DIY Raised Garden Beds: A Complete Guide for Beginners
I never thought I’d be the kind of person to spend my mornings sipping tea while staring at rows of vegetables and fruit. But here I am, living in Japan, not tied to a regular job anymore, and suddenly the idea of tending a garden seemed like the most natural thing in the world.
It started small—just a few potted plants outside on the deck. But before long, I was itching to grow more. The problem? My backyard wasn’t exactly prime gardening real estate. The soil was compacted, and let’s just say it wasn’t exactly begging for seeds. So, what did I do? I decided to build raised garden beds. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only did it give me the perfect setup for growing my own veggies and fruits, but it also gave me a new project to sink my teeth into. And with all this extra time on my hands, I figured, why not?
Why Raised Garden Beds?
Raised garden beds are pretty much the answer to all your gardening woes. Poor soil? No problem. Limited space? Easy fix. Plus, they’re great for keeping weeds at bay, which is a big plus if you’re not into spending hours pulling them out. And, let’s be honest, there’s something satisfying about having a neat, organized garden that you built yourself.
Building these beds gave me a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat. I felt like a DIY pro by the time I was done. Plus, they look great, and my veggies have never been happier. They’re thriving, and so am I, watching them grow day by day. But enough about that—let’s get into the how-to part.
Watch the video below and/or read further along for instructions.
The Setup
So, you’ve decided to build your own raised garden beds? Awesome choice. You’re about to embark on a journey of sawdust, screws, and more measuring than you might’ve done since high school math class. Just kidding. It’s easier than it looks, and I’m here to walk you through it.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need. We’re talking planks of wood, beams, a drill or hammer (depending on how old-school you want to go), and a bunch of screws or nails. You can even throw in some wood protectant and plastic lining if you’re feeling fancy.
Materials
Planks: 200cm x 20cm x 3cm (6)
Planks: 100cm x 20cm x 3cm (6)
Planks (Beams): 5cm x 5cm x 60cm (6)
Screws or nails (A lot of them)
Electric drill (If using screws)
Hammer (If using nails)
Steps
Build the short sides
Start by stacking three of the 100cm planks on top of two of the beams.
Make sure the beams are flush with the ends of the planks. This part’s pretty straightforward, but take your time to line everything up nicely.
Nail or screw the beams
Use 3 nails or screws per beam. You’ll want these to be secure because these short sides are going to support a lot of weight.
Build the long sides
Now, take the short sides you just built and stand them vertically on the floor.
Place the long planks (200cm) on top of them, making sure the ends are aligned with the short sides.
Attach the long sides
Nail or screw the long sides to the beams, not the planks.
Make sure your nails or screws are placed between the perpendicular nails from the short sides.
This will keep everything nice and sturdy.
Flip and repeat
Flip the U-shaped box you’ve got so far and repeat the process on the other side.
Now you’ve got the basic shape of your raised bed. Starting to look like something, right?
Reinforce the middle
Since 2 meters is a bit long for a piece of wood so thin, you’ll want to add some reinforcement.
Take the remaining two beams and nail or screw them in the middle portion of the long sections.
This will add some much-needed rigidity to the structure.
Optional: Add wood protectant
If you’re using cheap wood (like I did), adding a layer of wood protectant is a smart move.
It’ll help your raised beds last longer and keep them looking good.
Optional: Line with plastic
For extra protection against humidity and other hazards inside the dirt, clip some plastic inside the box.
This step is optional but highly recommended if you want your beds to last.
Find the perfect spot
Now it’s time to place your raised beds. Find a good spot in your yard, somewhere with plenty of sunlight.
Set them down and admire your handiwork. You’ve earned it.
Fill ‘em up
Start by filling your beds with organic matter like wood, leaves, and grass.
Then, top it off with good-quality dirt. And voila—you’re ready to plant!
So, there you have it. Raised garden beds, built with your own two hands. Not only do they make your garden look amazing, but they’re also a great way to grow healthy veggies and fruits.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some tomatoes that need tending.
