If you are limited on the amount of space you have for planting, have a bad back or want to create a little area especially for fruits and vegetables, raised beds can be a great way to bring life and colour to your garden.
Follow this step-by-step guide to creating your own raised bed:
What you’ll need:
- 8 wooden planks (length depends on the size of the bed you want)
- Screws
- Leveller
- Drill/ Screwdriver
- Compost
Step one: How big do you want it
Once you have found the location for it, you will then need to determine how big it is going to be; using a measuring tape mark with chalk where it is going to go.
Step two: Level the ground
To prevent water building up in one corner or for it to look off balance, make sure the ground where you are putting it is level. Use a levelling tool and rake the ground until it is flat, removing all grass from that area.
Step three: Create the sides
Using four planks create a square on the ground where you want the raised bed to go. Secure them together using the screws, making sure they are in tightly with the drill/ screwdriver.
Step four: Build the sides
Place a second plank on top of the base securing at the corners with the screws. Tap it slightly on the ground with a hammer to ensure it is in place.
Step five: Fill with compost
The next step is the easiest – simply fill with compost and you’re ready for planting.