how to prepare a raised garden bed

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Starting a garden might feel like a big task, especially if you’re new to it. But don’t worry—we’re here to make it simple. Raised garden beds are a fantastic, beginner-friendly way to grow the fresh veggies your family loves. Learn the basics of how to prepare a raised garden bed so you can get started gardening in an easier way.

How to start a backyard garden and prepare your first raised bed so you can start out with a healthy and organic setup.

how to prepare a raised garden bed

Have you always wanted to grow your own veggies but felt unsure about where to begin? Maybe bending down to garden isn’t an option for you, or you’re hesitant to dig up your backyard just yet. Whatever the reason, raised bed gardening might be the perfect solution.

Think of a raised bed as a happy middle ground—it’s like giant container gardening. Yes, raised beds are technically a form of container gardening, just on a bigger scale, and they come with some fantastic perks. They’re easier to manage, more accessible, and can make growing your favorite veggies a breeze. If you’re curious about where to start, a raised bed might just give you the fresh start—and fresh produce—you’ve been dreaming of.

What is raised bed gardening?

Raised bed gardening is basically growing plants in soil that’s lifted above the ground—usually inside a structure like a wooden frame, bricks, metal, or other sturdy material. These beds are filled with compostable materials and topped with soil, giving your plants the perfect setup to grow.

Because they are made from scratch, you can customize their size and height to fit your space.

Benefits of growing in raised beds:

  • Better Soil, Bigger Growth: You get to choose what soil goes in, so you’re not stuck with whatever’s in your yard. Starting with rich, well-draining soil makes all the difference in how well your plants grow.
  • No Waterlogging Worries: Since the soil is raised, water drains better, keeping your plants roots healthier and helping to prevent diseases.
  • Fewer Weeds: The contained area makes it easier to manage weeds, so you spend less time pulling and more time enjoying.
  • Comfortable Gardening: No more bending over or crouching for hours—raised beds can be at any height that’s comfortable for you.
  • Tidy and Organized: Raised beds give you defined spaces, making it a breeze to plan, plant, and maintain your garden.
Young pepper plants in a raised bed garden

What can I plant in a raised bed garden?

The short answer? Just about anything! From veggies to herbs, even fruits, raised beds can handle it all. Here are some great options to get your garden growing:

  1. Tomatoes and peppers
  2. Beans and peas
  3. Vining plants such as cucumbers, pumpkins, or watermelon
  4. Squash
  5. Salad plants such as carrots, radishes, and greens.
  6. Herbs like basil or oregano are also popular choices for raised bed gardens.
  7. Flowers such as pansies and marigolds can also be planted to add a splash of color.

With a raised bed, you’ve got endless possibilities. Whether it’s your favorite fresh salads, fragrant herbs, or a burst of color from flowers, you can easily create a garden that fits your tastes and needs.

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How to Prepare a Raised Garden Bed

As with all projects, it is much easier to work through things one step at a time. This will allow you to fit this into your schedule so you can set up a few raised garden beds without sacrificing an entire weekend.

Step #1. Select an area in your backyard

The first step in setting up a raised bed garden is choosing the right location. Pick out an area that gets at least six hours of bright sunlight a day and is away from tall trees and shrubs. You don’t want the plants to be competing for sunlight or to be in the way of heavy rain or strong winds.

a shadow of a woman on green grass

You also want to locate your raised beds close to a water source so upkeep of your vegetables is easier on you.

I suggest putting your beds closer to your back door if you are able to do so. This will help your daily care to be a bit more enjoyable and easier to keep up with.

Step #2. Gather your supplies

Before you start building your garden bed, make sure you’ve got all the essentials. The boards of the raised beds can be made from all sorts of materials, but the most common options are wood, metal, or plastic. Choose what works best for your space and style. If you are short on time, you can purchased a raised bed kit online.

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Next, you’ll need to grab a few gardening basics to make sure your plants thrive. High-quality garden soil is a must, as well as compost to keep things nutrient-rich. Don’t forget mulch—it’s your best friend for keeping weeds in check.

Raised Bed Garden Supply List:

  1. Border materialswood, metal, or plastic.
  2. Soil liner – such as a weed barrier.
  3. Soil – bags are best for one bed, and a delivered supply is best for multiple beds.
  4. Shovel – to move the soil into the bed.
  5. Rake – to spread the soil out evenly.
fresh organic soil in a raised bed

Step #3. Set Up Your Raised Bed

Now that you’ve picked the perfect spot and gathered all your supplies, it’s time to put everything together and build your raised bed.

Start by deciding on the size of your bed. This really depends on how much space you have and how big you want your garden to be. From my experience, sizes like 4×4, 4×6, or 4×8 feet work really well.

Keeping the width at 4 feet is key—it lets you reach the center from any side without breaking your back trying to stretch. Trust me, your future self will thank you when it’s time to weed and harvest.

Next, lay down a soil liner. This step is super important—it keeps grass, soil pests, and any invasive weeds from getting tangled in the plants growing above. Weeds do more than strangle plants, they can steel nutrients from the soil giving less to the plants you are growing.

Building the Frame:

  1. Assemble or construct the border using your chosen materials.
  2. Whether it’s wood, metal, or plastic, make sure you add corner supports to keep everything sturdy.
  3. This will give your raised bed a solid structure and ensure it lasts for years to come.
a corner support post in a raised garden bed

Step #4. Add the Soil

The soil is the lifeline of your garden, providing the nutrients and support your plants need to grow and thrive. For best results, use soil specifically designed for growing vegetables. This will set you up for a healthy and productive harvest.

Want to skip the store-bought stuff? No problem. You can mix up your own raised bed soil at home with a simple recipe:

  • Mix equal parts of garden soil, vermiculite, and perlite.
  • Add compost to boost fertility and improve the soil’s texture and drainage.
  • Test the soil to make sure the pH level is just right for happy plants.

Got a big garden bed to fill? Here’s a little hack to save some soil and still get great results. Start by adding compostable materials to the bottom of the bed to take up some space before adding soil. You can use things like straw, grass clippings, cardboard, twigs, dried leaves, or even newspaper.

Just layer it all up, making sure to leave enough room on top for the soil. This way, you’ll have plenty of space to plant while cutting down on the amount of soil needed. Plus, those materials will break down over time and enrich the soil—win-win.

What pH is best for growing vegetables?

Knowing the pH needed for plants to grow will help you to plant the best plant for the soil you have in each area.

Most vegetables grow best in slightly acidic soils, pH 5.8 to 6.5. You can increase acidity by adding compost to the ground and working it in. Use this easy soil pH tester to ensure you are on the right track.

a soil pH tester in a grow bag of pepper plants

Step #5. Plant Your new bed

One of the greatest things about raised beds is how much you can grow in a compact space. Raised bed gardening is the same as square foot gardening, where you plant in each square foot, allowing you to make the most of your space. m

Start by following the planting instructions that come with your seeds or plants. Pay close attention to spacing requirements—even though raised beds allow for tighter planting, keeping some room between plants ensures they have enough airflow and space to grow properly.

Overcrowding can lead to disease or stunted growth, so be sure to give your plants the elbow room they need.

Bonus Growing Tips

Use these tips to take your growing to the next level.

#1. Use Companion Planting – This is where you pair plants that benefit each other, like tomatoes with basil or carrots with onions. It can help deter pests, improve soil health, and boost your crop yields—it’s like teamwork for your garden.

#2. Plant for the Seasons – Think about the season when planning what to grow. Cooler months are perfect for plants like lettuce, spinach, or radishes, while summer is prime time for tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Stagger your plantings to keep your garden producing all year long if your climate allows it.

#3. Take Notes – Jot down what you planted, when and where you placed everything, and how your plants performed. Over time, this will help you fine-tune your gardening methods and learn what works best in your raised bed.

#4. Keep Weeds Away – To keep your garden weed-free, a cover of organic mulch is essential. Mulching protects the soil from the sun’s harsh rays, keeping the moisture in and keeping weed growth under control.

High-quality mulch, such as wood chips, fresh cut weed-free grass, or straw, can help retain moisture, prevent erosion, and increase the soil’s fertility.

a raised garden bed that is mulched with fresh cut grass

Setting up a raised bed garden can be intimidating, but with the right preparation and supplies, it is an easy and satisfying way to start your gardening journey. Ensure that you choose the right location, get all the required supplies, and select the right size for your bed.

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Remember, soil quality is essential for a bountiful harvest, so don’t skimp on that. Compost, fertilize, and maintain your garden bed; in no time, you’ll be harvesting fresh, delicious vegetables from your backyard garden.

Refer to this guide on how to prepare a raised bed garden anytime you want to add another bed to your backyard setup.

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