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A job always sounds daunting before you start. When I began mulling over the idea to convert my vegetable garden into raised beds, I assumed it would be difficult and very time-consuming. I was wrong! Putting a raised bed together takes a couple of hours at most and the benefits are endless. Raised beds offer great drainage, decreased weeds, and easier gardening. But you don’t need to hear me preach the benefits; I want you to see just how easy it is!
Watch how to make these raised garden beds:
My bed is 4 feet by 24 feet. This is large for most and I don’t expect anyone to actually want that. Attached is the layout for a standard 8-foot by 4-foot bed with all the materials needed. Download the PDF here.
Prepare your area by clearing the grass or anything that may be setting roots into the ground. I like to make the bed above ground then set it in place.
Here’s the general process for raised garden beds:
- Put the bed together starting with one post and continue until the bed is completed.
- Dig your footing holes for the posts and turn the raised bed over to set in place.
- Backfill holes with dirt. I use a mixture of 1/2 topsoil and 1/2 compost mixed with 1-2 cubic feet of perlite (or vermiculite). Add the soil, compost and perlite alternately and mix together.
- I finished my bed with post caps and finials because, well, it’s me and I always have to go a little over the top.
Once complete, you’re ready to let the bed set over the winter. If you don’t have access to good quality compost, place as many leaves in the bed as possible and let them compost over winter.
I’m not an expert but I do love gardening. While I may be young, I’ve been gardening for years and have found a raised bed to be super beneficial. I hope you’re inspired to try your own!
How fo you keep rabbits out of your raised beds?
Caleb, I am building beds according to your plans and loving them. We have three made so far. I am looking to start filling them for this fall growing season and would like you to tell me the best combination to ensure a healthy soil for some fantastic growth. I am in southeast Texas. I believe it’s zone 9
I’m loving your raised bed video & demonstrating how to fill one. I’m closing on my house on the 24th and will be making raised beds along the outer rim of my craft cottage. So excited! Thank you!
Hi Kaleb, I love your videos. I have a question about raised beds. If I put them in the spring, should I do anything differently with respect to the amount of topsoil, compost and perlite to put into the beds and start planting right away. When in the spring would you advise that I put the raised beds in? I live in central Vermont which I believe is in zone 4b. Thanks.
I have been watching you for a while now. You just keep getting better and better. You feel like a good neighbor that comes over for coffee and chats. I am from Saraland, Alabama, just 15 minutes north of Mobile. Some of the things you say and do remind me of the way I grew up. We didn’t have a farm but my Aunts and Uncles did so I learned alot. But you have taught this old woman some new information. Thank you so much for being you!
Thank you I’ve enjoyed all your videos an it’s been a lot of help an your so amazing keep it going.
You are amazing. I enjoy watching everything that you do and I love love love your home!!!!!!!!
You make my day!!!
Do you make your own compost?
Omgoodness Kaleb, I enjoy your videos/show so much.
I live in Iowa. Grew up on a farm in Northern Iowa.
I love your Kitchen/garden/cooking/decorating and your mom !!
Keep telling what products you use. You are sunshine !!
Hi !! Can I make my raised bed in the fall and fill it with all you mentioned if I live in NY where we get a lot of snow ?