The raised bed gardens that I built are for square foot gardening method. All this means is I am using the suggested dimension of 4′ x 4′ x 6″ for the size of my beds. When making these beds the only thing that needs to be kept in mind is accessibility to the plants in the middle of the bed. From what I’ve read the raised garden beds should be no more than 4 feet in width.
Here are the materials and tools used in this project to make the 4 raised bed gardens:
- (4) 2x6x16 Douglas Fir lumber @ $6.84 each (Lowes)
- 1 box 3″ general purpose screws @ $4.79 (Ace)
- Drill and bits
When I purchased the lumber I had them cut the boards to 4 foot lengths.
Before I read the Square Foot Gardening book, I had already seen where someone had overlapped the joints of fixed sized lumber to make their raised beds.
Raised Bed Plan
First thing was to predrill the boards where the screws weren’t going into the end grain so they wouldn’t split. Stacking the boards and shifting them as the holes were drilled helped speed up this process.
Predrilling Boards
Before assembling the raised beds I identified the way the boards would cup because of the grain pattern. The curve in the picture below depicts how the board will cup if it were to happen.
Identifying Grain Pattern Cupping In The Boards
Only thing left was to put the raised beds together. It helped to put the 3 screws partially in the board and brace the other end against something.
Assembling The Raised Bed Gardens
As you can see my Helper was there to help me temporarily place the raised beds. I don’t plan on permanently putting the raised beds using 4 x 4 lumber or something like that. They will be heavy enough to stay in place when the soil is added.
Temporarily Placing Raised Bed Gardens
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Great tip regarding identifying which way the lumber will cup, thank you! The lumber I got is really old (reclaimed, though not antique) and has already done some bowing and cupping. I cut the worst ones into very short lengths and will use them for my potato boxes… but this will help me make best use of my longer boards. Thanks again!
I’m glad it helped. I have a pile of old lumber I got from a friend for helping him pull out some trees. I love being able to create something useful from reclaimed and old materials I find.
If you use 4×4 supports on the inside of the frame you can sit 2×6 flat on top for a “workbench”
That is a great tip! Thanks for sharing it. I was originally thinking of using 4×4 supports based on what my wife and I saw in Washington state, but decided to go the fastest route. When I check some more projects off the list I’ll have to revisit the beds and incorporate some ideas like that.
I had Lowe’s cut my wood for me. I tried using your overlap method and it makes for a very strong joint. The problem is, the boxes aren’t the same size. Lowe’s cut them with as much as a 3/4 variance on my specs. I wanted 2′ and 4′ pieces and very few pieces are accurate. I was going to place them in neat rows and stack them 2 high to create a border but they look like crap with the variance. I don’t own a saw or know how to use one. Thanks for the tip. I’ve put some together using your method and they are strong! If you can guide me on the crooked wood matter I’d appreciate it.
The easiest thing is to bring it back to Lowes and ask if they would trim the extra off of it. I’m not sure if they would do this. I know Home Depot will not do really small cuts like that.
The other option is to look at this as an opportunity to learn how to use a handsaw. You’ll need
Handsaw – this Kobalt saw is inexpensive and looks like it will do the job.
Speed Square – these things are great! Cool thing is this one comes with an instructional booklet on how to use one.
Tape Measure – any tape measure will do. It sounds like you might have one already.
I also found this pretty good video on Youtube on how to use a handsaw. Take your time and buy some of that $1 scrap lumber to practice on first. I have faith that you can do this. We all started some place. You don’t know how many times I’m having to fix a cut or rework some plan because I’ve messed up.
Well, I never thought I’d be a carpenter but … if you want it done right …
Thank You so very much for helping me! I REALLY appreciate it!
Do you know the name of those electric circle saw thingies? I may even see if I can locate an inexpensive lightweight one just for my garden beds. I will definitely get a speed square! The hand saw phew! I’d rather learn on an electric circle one … ??? I have learned to use a drill!
I may have a tip for your viewers. To save time measuring every board gets redundantly boring! So … I made a pattern (like in sewing) for the holes I needed. My boards are all 8″ wide and I knew I needed to pre-drill 3 holes in each board using the overlap method.
Since all of the boards are the same width and all of the holes are one inch in on each side and one in the middle, I punched through board #1 with a piece of folded up typing paper. The I just lined the typing paper up to the edge of every board needing to be pre-drilled and pushed a pencil in to make my marks. Then it was as easy as
1. punch punch punch
2. drill drill drill
3. screw screw screw
VOILA!
I made it sort of an assembly line of one! It takes me 8 minutes a box now! I am trying to get it down to 5!
That is a GREAT tip!!! Thank you for taking the time to share it!
I love the fact you were able to take something you learned from another skill and adapt it to something new.
They make smaller circular saws that are cordless. Just keep in mind how deep they will cut.
BTW, you are crazy fast with those beds. You have me beat for sure. I just started getting into doing in-ground container gardening. I’m trying to maximize the little spaces I have that get sun.
Will you marry me? It seems as though you know how to do a little bit of EVERYTHING!!!! If you have a wife I do hope she realizes how LUCKY she IS!!!!! :O)
Sorry, I’m happily married. 🙂
Most of the time I decide I want to do something and start reading and watching videos on the subject. Between the internet and library I can find out most of the information I need.
Then while I’m doing the project something isn’t like it is supposed to be or goes wrong. I figure out how to work around it or fix what I’ve done. Important thing is to believe in yourself, arm yourself with information and take your time.