This project was designed by iinadia. Info can be found at:
Raised Garden Beds
Instructions
How we made these raised beds:
This project was accomplished without formal plans other than some preliminary sketches and measurements. We just got started one weekend, and finished it in a few days. Was it 100% perfect? No, but it suits our sense of style: rustic elegance. There is enough information here for you to take this idea and adapt it to your needs. We built six raised beds, you may only need one or two. The pictures tell a big part of this story, but here are some specifics about materials:
Bed dimensions: 4' wide by 8' long - height at top of boards, 24"
Corner posts were 8-foot 4x4'
Long side boards were 8 foot 2x6's (we cut some of those in half to make the end boards).
Beds were spaced about 2 feet apart with a much wider space between the two rows of beds.
The bins were lined in heavy duty plastic to prevent dirt running out between cracks.
We used a Bobcat to fill them with dirt, but that was not necessary, a wheelbarrow would work as well (slower, but not as hard on the lawn). The dirt settled both the first and second years so I would suggest some tamping down to get more dirt in right away.
Upright posts ended up a little uneven in height--no problem, we just sliced the taller ones to match the shorter ones.
Tools: power drill, screwdriver, level, shovel, heavy mallot, chail saw, long screws and nails
The optional pedestals and urns give it a welcoming "entrance", and the brick edging was added later.
Another option: Top each of the corner posts with a wooden finial, or better, use solar deck light caps.How we made these raised beds:
This project was accomplished without formal plans other than some preliminary sketches and measurements. We just got started one weekend, and finished it in a few days. Was it 100% perfect? No, but it suits our sense of style: rustic elegance. There is enough information here for you to take this idea and adapt it to your needs. We built six raised beds, ... Read full instructions »Difficulty:
Corner posts: 8-foot 4x4' - Long side boards: 8 foot 2x6's (we cut some of those in half to make the end boards) - heavy plastic sheeting - mulch - power drill - screwdriver - level - shovel - heavy mallot - long nails and screws - chain saw - dirt - pedestals and urns
What was your inspiration?
European gardens
What are you most proud of?
That we didn't 'think' it to death. We got in there, got going, and had fun with this project. The end result exceeded our expectations.
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
It's not for beginners, you do need basic carpentry skills.
I could also imagine a miniature version of it for small balconies. And the advantage is to put them away when the weather is bad. You inspired me. :-)
I have the perfect spot in my yard to put raised beds. And with the cost of vegetable now I think I will go for it. Thanks for sharing. One question , cn I use landscaping material as a base or do you have to put plastic down first? I don't want to be weeding all the time
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