Raised wooden garden beds have numerous advantages over ground level beds and are therefore a more productive technique for growing flowers and vegetables. Because there is no need to add the extra space between rows, more plants can grow in a smaller area. Raised beds provide proper aeration and reduced soil compaction enhancing root growth. The soil can be a select, controlled mix of nutrient rich compost, water and fertilizer. These practical, must have garden enclosures are easy to build.
Determine the size of your raised beds and cut the lumber to the correct length. The easiest method is to use standard eight foot lengths of two by six lumber. You will need six pieces. Cut two of the pieces in half. These will be used to make the ends of the beds. The remaining long pieces will be used as the sides. The wood should be rot and insect resistant. Avoid treated lumber as the chemicals can leach into your soil.
Take one of the shorter lengths and align it perpendicular to a side piece. Ensure that the corners are flush. To prevent the lumber from splitting when screwed together, pre-drill holes through the side of the shorter piece and into the end of the long piece. Drill three holes spaced evenly apart. Screw the boards together. Repeat this process for all the corners until you have two rectangular boxes that are eight feet by four feet long. Place one box where you want the bed. It should be easily accessible from a water source and have the required amount of sunlight. Place the second box on top of the first. Use brackets to connect the two boxes together.
You are now ready to fill your raised wooden beds with soil and to begin growing your vegetables and flowers.
