Container Gardening

How to Build A Raised Bed Garden

By Darren Sherriff

Fall is here and winter will not be far behind. Here in zone 8, South Carolina, we are planting our second cool season crop, collards, cabbage, etc. For many folks across the country, gardening is pretty much done. That does not mean there is nothing to be done! Beyond the obligatory cleansing of tools, the clearing away of dead plant material, fertilizing, and the organization and storage of all the season’s gardening paraphernalia, here’s another idea. Why not build a raised bed garden?

 

Things to consider before you start building the raised bed garden

There are as many ways to go about building a raised bed, as there are gardeners. Some of the factors you’ll want to consider are space, your knowhow, the availability of tools and of course, cost. To spark your creativity, visit online sites like Pinterest where you can find inspiration.

The classic raised bed

Use 2×4-inch lumber which is relatively cheap and easy to handle. The boards can be cut to whatever size and shape you desire with a simple handsaw. However, untreated wood warps and rots when it is in contact with soil and water for extended periods. You can address this by using pressure treated wood, or even railroad ties. However, treated wood / railroad ties are soaked with chemicals. If you are planting flowers or shrubs, this may not be an issue. But, if you are growing edibles, you may wish to keep the chemicals from leaching into the soil.

The solution? Paint the lumber with a clear, safe lacquer to seal the chemicals inside. Eventually, even lacquered wood will need to be repainted every 3 – 4 years. Alternatively, wrap each board with a UV resistant plastic although even plastic will need replacement at some point. Another solution, line the bed with an old swimming pool liner. Make sure the liner has drainage holes. Otherwise, the only things you’ll grow are cranberries and rice.

The raised bed kit

Another way to create a raised garden bed is to purchase a kit. Make sure the lumber is either cedar or some other rot-resistant hardwood. The boards in a kit are usually gardener-friendly but individual pieces may still need to be sized and shaped. Depending on what part of the country you are in, a kit may double the cost of building a raised bed. Still, a cedar kit will last much longer, and to some extent, cedar helps keep certain critters out of the bed.

The bathtub raised bed

In the world of why didn’t I think of that, consider the bathtub approach. A couple of years ago I replaced a cracked fiberglass bathtub. I hated the thought of just throwing it away, so I decided to try it as a raised bed. It had all the characteristics of a good container, drainage (the crack as well as the drain hole) and it was slightly sloped so water wouldn’t just sit in the bottom. The tub’s material that would not rot or decay and it was safe for growing food. In my bathtub raised bed I planted asparagus. You might want to add ornamental grasses along the edges to hide the fact it’s a bathtub. Go ahead and get creative. Next time you are replacing something, ask if it could have a second life as a raised bed. You may end up solving two problems at the same time.

Related Featured Articles

Retaining Walls
By Dona Bergman
Read article

Related Videos

Hugelkultur Beds: A Detailed How-to Guide
Hugelkultur Beds: A Detailed How-to Guide
Runtime: 5:03
Watch Video
Make Your Own Compost: The Cold Composting Method
Make Your Own Compost: The Cold Composting Method
Runtime: 10:01
Watch Video

Related Blogs

Tips for Designing Raised Vegetable Beds
By Ellen Wells
Read this post
Grow Lettuce in Raised Beds or Containers
By Abbi Hayes
Read this post

Here’s more information about gardening that you’re going to want

Membership has its perks!

Become a PlantersPlace member! Registered users can ask Marianne Binetti questions, create personal photo gallery and post product reviews.