A raised garden box is a great addition to your yard. They provide you with a convenient way to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers, and help prevent weeds. In addition, they discourage insects, pests, and drifting seeds. These boxes are relatively easy to make, and can be constructed in less than a day. It can be an enjoyable project, especially if you have kids to help!
One of the first steps in constructing a raised garden bed is to dig down several inches in the soil. Then, you can fill the bed with a mixture of compost and topsoil. After a few weeks, add more compost if necessary. If you are using a metal raised bed, you can line the inside of the box with sheet plastic before planting. This will help keep the wood dry and also keep the soil moist. When planting, you can put some drip tape or soaker hoses in the sides of the box. You can even place a sprinkler on the side of the bed. However, you should consider the duration of spraying before hand.
Next, you need to drill several holes for drainage. You can do this by a manual post hole digger, or by an electric one. You can also buy prefab kits that are sold at home centers. Alternatively, you can purchase a kit made of composite material that is durable and resistant to rot and insects. Regardless of your choice, you can make your box easily by following a few simple guidelines.
Make sure your bed is a rectangle, no more than four feet wide. Your bed should have three or four posts drilled into it. Using toe screws to hold the parts flush will help.
You can also use pressure-treated lumber for your garden beds. However, it is a good idea to reinforce the metal with plywood. Likewise, you should choose boards that are untreated pine. Untreated lumber is a durable material that will stand up to weather. Additionally, if you paint it, the wood will hold up well.
Lastly, you can add a few decorative corner brackets to dress up your garden bed. Metal corner brackets are ideal for reinforced wooden raised beds, and they can be used to prevent the soil from escaping. To secure the brackets, you can screw them in with 3-inch deck screws.
If you want to avoid having to worry about the construction process, you can also buy prefab raised bed kits. These can be purchased at garden centers or from suppliers. However, it is important to follow the directions and the Cutting List that are included with the kit.