Instructions for a raised garden bed with landscaping timbers?
by
Judy
How do I connect a 16' (l) x 2' (w) x 12" (h) raised garden bed using landscaping timbers? I will be stacking 3"x 4"x 8' timbers to form sides and front of garden. (back will be cement block). What should I use to hold the timbers together? Choices suggested are: 18" 1"x 2" stake driven into ground and nailed to backside of timbers; insert steel rod through hole in timbers (not yet drilled) or pound steel rods into ground in front and in back of timbers to keep timbers stacked and in place once soil and veggies are added. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you! Judy
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I used railroad ties to connect mine. They come in different lengths and widths. Or you can "notch" the timbers to connect.
I have used the steel rod method (using rebar) withholes drilled through the timbers, and I have also used timber screws. Honestly, the timber screws were so much easier and took much less time. They did not have to be pre-drilled and they were hardly visible when the whole project was finished. The steel rod method worked well, but left visible holes in the timbers that I wasn't happy with.
My granddaughter made her raised flower bed with cement blocks from Home Depot that are made for such a thing, they have slots the size of lumber to just put thru an opening, sure if you check with them they can show you what they look like, did not take a picture but made it very neat looking she has 3 beds and intends to do more,