Skip to Content

Everything You Need to Know to Build a Simple Raised Garden Bed

Including what type of wood, soil and plants will work best.

by David Oblas, Zoe Schaeffer and
preview for How To Build A Raised Bed

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Let's face it: Everyone isn't lucky enough to have perfect soil to grow a vegetable garden. Whether your soil is clay-like or way too rocky, at some point, you might have been curious about how to build a raised garden bed as an alternative. The good news is that it's not difficult and can be constructed with a range of materials, including rot-resistant cedar.

Why consider raised garden beds, which are also known as planter boxes or garden boxes? They offer a slew of benefits to help your plants thrive. Beyond keeping critters at bay, your soil will warm up much earlier in the spring season, meaning that your plants have the chance to grow earlier too. Plus, vegetables, fruits and ornamentals will send their roots deeper in search of water, so they would likely be healthier. And they're just so easy to build on your own! Even if you're new to gardening, you'll

Necessary Supplies:

The beauty of this particular raised bed build is that it is cheap and easy to build. The wood and rebar will cost no more than $50 if you're using untreated pine planks, and the entire build can be completed in less than an hour's time. The untreated pine might only last five to 10 years, but due to the nature of this build, each board is easily replaceable without taking apart the entire bed. For a 4-by-8-foot bed, you’ll need:

Step 1: Settle on the right position for your boards.

raised garden bed
JOHN BORGOYNE

On a level section of ground, lay the boards down with their inner corners touching. Stand one long board on its side, and, using a rubber mallet, hammer two pieces of rebar 1 foot from each corner, a few inches deep into the ground.

Step 2: Prop up the short sides.

prop up the short sides
JOHN BORGOYNE

Use a piece of rebar at the center of each for temporary support. Next, prop up the second long side and adjust the alignment of your frame as necessary. Then hammer rebar a few inches deep 1 foot from each corner of the second long side.

Step 3: Reinforce the frame.

add more support
JOHN BORGOYNE

Hammer rebar a few inches deep a foot from each corner of the short sides and remove the temporary supports. Add two pieces of rebar 2 feet apart along each long side. These will reinforce the frame when it’s filled with soil. Then hammer in the rebar until 6 to 10 inches are exposed above ground.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Step 4: Fill your bed.

fill it up
JOHN BORGOYNE

Line the bottom of your frame with newspaper or cardboard and wet it thoroughly. Finally, fill your bed with soil to within a few inches of the top.

Alternative Building Materials

alternatives
JOHN BORGOYNE

The possibilities for building materials are endless:

Prefab Kits
If you love nothing more than DIY projects, a prefab kit, which can be purchased at home centers and garden suppliers, might be for you. You can find versions made of composite material to resist rot and insects. What's more, they tend to fade better than natural wood over time.


Wattle

Weave a frame with long, flexible sticks. The kids will have fun collecting them, and the results are usually Pinterest-worthy.

Logs
If you’ve recently cleared a tree, logs can be a cost-effective material. Choose pieces that are straight and at least 1 foot in diameter.

Concrete Blocks
Placing the blocks with open ends up provides extra growing room. Tuck herbs or decorative flowers into the cavities.

High and Mighty
A waist-high bed is accessible to those with physical limitations.

How is lupus treated?

Image no longer available

Once you’ve been diagnosed with lupus, your treatment will largely depend on the severity of the disease, says Dr. Stojan. If you have mild to moderate symptoms, your doctor will likely start you on antimalarial drugs, like hydroxychloroquine, to reduce pain, skin rashes, and other symptoms in an effort to protect organs and prevent damage to the body.

These medications have been shown to prevent flares by 50 percent and ultimately help patients live longer, says Dr. Stojan. “It’s something that we keep all lupus patients on as long as they can tolerate it,” he adds.

Another option is corticosteroids, which are typically administered to help patients work through a flare, since the drug works quickly. However, doctors generally try to avoid them in the long-run to avoid potential side effects, says Dr. Stojan.

In general, lupus can be tricky to treat because there is no established cure, but working closely with your doctor to create a plan can help you reach the ultimate goal of remission, says Dr. Stojan.

Headshot of Monique Valeris
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Organic Life

summer flowers

40 Summer Flower Options for Your Garden

studio shot of a young woman applying an oil to her face against a blue background

The Anti-Aging Effects of Rosehip Oil

small garden ideas

40 Dreamy Small Garden Ideas

avocado plant in green flower pot, sprouting avocado seed in glass of water and ripe avocado fruit on gray background

How to Grow an Avocado Plant Indoors

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
tiktok
youtube
facebook
instagram
pinterest
Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map