DIY Raised Garden Bed for Veggies

Building a raised bed is easier than you think. Vegetable gardeing in raised beds is a great way for beginner gardeners to get started. Just add Tonka Terra! 1 bag fills 1 cubic foot of space. You will need 16 bags.

Material list for a simple 4'x4' raised bed:

• • • 1 - 4"x4"x4' Red Cedar Timber
    • 2 - 2"x12"x8' Red Cedar Lumber, smooth
    • 1/4x3-1/2" Grade 5 HCR Exterior Coated Spax Construction Screws
    • 16 - Washer Head Lag Screws
    • 1 Set T30 Star 2" Power drive Bits

Tools needed for this project:

• • • Chop Saw or Hand Saw (or have material cut at store)
    • Battery powered drill
    • T30 Star drive bit to fit Spax Lag Screw

Cut list:

• • • 4 - Sides of bed - 2x (The height of board used)x3'-11&7/8" Boards
    • 4 - Corner Posts - 4"x4"x (The height of board used)

Start small, then build, build build. Raised beds can be customized to fit the space you have available.

Watch the how-to video here!

Here's a step-by-step plan to help you design, build, and maintain a successful veggie raised garden bed:

1. Set goals and access your space:

• • • Decide what you want to grow.
    • Choose veggies based on your climate, space, and eating habits
    • Measure the available area and ensure its accessible and recieves at least 6-8 hour of sunlight daily
    • Check water access - make sure a hose or irrigation system can reach the bed easily.

2. Design the Layout

• • • Plant your crops based on height.
    • Plant in rows or grids to maximize on space.
    • Keep your plant tags or markers in the same rows as the plants to help you remember which is which.
    • Add growing support like tomato cages for larger, taller vegetables.

3. Plan your planting schedule.

• • • Use a seasonal planting calendar.
    • Note seed starting times, usually listed on the back of each seed packet.
      • Cool season: Spinach, lettuce, peas.
      • Warm season: tomatoes, squash, peppers.
    • Consider companion planting to boost yield and reduce pests.

4. Maintain and Monitor.

• • • Weed weekly, especially early in the season.
    • Fertilize as needed (every 4-6 weeks with Tomato Tone or Espoma Garden Tone).
    • Check for pests (aphids, slugs, etc.) and treat organically (neem oil, handpicking).
    • Use crop rotation each season to avoid soil depletion or refresh with a layer of Purple Cow Indicanja (it's great for veggies!).

Here's a helpful infographic to aid you in getting started with your veggie garden:

Download