Raised Bed Construction Material and Methods?

Randy
by Randy
I'm looking for input and advice on raised bed construction. Would love to put in one or two beds this spring but if I am going to do it, I need to get busy! I'm thinking approx 4X10 or maybe 6X10. Mainly looking for ideas on material/design/construction techniques that have worked well for folks here. I am in NC (zone 7b) and the beds will be on a slight incline - nothing drastic. Thanks in advance for the input!
  7 answers
  • Mary Laniewski Mary Laniewski on Feb 24, 2014
    We have to have raised beds here in Texas because of the nasty clay. Remove your grass and put in really good soil consisting of organic compost. It should be at least 3 inch. above grade. You can edge this bed with different stones, rock, or landscape timbers. You'll have to or lose your soil going down hill.
  • Diane B Diane B on Feb 25, 2014
    Mother Earth Magazine, Grit Magazine and most any true gardening magazine have web sites with instructions. The building materials are usually, cedar or redwood, but can be built with old concrete (recycle) or bricks. I suggest you start composting to amend the soil. We are adding six more to our garden this summer. I can't believe the ease of caring and the yield they produce even in the middle Georgia area. Also check to see if there are any municipalities or tree removal companies that offer free mulching materials. There are some really good nurseries and educational programs in your area. Dig your dirt!!!
  • Erin@UpcycledUgly Erin@UpcycledUgly on Feb 25, 2014
    We built some very basic square foot gardens out of 2x10s. We used a combination of vermiculite, peat moss, and compost. We mix in more compost each time we harvest. They've been great so far. Here are a few photos: http://upcycledugly.com/yard-make-over/garden/
  • Katie Katie on Feb 25, 2014
    I made mine with 2x10 cedar. They are 2 boards in height. The corners are butted together and attached with long triangle-shaped hinges. I screwed 2x2s in the corners to hold the the top board to the lower board. I then placed them where I wanted, put heavy landscape fabric down, then filled with a mix of GOOD garden soil and compost. I top up with compost t the beginning of the season and when I'm putting the beds to bed. If you want to plant things like beets or other root vegetables, the beds should be 3 boards high. I'd show you a picture but mine are under 3 feet of snow...
  • Denise Denise on Aug 24, 2015
    Go to a kitchen building place, Lowes may even have them. They ship cabinetry in them. I got some that were 2'x9'. You can line them with black landscaping material, and plant. they are high enough you dont have to bend over so far to tend the garden. Good luck.
  • Mehatasonia1 Mehatasonia1 on Jun 06, 2017

    sfrc concrete is used in reinforce monolithic refractories against thermal and mechanical shock by reducing cracking and spilling susceptibility. precisiondrawell.com