Grow it your way—build an easy raised garden bed

Raised garden bed—instructions:

1. For one raised garden bed, you’ll need 6 larch boards measuring 944 mm (37.2 in), 4 measuring 1,000 mm (39.4 in), 4 measuring 1,944 mm (76.5 in), and 6 measuring 2,000 mm (78.7 in). All boards are 120 mm (4.7 in) wide and 28 mm (1.1 in) thick. You will also need 6 corner and side supports of 750 mm (29.5 in), each sized 48 x 48 mm (1.9 x 1.9 in). Pre-drill holes for the screws. The side of the board that was closer to the center of the log is called the heartwood side. Position the boards with the heartwood side facing outward, because it is less prone to cracking or warping.

2. First, build a frame for the raised bed. Attach the boards for the bottom layer (two measuring 944 mm (37.2 in) and two measuring 2,000 mm (78.7 in)) to the corner posts, then attach boards of the same length to the top edge for added support. Use sufficiently long galvanized steel screws.

3. Attach the middle boards layer by layer—two measuring 1,000 mm (39.4 in) and two measuring 1,944 mm (76.5 in)—so the corners overlap for extra stability. Once you reach the final layer, move the top support boards into place. The corner posts should extend about 15 cm (5.9 in) above the bed.

4. Flip the entire bed over so the corner posts sink into the ground. Attach a support post at the midpoint of each long side.

5. Choose a spot that gets plenty of light and is not shaded by large trees. If the area has grass, flip the sod over in a space 10–15 cm (4–6 in) larger than the bed on every side. The flipped sod acts as the base, and mowing is easier when grass is not growing right against the sides.

6. Spread a generous layer of newspapers over the flipped sod inside the bed, then top it with fresh garden soil. For edible plants, use weed-free, organically prepared soil. Plan to use about 400 liters (14 cu ft) of soil for one bed.