Raised garden beds are a great way to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers, especially if you want better soil drainage, fewer weeds, and an easier gardening height. Building one yourself is simple and cost-effective—especially using treated or naturally durable timber. Here's how to make a raised garden bed that suits your backyard.
What You’ll Need:
Materials:
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Timber (Macrocarpa, pine H4 treated, or similar – 200mm x 50mm is a good size)
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Galvanised screws or nails (100mm or longer)
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Weed mat or cardboard (optional, for the base)
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Soil and compost mix
Tools:
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Saw (hand saw or circular saw)
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Drill or hammer
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Tape measure
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Level
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Square
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Shovel or spade
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Choose Your Location
Pick a sunny spot with good access to water. Avoid placing your bed too close to fences or large trees that might block sunlight or compete for moisture.
2. Decide on Size
A common raised bed size is 2m x 1m and about 400mm high (two stacked timber boards). Keep the width under 1.2m so you can easily reach the centre from either side.
3. Cut Your Timber
Cut your timber to size. For a 2m x 1m bed, you'll need:
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2 x 2m lengths
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2 x 1m lengths
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Repeat if making it taller than one board high
4. Assemble the Frame
Lay the boards out in a rectangle. Use the square to ensure corners are right angles, then fix the boards together with screws or nails. Pre-drill to avoid splitting the wood.
Tip: Reinforce the corners with timber stakes or internal corner brackets for extra strength.
5. Prepare the Site
Mark out where the bed will go, remove any grass, and level the ground. Lay weed mat or cardboard on the bottom to help prevent weeds from growing up through the soil.
6. Position the Frame
Place your timber frame on the prepared area. Use a level to make sure it’s sitting flat and adjust as needed.
7. Fill with Soil
Fill your bed with a mix of topsoil, compost, and organic matter. A 50/50 blend of compost and garden mix is ideal for vegetables and herbs.
8. Start Planting
Now you're ready to plant! Choose your favourite veggies or flowers and enjoy your new raised bed garden.
Tips:
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Use untreated timber if you’re concerned about chemicals near edible plants.
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Consider adding a timber cap or ledge for seating or extra strength.
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Raised beds can also be made in tiers or L-shapes for larger gardens.