Now that spring has officially sprung, there’s no better time to start an at-home garden, and building a raised garden bed is easier than you might think. First, consider how much you want to plant to determine the size of your garden box. Then, stake out the perfect backyard spot to get it started.
Setting it up is the easy part. It’s narrowing down all the plant choices is what’s difficult. Though, no matter what you decide to grow, here are a few, helpful tips to bring your DIY project to life.
1. Keep it simple with a pre-made kit
Laying the foundation for your home garden is made simple thanks to the help of a GroGreen Garden Box kit. Each affordable kit comes with four, pre-made, and pre-measured walls with a top cap. Add wire mesh below and above to help protect your fruits and veggies from being eaten by backyard bunnies, groundhogs, or birds.
You can also instantly create a raised garden box by putting the garden bed on legs as another prevention measure against outdoor pests and to make the gardening experience a whole lot easier. Both options are made out of 100% redwood for a sustainable solution that’ll keep your garden looking good for years. Meanwhile, choose from five different size options to create various setups depending on how much you decide to plant.
2. Avoid using pressure-treated material
When deciding on which wood to use, steer clear of pressure-treated material, especially if you’re planting an edible garden since chemicals used in the process can leach into the food. Redwood and cedar are the most common renewable resources to use. Once they’ve reached the end of their life cycle, they’ll go back into the earth safely without affecting any of the plants you grow.
3. Create a rustic appeal
The Rustic Garden Box offers a slightly different aesthetic than the other pre-made kits. It’s constructed with 2×12 rough heart redwood and joined at the corners with redwood 4x4s for a naturally durable, long-lasting garden box. All hardware needed to assemble the box is included. Plus, this option can be made in any size and is easy to assemble in a matter of minutes.
4. Keep basic tools handy
To build a raised garden bed, all you need is a hammer, screws, and nails. Board-wise you’re generally working with (4) 2×12 boards and (4) 4x4s. However, consider placing wire underneath before putting dirt in the garden box and/or building a small chain link or wire fence around and over the top, which will take extra construction. After all, once you have your garden planted, you’ll want to protect it from being eaten by wildlife.
5. Get creative with your setup
The easy assembly and affordability of the garden box kit leave room to get creative with your outdoor space. You can build multiple garden boxes in one area and create sections with a walking path in between. There’s also the option of building a gate with hinges if you have more area to work with and want the garden to be the focal point. Then, once you have your base built, there are plenty of garden accents to personalize your space and make it truly your own.
A garden adds appeal to any home by instantly brightening up your backyard area. Whether you decide to go with a readymade kit or want to choose your own lumber, our specialists are here to help. Visit your nearest J&W Lumber location today.