If there is one thing that always seems to catch the centre of those walk through our test gardens at the farm , it is our homemade raise layer garden boxes – and it does n’t take long for those who notices our DIY garden boxes to ask just how easy and expensive it is to build them .
Raised layer gardening has so many vantage for so many dissimilar horticulture situations . For those with mobility government issue , it brings the garden up – taking aside the hard chore of kneeling or bending over to plant , weewee , weed and harvest .
But beyond being easy to knead , raised beds also are great for creating a garden space where no soil exists . When cryptic enough , they can be placed on terrace , concrete or crushed rock . And by their very nature of being off the ground , evoke bed also have the vantage of having far few weeds and weed military issue than a traditional garden .
One of our rough-sawn 2×6 raised bed boxes in our test garden – all ready for planting!
So what ’s not to hump about this incredible way to develop ? For many , the drawbacks add up down to three crucial factor – the monetary value of raised beds , their appearance , and their long term durability .
permit ’s confront it , some commercially uncommitted raised beds can be astronomical in price . And beyond that , many that are made of plastic , slight wood or metal do n’t look precisely wait attractive . Nor do they stomach up to the test of fourth dimension very well either .
For all of those reason above , we decided some years back to create our own homemade version from wood . Our intent was to produce them with a wide-eyed construction outgrowth that made building easy . And even more , to use ordinary 2×4 and 2×6 lumber to keep them both cost effective and long-lived .
The 2×6 and 2×4 framing makes the raised beds strong and durable. Even better, at 18 inches deep, the boxes let plants grow deep roots.
The real challenge was to attempt to make them also look appeal to the eye and also 100 % usable . And by functional , that means big enough to grow any vegetable you wanted , including large heirloom tomatoes .
A Simple, Low Cost Way To Build A Raised Bed Garden Box
We need a raised bed design that would be well-heeled to build and even easier on the budget . In plus , we also had to make it be deep enough to give up for unassailable root growth . At the same time , we also needed to verify that each arouse bed was prospicient and wide enough to develop a lot of plant life , but still be capable to work from either side .
Using a simple great deal design that then locks together with side rail support , we stop up create 3′ wide x 6′ long x 18″ thick raised beds . Each 3′ x 6′ raised layer allows for 18 satisfying foot of planting control surface . They are stark for growing veggie , green , planting an herbaceous plant garden , or growing all kinds of flowers .
The 18″ depth of the unit of measurement permit for incredibly deep roots , which is ideal for growing large vegetables . And although you’re able to easily adjust the plan to create wide or long bed with easiness , the 3′ breadth makes tending to plants a breeze . They are also easygoing to make long by simply using 8′ or 10′ boards on the side rather of six foundation long boards .
But what really makes the beds unequalled is the decorative 2×4 top shelf and side supports . It gives the beds a great flavour and also help keep them solid and rightful . 2x building really is the key fruit !
The raised beds have been a bang in the test garden – and for many others that have now build them all over the country using the plan . One thing is for sure , we have certainly loved the hundreds of photos we obtain see the raised bed boxes in action !
Here is a look at on the nose what goes into the raised beds and the outgrowth to work up them . We also have a video below that bear witness them in more particular as well .
Just a few of the hundreds of photos of gardeners from all over with their finished beds.
The bed use just ( 3 ) 2 x 6 x 12 ’s , ( 2 ) 2 x 6 x 10 ’s , and ( 5 ) 2 x 4 x 8 boards to create the entire building block . Although traditional untreated lumber influence keen , you’re able to also fill in approximate - sawn or even true cedar if you wish .
The raised bed box are easy to make with the most canonical of tools . In fact , all you call for is a tape touchstone , a Mandrillus leucophaeus , drill - gadget driver and a adage . We do have all over measure by stone’s throw plans in our Etsy store that include material list , cut and assembly instructions : DIY Raised Bed Plans
We prefer using traditional lumber or untreated rough - sawn timber simply for cost . And because neither contain harmful additive , there are no worries when growing veggie or herbaceous plant .
As for the prospicient term durability of untreated pine 2×6 and 2×4 ’s , they holds up very well over time . peculiarly if you stain , seal off or paint the exterior edges that do not come in physical contact with the dirt . Our bed have now been in plaza for 6 + years and still look great .
Using untreated rough - sawn Natalie Wood will even append a longer shelf life . The non - smooth control surface is a naturally protective barrier that holds up even well to the elements . Local get wind mills are a smashing place to source rough - sawn lumber .
No matter if you utilise traditional 2x lumber or rough - sawn , these DIY raised bed will have up for years and years . unluckily , many of the raised bed available in stores habituate 1x material , which only does n’t remain firm up to the open air .
We have complete instant download plans in our Etsy shop that guide you through the complete process.
After cutting all of the lumber to size , assembling it together is a snap . The 2×6 panel are placed together into a rectangle , and 2×4 ’s are then bond around all of the corners and mid - section .
To complete it all , a 2×4 decorative top rail go on top and go together with screws . Not only does the top rail serve as a nice goal for the man , it also help shed water off of the unwrap wooden leg posts . This too help keep the piece strong over time .
you’re able to then paint , spot , or impart the exterior of the DIY evoke Bed Boxes to weather to a instinctive grey . All that is leave is to fill them up with some swell filth , and your garden is quick to grow ! See : How To fulfil Your Raised Beds right field – How To make Incredible Raised Bed Soil !
Here is to build your own DIY homemade raised bottom garden boxes this year , and to grow better and more easily than ever ! well-chosen Gardening – Jim and Mary
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing horticulture , DIY and formula clause and al-Qur’an for over 15 age from their 46 acre Ohio farm . The two are frequent speaker system on all things garden and love to travel in their spare time .
