How to Build a Raised Garden Planter

Overview

Raised garden planters allow you to grow more in a smaller space. Soil in raised beds is less likely to compact and drains better than non-raised beds. Raised beds warm up faster in the spring, allowing for earlier plantings. Raised beds keep everything in easy reach, making it easier to pull weeds and tends plants. People with limited mobility can garden from a seated position, since beds can be designed to sit at any height.

Step 1

Cut the one-by-six boards into sections for the front, back and sides of your planter. Your planter may be any length you want, but the sides should be no more than four feet wide. This width will allow you to work the bed without having to climb into it.

Step 2

Attach a six-inch section of four-by-four to each end of the side pieces. Drill pilot holes in the end pieces and the four-by-fours and attach the two sections together with wood screws. The sides of the four-by-fours should be flush with the outer edges of the side planter sections.

Step 3

Attach the front sections of the planter to the four-by-fours. Drill pilot holes and use wood screws to attach all pieces snugly. The edges of the front pieces should cover the ends of the side pieces.

Step 4

Repeat step three for the back of the planter.

Step 5

Check to see if the planter is level. If necessary, dig out at one end or the other until the planter is level.

Step 6

Fill the planter with garden soil or a soil and compost mix. Your raised garden bed is now ready for planting.