws
Drill
24 cubic feet of garden soil
Step 1: Decide on the garden location. Afternoon shade and morning sun will reach an eastward-facing area and this is great for vegetables. Measure a rectangle with 4-foot by 6-foot dimensions and use the chalk line to mark the perimeter.
Step 2: Remove grass from the area by digging out the location for the garden, shoveling away turf plus the first three or four inches of soil.
Step 3: Pour an even, thin layer of the gravel into the area. This will keep grass and weeds from growing. Walk on the plot to flatten it so a level foundation is created.
Step 4: Construct the frame of the garden. Use the wood screws and drill to connect boards to form a rectangular shape. Space five wood screws about one-inch apart on the outside of the 6-foot boards. Screw these into the edges of the 4-foot, 4-inch boards, making corners flush. The extra 4 inches from the 4-foot board will then overlap the longer board, forming a rectangle that is 6-foot by 4-foot.
Step 5: Put the wooden frame into the dug out area. If you accurately measured the frame and plot, it should be a perfect fit. If it is not, replace or remove grass to make the fit level and secure. In addition, put some of the shoveled dirt around the outer edge of the wood frame to secure it.
Step 6: Pour the compost or garden soil into the wood frame, filling it to about an inch from the top.
Step 7: Transplant flowers, plants, or vegetables from other areas of the yard or sow new seeds.
