How to Build Raised Beds for Gardening

If you want to learn how to build raised beds for gardening, there are a number of steps that must first be taken in order to ensure that the garden bed will work for you. The most important consideration is that the garden bed must have good drainage. This is why most raised garden beds for gardening use what is called a sump pump. The pump raises and lowers the bed through a sump pit, which has holes in it. In this article, we will discuss some of the basics of how to build raised beds for gardening and the types of materials that can be used.

1. Decide the Type of Bed  

When learning how to build raised beds for gardening, you need to know what type of bed you will build. First, you should decide whether you want a bed that has a lip or a frame to it. Both types of beds can have a sloping wall behind them, where the soil is placed. There is also a choice between a wall and a sloped wall that has a wooden frame on each side. It is up to you to choose how much-sloped wall or frame your bed has.

2. Decide the Type of Wood

2.1 Timber

Next, you will have to decide which type of timber you will use to build your garden bed. You can find Raised Beds for gardening in a number of different timbers.

2.2 Cedar

The most common type of timber used in raised garden beds is that which is called cedar. Cedar makes a great garden bed because of its natural insulation properties. It also helps keep out the dampness of the soil, making it a great selection for your Raised Garden Bed.

2.3 Pine Wood

Pine wood is another timber commonly used for garden beds. It is also an extremely popular choice due to the ease of working with this timber. Some people prefer to work with birch wood for their garden beds. However, pine wood does have its benefits as well and is often preferred because of its availability. Pine wood is softwood that is very easy to work with.

3. Choose the Material for Sides of Bed

The next step in how to build a Raised Bed is to choose what material you will be using for the sides of the bed. Some people choose to create a full-length garden bench. These benches are often about forty-five inches in length. Other people may want to create a small sitting area by placing a stool along the side of the raised bed. Some may even want to use benches as a footrest for their feet while they sit on their Raised Garden Bed.

4. Planting in Raised-Bed Garden

Once you have your garden bed in place, you are ready to begin planting. To begin, select the plants that you are going to use to fill it out. If you are planting vegetables, then you need to purchase pots that are large enough to hold all of the plants. You also need to buy some soil, fertilizers and potting soil.

5. Prepare Area Around Garden Bed

Once the plants are in the pots and the soil is mixed, then you can begin preparing the area around the garden bed. To prepare the ground for planting, you will want to rake it thoroughly to remove all of the rocks and small pieces of dirt that may have been left behind from the plants. Then, you will want to add two to three inches of top soil to help the soil to drain. Water the soil and make sure it is moist. This will help the plants to thrive and grow healthy.

6. Watering and Mulching

When the plants are planted, then you will need to water them daily, but only enough to keep the soil damp. You will also want to mulch the plants once a year to help keep the soil moist. Mulching is important because it helps to conserve moisture that is in the soil and it also gives the plants some protection from birds and other wildlife that can eat the plants. Bird food is also a good mulch because it keeps the soil moist and healthy.

7. Conclusion

Once your DIY raised garden bed is complete, you can sit back and relax while watching your plants grow. You can take the time to watch them grow and notice the color of each as they mature. In time, you may even be able to harvest the plants and add them to your garden. The beauty of a DIY raised garden bed is that you can be proud of the results. You did the work yourself!