Attempting my first raised garden bed was a surprisingly stress free, and fun experience. I wanted to build a garden bed in order to grow my own produce of vegetables and fruits, in addition to functioning as a barricade against unwelcomed pests. With the correct gardening tools, soil, size and elevation, the construction process became relatively easy and simple. Do you want to find out how to create your own stunning garden bed? Here’s a straightforward procedure on how to create one for your own.
Planning and location
Before making your garden bed purchases, you need to first consider its purpose and location. If in doubt, ask guidance from Placer tree experts concerning what is right for your home. Whether it’s solely for flowers, vegetables or fruits, consider a location that’s relatively flat and attracts plenty of sunlight. As the purpose of my garden bed was specifically for vegetables and fruits, I made sure it was accessible adjacent the kitchen verandah, making it a breeze to grab our desired produce for the day. In regards to bed size and length, regular beds are often 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. The depth of the bed varies on the plants selected, however a 6-12 inch rooting zone is realistic. After marking your bed using a bright-colored spray can, fragment the soil using a garden fork or rake until it’s 6-8 inches deep.
Materials and frame selection
Selecting the right material and frame for your garden bed involves two main characteristics: the plants and weather conditions you’re advocating for. The types of wood I would recommend are pressure-treated lumber wood which prevents wet weather conditions from decaying its exterior or more costly woods such as cedar, stopping decay and guaranteeing resilience. Other frames you can utilize for your bed are cement, bricks or woods with a thicker base. The main tools you’ll require for the building process is a garden fork, deck screws, hand saw, carpenter’s level, hacksaw, drills and a square which can be purchased at your local gardening store.
Building the bed
To start the building process, you’ll need to cut the wood to the desired length using a square to mark the ends. After placing two or more screws in each corner, set a level on the frame and place blocks under, to ensure balance. Cut the corner post pieces (longer than what you require) and nail these in each corner of the frame using two screws. Using the same process of cutting and bolting, enlarge the bottom row of boards to the ground level to make sure your garden bed is to the desired height and placed firmly on the ground. Tip: If you’ve created a bed that is 8 feet or longer, it’s highly recommended to create a cross-bracing as this will create a stronger base for your garden bed. To top your garden bed, use a combination of topsoil, compost, organic fertilizer (such as manure) to provide your plants with a healthy environment to cultivate in.
Maintenance
Maintaining the upkeep of your garden bed can become a more difficult task, however, there are a few simple tips to ensure your garden bed remains clean and purposeful. First, invest in some quality tools, because it will take you twice as long without them. A rake, a Worx blower that can be used to clear away any plant or other debris, and a quality trowel are just some pieces of equipment worth having when completing garden projects. Then, there are the three major D.I.Y jobs include: adding compost, removing unwanted weeds on a fortnightly basis, and enhancing your plants’ growth using quality soil amendments such as cornmeal and lava sand. Don’t think you have the time to keep up with your garden’s maintenance? You could just get the help of Premium Pools & Gardens to ensure the maintenance of my garden and garden beds are well-sustained, spotless, and better-looking than your neighbors.
