How to Build a Raised Garden Bed for Square Foot Gardening and More
Your knees and back are tired of you gardening on the ground! That’s why Cassity and I, designed and built a DIY raised garden bed that you can stand next to, to do all your gardening at counter height. Your back will thank you later. 🙂
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What are the dimensions?
This raised garden bed is:
- 37 1/2″ tall.
- 48″ x 48″ wide in the center opening.
- 58″ x 58″ from outside top trim edge to edge.
- Depth of soil can be between 6″ to 16″ deep, depending on what you decide you need for depth.
How much does it cost to build?
The estimated cost to build one garden box is around $250. The thing about this project is that it will last for 30+ years if you use cedar and/or redwood lumber. I plan on having mine for over 50 years, maybe even 100!
When I am 90 I will be out in my raised garden bed picking fresh vegetables for my salad! Doesn’t that sound amazing?
How easy is it to build?
It is really easy to build and can be build in a half day or so with three main tools.
Watch this video to see how to built it!
What is it made of?
I used cedar legs and redwood boards for the rest. Cedar legs will hold up better to moisture and bugs from sitting on the ground. Go get the plans here to see the materials list and cut list to get started.
What tools do I need?
All you are the following:
- Circular Saw
- Kreg Jig (pocket hole jig)
- Random Orbital Sander
- 100 Grit Sand Paper for orbital sander.
- Drill – A hammer drill works great to drive in the screws with ease.
- Extended Drill bits for drilling deck screws in the pocket holes.
- Rafter Square
- Tape Measure
- Level
- 4″ Foam Brush for brushing on oil.
Where can I get plans to build one?
That’s a great question! I have digital plans available right here for you to download.
How do I finish it?
I sanded with 100 git and an Orbital sander and then I used Penofin Penetrating oil finish, that soaks into the wood and creates a beautiful colored finish. The color that I am using is called Transparent Redwood using the Red labeled product.
Just do the outside of the box. I left the inside natural to avoid the oils getting in the soil.
What soil do I use?
Well drained sandy loam garden soil.
Where can I buy good garden soil?
I bought mine at a local landscaping supply store. I bought 1 cubic yard, 27 cubic feet, for $39. Half of that, 13.5 cubic square feet, filled the box at 15″ deep. I will use the left overs in another garden box or around planters in the yard.
Make sure you have a strong truck or trailer when you pick up soil from a landscaping company. The cubic yard of soil, 27 cubic feet, can be around 1000 lbs or more. My little trailer almost died.
What is Square Foot Gardening?
Square Foot gardening is vegetable gardening efficiently in a small space. It will save you time, effort, tools space and water. Who doesn’t want to save time and resources?
You get the most bang for your buck when you are using the Square Foot gardening methods. You can find out even more great information about square foot gardening here.
I am excited to try it this this year. I have been meaning to try this for years now.
Where Can I get a Square Foot Garden Book?
Here is an affiliate link to the latest Square Foot Gardening book. It has so much great information and perfect for the beginner or experienced gardener.
Have a great time gardening and be sure to check out all of our other great outdoor projects right here.
I am the husband of the amazing Cassity of Remodelaholic. I love to problem solve and to design and build things inside and outside the house to make life better. I am a professional Landscape Architect by trade and love the outdoors.
Will the bottom rot because of drainage? Also how do you keep soil from going through the slats.
Great video, btw.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the kind words. We used cedar and redwood which are naturally resistant to moisture rot, so we expect our garden box to last a long time. The slats are spaced closely enough on the bottom that we haven’t had issues with soil, but you could line with landscape fabric to prevent the soil from leaking out, if you’d prefer — and that could help with the bottom drainage rot issue, too.
Wonderful job! And I love your helpers you had ❤❤❤❤
If I buy the plan does it come with a Materials list?
Yes, a full material list and cut list are included in the premium plans.