How to Build a Raised Bed CHEAP and EASY That Will Last Decades

Build Your Dream Raised Garden Bed! DIY Guide to Lumber, Tools & Soil Ready to elevate your gardening game? This video is your ultimate guide to building a sturdy and productive raised garden bed! We'll walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right lumber and gathering your tools, to creating the perfect potting mix for thriving plants. What You'll Learn in This Video: Lumber Lowdown: Pressure-Treated Lumber: Understand the pros and cons. We'll discuss modern pressure treatments (like copper azole, CA-C) rated for "ground contact" which are considered safe for garden use by many sources, with minimal copper leaching. We'll also emphasize avoiding older treatments like creosote (often found in old railway ties). Board Thickness: Why opting for thicker boards (e.g., 2-inch) can significantly extend the life of your raised bed. Essential Toolkit: Cutting: Miter saw, circular saw, or a trusty hand saw. Measuring & Marking: Tape measure, speed square or framing square, pencil, and a level to ensure everything is straight. Fastening: A drill/driver is highly recommended for screws (deck or exterior grade screws are best for outdoor projects). Alternatively, a hammer and nails can be used.   (Optional but Recommended for some builds): Shovel or spade (for site prep), staple gun (for attaching landscape fabric or hardware cloth), tin snips (for cutting hardware cloth).   Perfect Potting Material: Why Soil Matters: Understand the importance of well-draining, aerated soil rich in organic matter for healthy root development. DIY Soil Mixes: Key Ingredients & Amendments: Learn about the roles of compost, peat moss/coco coir (for moisture retention and aeration), perlite/vermiculite (for aeration and drainage), and other beneficial additions like worm castings. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a beginner gardener, this guide will empower you to build a fantastic raised garden bed that you can enjoy for years to come. Get ready to grow your own beautiful flowers, delicious vegetables, or fragrant herbs! Peer Review on using pressure treated wood: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/soil-compost/pressure-treated-wood-raised-bed-construction-willamette-valley Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more gardening and DIY projects! Share your raised bed creations in the comments below! 0:00 Intro 0:36 How much wood is needed to build a raised bed 0:55 What type of wood should you use for a raised garden bed 2:18 Tools needed to build a raised garden bed 3:10 How to cut your wood to build a raised garden bed 4:10 How to level your raised garden bed 5:02 How to screw together pieces of your raised garden bed 5:57 How to add a bench to your raised garden bed 10:25 How much it cost to build a raised garden bed 11:22 Homemade potting mix for a raised garden bed 13:15 Why you should mulch your raised garden bed 14:40 Should you use a weed barrier with a raised garden bed