There are many reasons why you’ll love raised garden beds: For starters, you get better soil, fewer weeds and pests, and not to mention the fact that you can garden anywhere. And we don’t have to tell you how amazing vine-ripened tomatoes taste.

In this blog, we provide the project plans, including materials, tools, cut list, assembly instructions and even a downloadable plan—all you need to add is top soil, plants and a little TLC.

Watch how we did it...

DIY Garden Bed Project Plans

We recommend wearing safety glasses when operating power tools.

Materials

Two (2) 2"x 6" x 8' pine boards*
One (1) 4"x 4" x 8' treated posts*
#9 x 3" Trox flat-head wood deck screws

PRO-TIP: Purchase premium board or plywood, which has a smoother finish, fewer knots and straighter/sharper edges. It mates up with other panels better and requires less time to sand and finish.

*Board dimensions are “nominal.” Actual dimensions are smaller due to lumber industry standards. Cuts are actual length.

Tools Used

DOWNLOAD PLANS

Assembly Instructions

Step 1

Cut out all material using the lumber and sheet cut layout guide.

Step 2

Align the bottom right edge of a 2"x 6" x 36" board with the bottom side of a 4" x 4"x 10" post. Use deck screws to attach the boards to the posts.

Step 3

Attach the second post to the other end.

Step 4

Add another 2"x 6"x 36" board on top. Repeat steps 1-3 to make the opposite end of the box.

Step 5

Add a 2”x 6”x 60” board to the side of one of the ends.

Step 6

Add another 60" board on top.

Step 7

Attach the opposite end of the bed.

Step 8

Repeat Steps 4 & 5 to complete your Garden Bed.

Once you’ve completed the frame, line the bottom with newspaper or cardboard and wet thoroughly. Next fill your bed with top soil to within a few inches of the top.

PRO-TIP: "New" pressure-treated wood is safe to use for beds. If you’re unsure whether your wood is “newly” pressure-treated, you can line the interior with heavy plastic to prevent chemicals from seeping out of the wood and into your soil.

Before you begin planting, it’s always a good idea to turn over and break up the soil. Doing so will ensure your plants have enough nutrients to grow.

We love how our DIY garden beds turned out, we hope you love yours too. If you decide to build one, post your project pictures and tag us at #DoItWithHART.

Take Your Garden to the Next Level