Project #2: Constructing Raised Beds

Constructing Raised Beds.

Raised beds are so much nicer and easier than having to roto-till the garden area each year.  Raised beds can be made without frames, with frames using 2"x8" planks, or with higher frames as desired.  I prefer 2" x 8" x 10'.  It doesn't matter whether or not the wood is treated, however, if you want your garden to be chemically free don't use treated wood.  Untreated wood will last several years, and when the times comes for replacement it will be sufficiently decomposed to add to the compost.
To build 1 raised box measuring  8"H x 4'W x 10' L

What you will need:
(2) 2" x 8" x 4'   cut from one 2" x 8" x 8'
(2) 2" x 8" x 10'
galvanized 16D galvanized nails.
a skill saw to cut lumber to desired lengths
a drill to bore pilot holes
a hammer

Once you know where you want your raised box assemble the materials at that location.

1. lay out the wood in the shape of the box
2. join corners using 3" 16D nails into both directions
      (pre-drill pilot holes and pre-drive nails to make assembly easier)
3. after the box is assembled, set into place in the garden
4. use a spade or shovel to mark the inside edges of the box
5. remove the box and remove the sod from the planting area (I prefer to add it to the compost but you can turn it over and let it go to compost directly in the planting bed if you prefer
6. leave the wood natural, or paint it with a water base paint before assembling.

cut 2  4' lengths from the 8' board

drill pilot holes

preset nails

ready to nail to the 10' board's end

assembling the boxes