DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (2024)

This step by step diy project is about diy raised garden bedplans. I designed this large U-shaped raised garden bed so you can grow vegetables and flowers in your own backyard. The garden bed is built using 2×10 beams and 2×2 posts. Make sure you don’t buy treated lumber and don’t apply toxic treatments to the lumber, as it will contaminate the soil on the long run.Take a look over the rest of mywoodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans

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Building-a-large-raised-garden-bed

Cut & Shopping Lists

  • A– 4pieces of 2×10 lumber – 120″ long, 2 pieces – 144″ longSIDES
  • B– 6pieces of 2×10 lumber– 48″ long, 4pieces – 72″ longFRONT
  • C– 8pieces of 2×2 lumber – 18 1/2″ longSUPPORTS
  • D – 8pieces of 2×2 lumber – 72″ long, 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 144″ longTRELLIS
  • E – 1piece of 1×3 lumber – 144″ longTRIMS
  • 4pieces of 2×10 lumber – 10′
  • 4pieces of 2×10 lumber – 12′
  • 3 pieces of 2×10 lumber – 10′
  • 11pieces of 2×2 lumber – 6′
  • 5piece of of 1×2 lumber – 12′
  • 1piece of 1×3lumber – 12′
  • 500 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
  • soil, landscape fabric
  • 2″ brad nails
  • wood filler

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

Related

  • Raised garden bed plans
  • Tiered raised garden bed

How to build a large raised garden bed

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Building-the-side-panels

The first step of the project is to assemble the sides of the raised garden bed. Use 2×10 lumber for the walls and 2×2 lumber for the vertical supports. Align all the components with attention, making sure you leave no gaps between the slats. Drill pilot holes through the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports.

Make sure the corners are square and invest in weather resistant lumber, such as redwood or cedar.

DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (9)

Fitting the bottom slats

Continue the project by attaching the 2×10 beams to the back of the garden bed. Align the edges with attention and leave no gaps between the components for a professional result. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the vertical supports.

DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (10)

Fitting the front slats

Fit the 2×10 slats to the front of the raised garden bed. You can easily adjust the size of the project so it suits your needs best. Drill pilot holes and secure the slats to the support, as shown in the free plans.

Next, you need to frame the inside of the garden bed. Cut the components from 2×10 lumber and lock everything together with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush, before inserting the screws. The u-shape of the garden bed will making taking care of the plants a lot easier. It is a truly efficient shape, especially that it adds an unique appeal to your property.

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Fitting the back supports

If you want to diversify the array of plants you are going to grow in your backyard, I really recommend you to build trellis to the back of the raised garden bed. Cut the components from 2×2 lumber. Use a spirit level to plumb the supports. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frame of the garden bed.

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Fitting-the-horizontal-trellis-slats

Next, attach the horizontal supports to the posts. Use 1 1/4″ screws to secure the 1×2 slats to the vertical supports, making sure the gaps are even. You can easily adjust the distance between the supports for a professional result.

DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (14)

Fitting the top trim

In order to enhance the look of the project, you could fit a 1×3 trim to the top of the trellis. Use 2″ brad nails to secure the slat into place.

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DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans

This raised garden bed would be perfect in any backyard, as it will help you harvest fresh vegetables regularly, but it also features and interesting design. More over if you have enough space, you can build a couple of these so you have your own garden, full of flowers and vegetables. The back trellis is ideal for growing climbing vegetables and make the most of the space. The future is all about vertical gardening, so this project should come handy.

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Free raised Garden Bed Plans

This large raised garden bed is sturdy and very inexpensive to build and all you need are a few tools and some cuts. You can cover the interior of the bed with landscape fabric, if you want to make sure the wooden components won’t be affected by rot. Irrespective of your choice, just make sure you don’t use treated lumber and don’t apply chemical products to seal the components. If you build these, I would love to see your project.

This woodworking project was about free large raised garden bedplans free.If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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I've been a designer and a woodworker since I first developed consciousness.

DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (2024)

FAQs

What is the least expensive way to build a raised garden bed? ›

Raised beds made of cinder blocks or concrete blocks

Cinder blocks and concrete blocks are very inexpensive (typically $2 to $3 a piece at home improvement centers), and they make it really easy to build the outline of a raised garden bed.

How deep should soil be in a raised bed? ›

A raised bed does not always require a significant depth for it to be effective. They should have at least 8 inches of soil depth to accommodate the root systems of plants, because the majority of plant roots require 6 – 8 inches of soil for healthy root growth.

What do I put on the bottom of a raised garden bed? ›

Start with a layer of landscape fabric to prevent soil from washing out. Above this, a layer of gravel or small stones can aid in drainage. Then, fill the bed with a mix of topsoil, compost, and other organic matter. This layered approach ensures good drainage while providing a nutrient-rich environment for plants.

What is the ratio for raised beds? ›

These beds will dry out quickly and plants may be subject to extra stress from absorbed and reflected sunlight. Fill the bed with compost and a soilless growing mix in a 1:1 ratio. Topsoil can be added (up to 20% by volume) for beds that are at least 16 inches deep.

Is it cheaper to make or buy raised garden beds? ›

On average, a DIY raised bed constructed from wood will cost $25 to $50 per square foot. To have a wooden raised bed constructed and installed for you, budget for at least $100 per square foot. (Find a kitchen garden company in your area.)

What is the cheapest material to use for raised garden beds? ›

Concrete blocks, or cinder blocks as they used to be called, are another item that could be cheap if you're upcycling them from another project. Pricing them out, they can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $5 apiece, making them a budget-friendly option, even for a larger raised bed.

How many bags of soil do I need for a 4x8 raised bed? ›

As a rule of thumb, a 4'x8' raised bed that is 6 inches deep requires approximately 8 bags of soil while a 4'x8' raised bed that is 12 inches deep requires approximately 16 bags of soil.

Can you use regular potting soil in a raised bed? ›

While potting mix alone is too light for use in raised beds, creating a 50:50 blend of potting mix and Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil will give just the right balance. Top-notch potting mix and raised bed soil may cost more than low-quality versions, but you really get what you pay for.

How deep should raised bed be for tomatoes? ›

Tomatoes should ideally be grown in a raised bed that's at least 15 to 18 inches deep. Many of my clients in Houston are successfully growing tomatoes in 12-inch deep raised garden beds, but their plants tend to be a little stunted compared to plants in deeper beds.

Why put cardboard in raised beds? ›

It acts as a physical barrier to block out pernicious weeds. Usually, 2 – 3 layers of cardboard will suffice, though you may want layers in more weed-prone areas. The damp environment created by the cardboard is conducive to earthworms and other beneficial soil microorganisms.

Do you put landscape fabric under raised beds? ›

Depending on your budget and gardening goals, you can line the bottom of your raised garden beds with wide-mesh hardware cloth, stainless steel mesh, landscape fabric, burlap sack, or newspaper/cardboard.

Should I put rocks in the bottom of my raised planter? ›

Adding rocks to the bottom of a raised bed makes it challenging to amend or improve the soil over time. It restricts access to the lower layers and can impede the addition of organic matter or nutrients. Over time, rocks will get mixed in with your raised bed soil, not cool! Rocks are expensive and heavy!

What is a good layout for a vegetable garden? ›

As a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.

What is the best thing to plant in a raised garden bed? ›

Some annuals you might want to grow in your raised bed garden are petunias, pansies, basil, lemongrass, and vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, squash, and onions. Bonus tip: To help reduce the chance of disease and pests, you don't want to grow annual vegetables in the same spot year after year.

How much does it cost to build a 4x8 raised bed? ›

Raised-Bed Garden Cost per Square Foot

If you're DIY'ing your garden installation, expect to spend anywhere from $25 to $50 per square foot of garden space for wood raised beds. Stone, brick, and steel will be more expensive.

How to build a garden cheaply? ›

Here are 10 ways to garden without breaking the bank.
  1. Be on the lookout for plant swaps. ...
  2. Shop for plants in the off-season. ...
  3. Start from seeds. ...
  4. Save seeds. ...
  5. Accept cuttings from friends. ...
  6. Build a raised bed from found materials. ...
  7. Make your own soil amendments. ...
  8. Find free mulch.
Jan 14, 2022

What is the cheapest wood for raised garden beds? ›

Pine is a cheaper alternative to more expensive types of wood and easy to find in most hardware stores. Keep in mind, however, that pine will have a much shorter life expectancy in your garden than cedar and redwood. Even within wood types, know that there can be some variation.

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