How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

Garden beds can make any yard come alive. The best part about having a raised bed is that it looks attractive even in the offseason, because it defines and organizes the space in the yard. A simple U-shaped bed offers maximum growing space with all-around access. Adding a little bench to the cap can really dress it up. This 8-by-9-foot U-shaped raised bed can be a focal piece or complement other features in the yard. Plan to hand-water unless you want to install an irrigation system.

Before You Build

Select your location. Pick a sunny area that’s fairly level and easy to get to. These instructions will create a garden box that fits a 9-by-9-foot space and is designed to be placed against a fence; you can adjust yours to be bigger or smaller depending on your area. However, don’t go smaller than 30 inches in width