How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
A raised garden bed gives you deep, loose, fertile soil no matter what you're starting with — plus better drainage and a garden that's easier on your back and knees. Build the frame in a morning, fill it with good soil, and you'll be planting by the weekend.
Video tutorial: How To Build A Raised Garden Bed
Safety first.
- Wear safety glasses and work gloves when cutting lumber and driving screws.
- Clamp boards before cutting and keep hands clear of the saw blade.
- If you're breaking new ground, call 811 before you dig — it's free and keeps you clear of buried utility lines.
What You'll Need
Tools
Materials
- Cedar or pressure-treated boards (2x8 or 2x10)
- 2x4 lumber for corner and center posts
- Heavy-duty plastic sheeting (if using untreated lumber)
- Garden soil and compost blend
Step-by-Step
1. Pick your spot and size — Choose a level area with plenty of direct sunlight; most vegetables want at least six hours a day. Plan for a bed at least 6 inches deep so plant roots have room to develop. Keep it 3–4 feet wide so you can reach the middle from either side.
2. Cut the boards and posts — Measure and cut your wall boards to length with the circular saw. Cut 2x4s for the corner posts, making them a few inches taller than the wall height so they anchor into the ground.
3. Assemble the frame — Pre-drill pilot holes to keep the wood from splitting, then fasten the boards to the corner posts with 3-inch exterior screws. On longer walls, add a center support post for extra rigidity. Check with the level as you go.
4. Prep the site — Set the assembled frame in place, score an outline in the grass with your shovel, then lift the frame aside and strip out the sod and grass inside the outline.
5. Line the bottom — Staple wide-mesh hardware cloth across the bottom of the frame. It blocks burrowing pests while still letting beneficial earthworms pass through. If you're using untreated lumber, line the interior walls with heavy-duty plastic sheeting to protect against rot.
6. Fill and plant — Set the frame back in place and level it. Fill with a blend of nutrient-rich garden soil and compost. When transplanting, keep the soil loose around the root balls, then water everything in well.
Tips
- Mulch the surface after planting to hold in moisture and keep weeds down.
- Water deeply after planting and check the level again once the soil settles.