Super Simple Raised Garden Bed Design

Perhaps you are ready to start your first garden, or, like me, you are ready to expand your garden in anticipation of a fall planting.  Either way, we have a super simple and affordable raised garden bed design!

Step 1:

Corner blocks for raised garden beds

First, head to Lowe's and purchase these cement corner pieces (we have not seem then at the local hardware stores yet). They are located along with the other pavers in the garden center. They are less than $3 each. For this garden, we stacked the corners two high, so we purchased a total of 8. We do recognize that nails/screws are cheaper, but these are quick and will last much longer. They can also be easily moved and reused when your lumber needs replacing.

Step 2:

Laying out boards where the raised bed will go.

Next, purchase, or acquire, untreated boards the size you would like your garden to be. In this case, we found some free slab boards from a lumber yard and cut them to size. Keep in mind, it is generally a good idea to keep the width of your garden at four feet or less, so that you can reach your produce in the middle.  We picked an area of the yard with a minimum of 6 hours of sun each day and that had access to a watering source. Lay out your boards.

Step 3:

Slabs are up for the raised bed.

Once your location is selected and your boards are ready to go, insert the boards into the groves of the cement corner joints.

Step 4:

Cardboard weed blocker

Once your frame is in place, gather your cardboard pieces. We use cardboard that does not have colors on it. Also, remove all tape and other plastic. Line the inside of your raised bed frame with the cardboard. This will smother the grass and weeds by blocking sunlight.

Step 5:

Finished raised garden bed

Once the cardboard is laid out, fill your raised bed! We found a topsoil and compost blend already mixed together. Some places only carry topsoil. This is also a fine alternative but be sure to mix in other compost.  If you are building your raised bed but don't plan to plant until spring, you can 'compost in place' and fill your raised bed frame in the fall with leaves, food scraps, animal manure, etc, and let it break down into yummy soil over the winter.

The Best One, Step 6: Plant!

Fabulous garden assistant

Once your soil is in place, it's time to plant! If you are getting ready to plant for the fall, now is the time (around late July, early August). It seems crazy to plant fall crops in the high time of summer, but believe me, it's time! If you are in a zone 6 or 7, like we are, think about starting your cool season plants (you can actually google 'cool season vegetables' for a complete list).  Personally, I am starting peas, lettuce, kale, beets, parsnips and carrots.  Happy planting and happy gardening!Remember, reach out if you have any questions! Laura@YummyYards.com