How to Build a Raised Garden Bed        

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Raised garden beds are an easy way to create interest and add dimension to your garden. No matter what your skill level, The Home Depot has everything you need, including click-together kits, soil amendments and lumber. Quality building materials are available for less every day  in-store.

Here’s what you need to know about raised beds:
  • If you start with clean, fresh soil, you can avoid the problem of dormant weed seeds and pests from infesting the garden.
  • They warm more quickly in spring, so you can work the soil and plant earlier.
  • With beds planted higher than ground level, a gardener with limited mobility doesn’t have to get down on his or her knees.
  • Soil compaction can reduce crop yields up to 50 percent. Soil doesn’t get compacted in raised beds because it’s fresh and more easily worked.
  • Raised beds create areas of fertile, well-drained soil in locales with poor soil and inadequate drainage.
Raised bed depth
When determining the depth of your raised bed, consider your soil’s current condition. If it’s fairly workable, you can get away with raised beds up to 8 inches high. However, if the soil is completely unworkable—the kind of soil that can hardly be dented by a spade—make the raised bed 1 to 3 feet high.
Step 1: Build the border
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Start with your 4 rot-resistant posts. When selecting your lumber, consider using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood which has been responsibly harvested. The Home Depot sells more FSC certified wood than any other retailer in America.
Step 2: Dig the bed
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Dig a trench 1 to 2 inches deep where you want to position the raised bed. Position the frame in the trench. Level it by either adding soil or digging a deeper trench. For tips and know-how, read Good for you garden tools.
Step 3: Prepare the ground
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There’s no need to remove turf (except for Bermuda grass) or most small weeds; they’ll break down and feed the soil. Fill the wooden frame with high-quality topsoil or other amendments, such as sphagnum moss, and then rake smooth. Trusted brands such as Scotts and Miracle-Gro carry products that retain moisture and provide organic matter to your soil, available in-store. Vigoro carries a wide variety of top soils, formulated to provide drainage and aeration while feeding the soil, available at The Home Depot.
Step 4: Set up the waterworks
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Install a watering system. Soaker hoses, perforated plastic sprinkle hoses and drip-irrigation are perfect for raised beds as they disperse water neatly and evenly throughout a contained area.
When you're all set to plant, try Bonnie Plants which are grown in biodegradable peat pots or check out organic seed packets from Burpee or Ferry-Morse for an earth-friendly way to start your garden.

For more eco-freindly ideas you can use in your garden, visit The Home Depot Eco Options site.

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Tools and Materials

  • Saw
  • Shovel
  • Screwdriver or hammer
  • Spade
  • Rake
  • Work gloves
  • Power drill (optional)
  • Galvanized screws or nails
  • Four (or more)2x8 rot-resistant boards, such as cedar or pressure-treated pine (avoid pressure-treated wood if you’ll be growing edibles and use wood rated for ground contact)
  • Four (or more) 4x4 rot-resistant posts, each up to 3 feet long
  • Top soil and soil amendments
 
Aug. 20, 2010 12:33PM
Chuck (Pt. 2) The Extension Office in Brandon should be able to get you in touch with the local Master Gardeners.601-825-1462 I see that they have a Junior Master Gardener program, too. http://msucares.com/counties/rankin_61/horticulture.html
Aug. 20, 2010 12:31PM
Chuck, Pt. 1 I'd be happy to help some of your students, though I think they'll find most of their answers in articles and the "ask the experts" sections. You might also get some help from the MS. Master Gardener Program. I've been doing some research and it looks like Rankin County participates.
Aug. 14, 2010 01:20PM
Jerry, Thank you for your comment. Some people prefer to use Cedar or other non-treated wood for environmental reasons, especially when growing food crops. You're right, though. Treated lumber usually lasts longer than untreated wood.
Aug. 14, 2010 10:01AM
I am incorprating landscaping into our schools' art department. I am interested in starting a club with my students so that they can start emailing HomeDepot garden club and asking questions on plants, maintance and making flower beds. The school is in a rural part of Mississippi and their is no garden club to consult with. Thank you Chuck Rhoads Art Teacher Puckett Attendance Center
Aug. 13, 2010 12:40PM
I recommend that always use weather treated lumber in your raised bed to help ensure the wood will not rot. ----------- Jerry
Jun. 02, 2010 08:10PM
Fran, Bermudagrass is a bear to deal with. Hitting it with RoundUp, then waiting, while watering to encourage growth for 3 weeks and hitting it again works pretty well. In some climates, you may have to hit it a third time before planting. If you don't wish to use herbicides, covering it with clear plastic for 6 weeks in the summer to solarize it helps.
Jun. 02, 2010 07:32PM
Unless I missed it, I didn't see an answer to the question on how to get rid of Bermuda grass. Fran
May. 30, 2010 08:00AM
Sam, Ants can easily climb into any raised bed from the outside. It would be better to move or kill the ants in the area first. Ant baits, such as Terro Liquid Ant Bait, can also be used outside the bed to intercept them on their way, should they come back.
May. 30, 2010 03:53AM
There is some ant activity around the area where I want to put build raised bed, would lining the raised bed reduce the potential problems with ant and anphids?
May. 13, 2010 11:37AM
Barbara, Your local Home Depot will have the PVC, glue, and fittings, that you'll need. If you go to www.HomeDepot.com and type "irrigation" in the search box, it will take you to a page with a "Design Your Own Sprinkler System" that will help you, make up a diagram and give you a parts list to take along.
May. 13, 2010 11:24AM
I will be creating an herb and flower garden at the end of a patio and within the screened enclosure. We have to remove an existing sprinkler head, as the slab will cover that space. What would be a good way to extend that sprinkler out about 6 feet and create a new system to water the enclosed garden? Barbara
May. 01, 2010 08:05AM
Ken, The bed has to be able to drain, so anything that you'd use would have to allow for that, and water carrying organic matter can stain. But a possible alternative would be to use a sealer on the concrete. Check with your local Home Depot paint department to see what they recommend.
May. 01, 2010 12:28AM
Related to the last question about a raised vegetable bed over concrete, can a bottom liner (wood or sturdy material) be placed to prevent the staining?
Apr. 26, 2010 09:18AM
Esther, Yes, you can use raised beds on concrete, if the concrete is rough enough to allow water to seep out the edges of the bed. It usually is, but its something to watch for. Also, the soil mixes can sometimes stain the concrete. It's a great way to get garden space, though.
Apr. 26, 2010 02:46AM
I have a question. I don't have a backyard. The "carriage House" I reside in has a substantial concrete space between me and the "mansion". Can I build a raised plant bed on the concrete?
Apr. 21, 2010 01:16PM
Deb, I'm told that "Cherrytone landscape timbers are untreated wood, coated with a factory applied stain. They are not redwood. It is safe for veggies and commonly used to build terraced gardens. The kind of wood underneath is Douglas Fir. " The stain is not supposed to leach, according to my source.
Apr. 21, 2010 12:12AM
I was just at home depot and saw what is called cherrytone wood (3x4x8) on sale. the garden person told me it is not pressure treated, but is stained. can you tell me what kind of wood it is underneath and what kind of stain it has? can I use it for a raised bed? is it safe for veggies? does it leach?
Apr. 12, 2010 10:32AM
Sheryl, Thank you for your comment.
Apr. 10, 2010 02:54AM
i would also recommend that you purchase wood and let it sit outside in weather so that will shrink before you cut and nail sides together
Apr. 08, 2010 08:57AM
Faith, The formula for figuring soil volume is length x width x depth divided by 27 to get the number of cubic yards. So-4x8x.5=16 divided by 27 = .59 cubic yards. Your Home Depot will have various sized bags for easy carrying.
Apr. 06, 2010 11:27AM
Amanda, Most wood is pressure treated and you should not have a problem with termites. You could also use a plastic material if you are overly concerned.
Apr. 06, 2010 11:23AM
Terri, there are many organic alternatives. Check out the Eco products at Home Depot. Soaps and such. Depends on the problem.
Apr. 05, 2010 10:43AM
What pesticide can I use or make that will not harm animals?
Apr. 03, 2010 11:41PM
How much topsoil will I need for a garden 4X8' and 6 inches deep?
Mar. 28, 2010 07:12PM
Will the wood frame for the raised bed attract termites?
Oct. 12, 2009 12:55PM
What is the best way to get rid of burmuda grass for a garden area. In Arizona we have alot. Pat
Sep. 03, 2009 11:11AM
@ Larry Thanks for your comment. First of all, be sure the tree won't shade the vegetable garden, since most veggies need at least 6 hours of direct, mid-day sun to thrive. Locate the bed as far away as possible from the tree (but still in full sun). Build a raised bed and fill it with fresh soil so you don't need to worry about lining it. You don't want to inhibit drainage.
Sep. 02, 2009 02:02AM
I have a 50' tall black walnut tree in my backyard, removing it is not an option. I,ve been told that the root system of walnut tree,s are not good for vegtable gardens. If I build a raised bed, would it have to be lined with plastic or anything else? Love the site,great information! thanks larry
Aug. 10, 2009 03:05PM
@ Leonard Thanks for your comment. You can build a framework over the raised bed and drape it with clear poly or special row covers to help hold in the heat. During extreme cold spells you can add an additional layer of protection, such as a blanket. You also need to monitor the heat inside, however. Even on a cold day, a covered raised bed can heat up in the sun.
Aug. 06, 2009 12:37AM
....I HAVE A RAISED GARDEN BED AND WANT TO KNOW HOW I CAN CREATE A 'HOT HOUSE' EFFECT FOR A WINTER GARDEN? APPROXIMATE SQUARE FEET IS 75 SQUARE FEET!
Jun. 24, 2009 02:03PM
@ Sharon You can plant around the tree, but you need to limit raised soil or mulch near the trees base, as this can damage the trees roots, and even lead to root rot. Your best option would be to space plants slightly away from trunk, or even fill in the space with a dense ground cover, or plants such as hostas that thrive in the shade under a tree and grow to about 3 feet.
Jun. 22, 2009 09:11AM
@ Liz Thanks for your comment. You can use scrap wood to make a raised bed. However, most softwoods, like pine and fir, won't last too long and will begin to deteriorate. Avoid using old CCA-pressure-treated wood in beds where you'll grow vegetables, since the heavy metals may leach into the soil. Head to your local The Home Depot to get the supplies you need to start your very own raised bed.
Jun. 21, 2009 04:04PM
I recently planted 2 fairly large trees and wondered if I put a raised bed around the trees for flowers, if I would be hurting the new trees?
Jun. 18, 2009 11:40AM
Can I use any scrap wood I have (laying around) temporarily? I want to start a raised bed (eventually will have deck surrounding 3 sides)against the brick of my home-but just need to get soil going for now. I have no fund to buy stuff, but I have all kinds of scrap wood (doors, plywood, 2x4's). Suggestions???
Jun. 15, 2009 02:52PM
@ Beth Thanks for your comment. Good luck!
Jun. 15, 2009 02:51PM
@ Louise Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
Jun. 14, 2009 05:26PM
Learned about the HD Garden Club from "Cents" able Mom blog! I'm interested in trying this project if I win the $100 gift card because I need a good sunny spot to grow vegetables in the summer (built one years ago with railroad ties). Still want to try out composting too!
Jun. 13, 2009 10:06PM
My raised beds are 3 ft in width and I find that this allows me to get to the middle from either side. I really recommend this, especially for anyone with physical limitations
Jun. 02, 2009 09:07AM
@ Henrietta Thanks for your comment. Yes, you can simply rake soil into a flat-topped mound. The Home Depot carries a wide variety of soil options from Miracle-Gro and Scotts to get your raised bed started.
Jun. 02, 2009 08:53AM
@ Patti Check what's underneath the rock. If there's landscape fabric, I would recommend removing it so the roots of the raised bed plants can get through. If the area has been treated with herbicide to keep the weeds down, that could affect plant growth. If it's rock over bare soil a raised bed that's 8 inches deep or deeper should accommodate most annual plants and some perennials.
May. 30, 2009 12:10PM
want to make a raised flower bed without using a frame. Is this possible?
May. 28, 2009 10:46PM
At my 2nd home in Oregon there is a 20x2 of little white rock. Can I build a raised garden with the rocks left as is?
May. 25, 2009 09:57AM
@ Dustin Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
May. 25, 2009 09:48AM
@ Dennis Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
May. 25, 2009 09:10AM
@ Alfredo Bermuda grass is invasive and spreads from both underground roots and above ground runners. If you pull a Bermuda grass plant you'll see extensive, long roots. Any piece of root left in the soil will sprout and quickly grow an extensive roots system, which will compete with your garden plants for water and nutrients. That's why it's so important to keep it out of the garden.
May. 24, 2009 12:40AM
Saying "The Home Depot" (keeping the "The") in the middle of a sentence is silly and unecessary =)
May. 22, 2009 04:27AM
I did something similar by buying a prefab 8x6 ft fence, cut it into 2 ft strips, re-enforced the strips, then cut 1 of the strips in half. Lined it with plastic sheeting (its pressure treated lumber) filled with Pete & topsoil, then soaker hose and weed stop, I now have a 4x8 ft garden that I don't have to hurt myself with bending over all of the time. Next year, a 12x4 and a 4x4.
May. 20, 2009 05:03PM
I'm planning on having a 10X10 vegetable garden in my back yard, how do I know if I have bermuda Grass? And why would that have to be removed as oppose to other grasses?
May. 19, 2009 03:20PM
@ Socorro Thanks for your comment. You can build a raised bed with stones or concrete block. You would keep the height less than 18 inches to prevent it from tumbling. Fill with quality topsoil and soil amendments from Miracle-Gro and Scotts, available at your local The Home Depot.
May. 15, 2009 12:35PM
I would like to build my own raised garden bed, but I don't want to use wood. Can you give me ideas please? Thanks, Sokito from Puerto Rico
May. 13, 2009 10:47AM
@ Kristin Thanks for your comment. Build boxes specifically for this purpose with the recommended bracing. A bed filled with soil and plants will be very heavy, and will need structural supports. According to www.ada.gov, knee clearance should be at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide and 19 inches deep under sinks, so I think these measurements would apply to your raised bed planters.
May. 12, 2009 05:21PM
@ Karl Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
May. 12, 2009 05:12PM
@ Eric Thanks for your comment. Visit your local The Home Depot for suitable options to start your raised vegetable garden bed.
May. 12, 2009 01:07PM
I built mine from 2x6 cedar boards and 2x2 cedar posts from my local Home Depot. I look forward to fresh home grown produce soon. The warmer soil in a raised garden will help with this in our cold Northern climate!
May. 12, 2009 09:09AM
@ Dominic Thanks for your comment. Pressure-treated wood does contain chemical wood preservatives that protect wood from damage by insects, mold, sun and water. For edibles, use wood that has not been chemically treated. Head to your local The Home Depot for a wide range of options.
May. 11, 2009 06:37PM
We have several raised beds and i love them. What do you think about putting legs on them for elderly or people to sit in a chair under them. what sizes would the would need to be?
May. 11, 2009 09:17AM
@ Pat Thanks for your comment. To find out if your lumber has been pressure-treated, ask the location where you purchased it. If it hasn't, then it will be perfect for edibles.
May. 10, 2009 08:23AM
I am finding it difficult to obtain cedar or similar redwood for a raised vegetable bed.
May. 08, 2009 06:17PM
@ James Thanks for your comment. Visit your local The Home Depot for available compost and topsoil options, from brands such as Miracle-Gro and Scotts Nature Scapes.
May. 08, 2009 03:32PM
Can you use pressure-treated landscapping timber(Millstead) to build a raised veggie garden? Is it safe to eat the veggie?
May. 08, 2009 03:16AM
This is to the Garden Club Expert..I did not ask about pressure-treated wood. I asked about the 8' cherrytone landscape timber (May. 01 3:26PM by Pat) if this is ok for my veggie garden. Pat from Calif.
May. 07, 2009 07:47AM
Get book called "All New Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew.great book and all the info anyone would ever need, also completely illustrated throughout.A real gem of a book.........may 7th, Judie
May. 06, 2009 05:30PM
I've built a raised square foot garden.The recommended soil is 1/3 each..compose,peat moss,and large grandular vermiculite in 4 cu.ft.bags. NOT AVAIABLE. PLEASE STOCK SAME.
May. 06, 2009 10:21AM
@ Kitty Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback.
May. 06, 2009 10:16AM
@ Ling Thanks for your comment. A trellis is a great option for growing squash. The Home Depot's Landscape Construction 1-2-3 book has a number of options for creating arbors and trellises, available in-store.
May. 05, 2009 02:01PM
@ Pat Thanks for your comment. Pressure-treated wood does contain chemical wood preservatives that protect wood from damage by insects, mould, sun and water. For edibles, use wood that has not been chemically treated. Head to your local The Home Depot for a wide range of options.
May. 03, 2009 02:53AM
My raised bed is 4x8 feet x 12" tall with a seat on each end framed by three 2x12s (one cut in half for the ends) and one 8' deck board cut in half for the seats. Deck screws attach the deck boards to the top of the frame on the 4' end keeping it square. Also, a lot of communities have absolutely FREE compost. I get it by the pickup load for these projects and the veggies love it.
May. 02, 2009 09:10PM
Ideally the best height for a raised bed is anything over 18". Tomato plants like their roots to go deep and 12" isn't quite enough. Inexpensive plastic trash cans w/ holes drilled in them are great. You don't have to bend over, cut worms aren't a problem and tomato plants go crazy in them.
May. 02, 2009 02:16AM
I have built a raised vegetable bed (2'.5"x5'5"x12") recently, HD Garden Club site is a helpful site for me to get project information. Now I'm building the 2nd one (3"x5"x12") plus a rack to grow the squash. Please advise where I can find how to build a rack. Thanks, Charlene, Round Rock, TX
May. 01, 2009 04:57PM
Pat from California asked if the treatments on the wood will leach into the soil and get into the vegetables. The Garden Club expert you didn't address that part of her question. I have always wondered that as well. Are the treatments on the wood that you build a raised bed with SAFE if you grow vegetables right next to the wood? Doesn't sound very organic to me.
May. 01, 2009 03:26PM
I made a raised bed using those 8' cherrytone landscape timber (the ones that are stained). Is that ok for my garden of veggies I plan on eating? Is there chemicals in the wood like the pressure treated wood? Pat from Calif.
Apr. 29, 2009 11:59AM
@ Lynda Thanks for your comment. Make your raised bed around 3 feet high, or 4 boards high, depending on the height of your boards. Angle irons, u-posts and corner braces are all used to keep the high raise bed intact. Your local The Home Depot carries a wide variety of supplies and materials to help get your raised bed started.
Apr. 28, 2009 04:55PM
@ Judith Thanks for your comment. Head to your local The Home Depot to check the available product quantity, as it may differ in each area.
Apr. 26, 2009 03:38PM
Does HD have "bulk" top soil and ammendments? Filling 2-4'x8'x10" and 2-4'x4'x10" octagon can get pretty expensive using the bags at the store. Any info would be appreciated. JB
Apr. 25, 2009 05:00PM
I am disabled, and need to build a high garden bed to access from a seated positon. I understand the basic box building technique on the ground level, but how do you fasten and support the additional levels needed to increase the heigth?
Apr. 23, 2009 04:25PM
@ Sharon Thanks for your comment. We are glad you are enjoying the Garden Club.
Apr. 22, 2009 09:50PM
Kay if you haven't done this here is a simple , basic way to solve your grass problem .Put newspaper insid of your box before you put your new soin in it . This will greatly reduce the problem of weeds ,and grass growing up into your beds,and its also organtic. After a few monthas the paper mulches down ,and the grass with it .
Apr. 21, 2009 09:12PM
This article, was great. With being a first time gardener, it really helped. The article was very basic and easy to understand. I can't wait to get started.
Apr. 21, 2009 04:44PM
@ Ranji Thanks for your comment. We're glad that you're enjoying the Garden Club.
Apr. 20, 2009 06:30PM
i like to learn gardening. iread everything on your garden program its very nice thanks
Apr. 20, 2009 05:08PM
@ Kay If attempting to build a raised bed, yes you would be placing topsoil and other amendments on top of grass.
Apr. 20, 2009 12:54PM
Make sure you don't get pressure treated wood if you're planning on eating anything grown in the beds; the chemicals used in the treatment can get absorbed by the plants, and then passed on to you. Regular wood works just fine for vegetable beds. There are more great tips at squarefootgardening.com for using beds. Fantastic stuff!
Apr. 19, 2009 08:16PM
You can also use retaining wall stone for a more permanent raised bed.
Apr. 19, 2009 10:03AM
So I should just put top soil over the existing grass?? Will this make for more weeds?
Apr. 19, 2009 09:39AM
thanks, I live in New Jersey, and this year is my first year as a gardener, i like to see more idea on vegetable , growing and taking care of this plants, for the raised be i will make one for my strawberrys, I'm good building stuff i hove growing plants too, thanks to all
Apr. 18, 2009 09:37AM
I have used pine from my local Home Depot. All you need is 2 2x4's and 1 4x4 for the border plus 3 bags of soil. Total cost $25! The pine will rot but not for at least 3+ years (I live in California).
Apr. 18, 2009 01:30AM
The web-site is active - it is actually "thepioneerwoman.com"
Apr. 17, 2009 02:30PM
Chk out google.com & search "building a raised garden". 1000s of sites, most selling theirs. Some have designs & step-by-step instructns w/ pics. I built my own frm cedar decking and 4x4s. Cheapest way to go. Wanted to make them from composite decking (no rot), but $$$! Made another bed out of cedar fencing planks, gluing 2 together to make sides. Works great so far!
Apr. 17, 2009 11:32AM
Pioneerwoman.com is not an active website. Is there another site that provides detailed, explict directions for building a raised garden bed?
Apr. 16, 2009 11:35PM
Go to pioneerwoman.com - she gives detailed, explicit directions - complete with pictures.
Apr. 15, 2009 03:24PM
@ Chris and Valerie Thanks for your comments. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback. We will consider your suggestions for future Garden Club site updates.
Apr. 12, 2009 01:53PM
where to place raised bed for best sun would be helpful for edibles plant placement would be helpful. timers for watering would be helpful
Apr. 12, 2009 11:29AM
A picture of the finished raised bed would have been very helpful. Not all of us are experienced at building garden beds.
Apr. 09, 2009 12:40PM
@ Robert Thanks for your comment. We are always trying to improve our site and appreciate the time you took to provide us with feedback. We will consider your suggestion for future Garden Club site updates.
Apr. 09, 2009 10:37AM
I don't see a picture of the finished project. It would be helpful to see one.
 
 
 
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