This weekend Mr. G and I started the task of building all of my raised garden beds. If you read my previous post Throwback Road 2012 Garden Plans you know that we will end up having (6) 4x6 raised beds and (2) 4x10 beds. Last year we built (2) 4x6 beds that will grow my popcorn this year and (1) 4x4 bed which will grow my ground cherries. I made the mistake a couple years back of buying one of the pre-made raised bed units from a garden catalog. Although, it is pretty,it was way overpriced. By building our own we are able to make 3 beds for the price of one fancy catalog raised bed. That is a deal in my book!
We started out with (12) 2x8x10 cedar/non treated boards. Please make sure if you are building raised garden beds to use untreated wood. Our local Lowe's was kind enough to offer to cut the wood for us at no extra charge. I think that the lumber manager was bored and wanted something to do, but I wasn’t going to say no to an offer like that. He cut each board into two pieces….a 6ft piece and a 4ft piece ( one side and one end). If you are doing your math we ended up with (12) 6ft pieces and (12) 4ft pieces when it was all said and done. Now the fun begins…..
Don’t forget the galvanized 3'' metal screws. It is important to get screws long enough to hold this bad boy together, but also won’t rust in the elements.
We also had some 8’’ pieces cut that will act as extra support. This is also where my hardware will attach to hold my row covers. The process is simple, but I suggest two people work together on this project. All you need to do is put a 4 ft. piece and a 6 ft. piece together and attach with a screw…you are making a box. Once the box is made put a support piece at every 90 degree angle and secure. We do not have any official plans for this project but I found these Raised Garden Plans from Sunset Magazine and think they are pretty close to what we do.
The bed in this picture is actually upside down…the “feet” actually stick up. We have half of the beds made and will finish up the rest this week. I can’t wait to get them situated and filled with dirt. Gardening season is right around the corner!
This is what Big C and Little C were doing while I was quickly finishing up a couple of beds yesterday. They somehow got into the leftover ash from our outdoor fireplace and decided that it was a great medium for camouflage paint. I had to laugh at this one! Big C was quite amused…Little C was not so sure. Boys will be boys!
Happy gardening and thanks for stopping by!
Do you plant your vegetables in raised beds or in the ground?
Great pic of your kids. My husband and I are making raised garden beds this year to. I am wondering why the little feet on top? What do you use them for? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDecided to go with four 4'x4' boxes to make it easier for me to take care of, and to make the pretty center section of what I hope will eventually be a larger growing space, extended on each side of this central group of squares, along the edge of the yard with maximum daily sunshine. Cedar is way out of our budget. We are perusing Craigslist and put a note on our FB page hoping to find used untreated/unpainted lumber. If nothing turns up during the coming week, we will likely go to Lowe's and take advantage of their free cutting service, and come home with all 16 of our pieces cut to size. Topsoil needs to be ordered and hopefully all will be ready to plant by Memorial Day or thereabouts.
ReplyDeleteHappy Gardening!
Elaine Sumner
Great!
ReplyDeleteWow, I also want to know how making this Raised Garden Bed.. Thanks for this tutorial. I'll try to make this garden bed one of these days.
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ReplyDelete