After we built our first raised garden bed, we enjoyed it so much, we bought another kit and joined them together to create an L-shaped garden. I think it looks lovely! Along the way, we learned a few tips for an incredible raised garden bed. Here’s our experience and what we’d do differently to make this gardening project come together easily and look great in your yard!
Tips for an incredible raised garden bed
I’d like to thank my husband, our resident farmer, for the hard work he put into prepping, digging, building, and planting. He certainly knows how to make a garden come together. I’m just the visionary. Or maybe more like the host of that show Restaurant Impossible, who just runs around giving orders… I’m not as mean, though!
I’ve had a lot of readers express interest in creating their own garden this summer, so if you’re thinking you’d like to make a raised garden bed, here’s a few tips from us (since we’re now experts and all!).
Go for a raised garden bed kit
Depending on your skill level and time / budget constraints, the precut raised garden bed kits are the way to go! Kits take the headache out of most of the supply gathering process and give you that small win of being able to start your project immediately.
Utilize a tarp
This one might sound strange, but hubby says he wishes he’d used tarps while he worked. He says it would’ve lessened the struggle with chopping up the turf/grass. So…. If you’re digging up turf, put down a tarp a week or two ahead to soften up the dirt and kill the grass so it will be easier to chop the turf off the ground.
Measure, measure, measure
Measure out your proposed garden area and mark off the projected garden space with twine wrapped around nails stuck in the ground – this ensures your garden bed kit will fit in your space. Especially if you’re not custom building to fit – you really need to know how your kit bed will fit the space ahead of time.
Watch the sun
Also, before placing your garden, watch the spot for a few days and track how many hours of sun the site gets. You need a garden space with at least 6 hours of sun at the bare minimum (more is better!!).
Watch out for critters
Be aware of your natural enemies like deer, rabbits, woodchucks and other “freeloaders” that might come through hunting for tender green plants! Have a plan for dealing with pests, whether you use fencing, noisemakers, scent deterrents etc.
These tips for an incredible raised garden bed will get your garden up and growing in no time at all! Here’s an aerial shot of our new gardens:
Now, I’m ready to tackle my NEXT outdoor project: adding more plants and flowers to the beds as well as setting up our tomato cages!
Get all your raised garden bed gear online:
Cedar Raised Garden Bed Planter3-Foot by 50-Foot 15 Year Landscape Fabric8-Quart Organic Peat MossOrganic, Heirloom, Non-GMO, Garden Seeds – 7 Varieties of Vegetable Leafy GreensGarden Protection Repellent Bird Scarer Natural Enemy Scarecrow Rotating Head Realistic OwlSonic Mole Repellent Solar Powered Gopher Repellent
What’s your spring outdoor project list looking like?
BEFORE YOU START: What You’ll Need for A Raised Garden Bed
AS YOU BUILD:DIY: Building a Raised Garden Bed
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Home Depot.
get source
Wednesday 19th of March 2014
Keep up the superb works guys I�ve incorporated you guys on our blogroll.|
Marina
Saturday 1st of June 2013
A raised garden bed project is top of Hubs list of things to do this summer. I have to get him to check out Home Depot's kit now!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired
Thursday 30th of May 2013
It looks fantastic! I love that you bought more to make it L shaped. Your husband's tip with the tarp is a great idea. It makes so much sense and I'll be sure to keep it in mind if we do this.
Dawn Lopez
Wednesday 29th of May 2013
Ooh I just love the way that came out! Very pretty and neat. Love the shape! I am so jealous, I really need to do something like this soon!
Beeb
Wednesday 29th of May 2013
Your garden looks fantastic, I love it!! I think my spring to-do list will mainly be trimming everything. I live on wetlands so it's more like a forest than a lawn. LOL!! Next year I hope I will have a great garden like yours!