Building and Using a Cedar Raised Garden Box

Building a cedar raised garden box is a great way to create a beautiful and functional garden space. Western red cedar is a popular choice for garden boxes because it's naturally resistant to rot and insects.

Cedar raised garden boxes can be built to any size, but it's best to start with a small one to get a feel for the project. A 4x4 foot box is a good size for a beginner.

The cedar wood used for the box should be properly seasoned to prevent warping or cracking. This means letting it sit for at least six months to a year before using it.

To assemble the box, you'll need to attach the sides and bottom using screws or nails. Make sure the corners are secure to prevent the box from collapsing.

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For a cedar raised garden box, you'll want to start with the right materials. I used all cedar lumber, which can last many years without breaking down or needing any staining or treatment, making it perfect for growing food in your beds.

Cedar lumber can be expensive, but buying directly from a lumberyard and using their discount decking lumber can save you a ton of money. Each 5/4 inch (true 1 inch) x 6 inch x 8 foot board was only $4, but you might need to order extra to make up for any pieces that are cracked, have holes, or don't look as pretty.

For the corner trim, I used 5/8″ x 3.5″x 6′ cedar fence slats from Home Depot. You can also use 4×4 inch cedar for corner supports, which I found to be more secure than 2×2 inch cedar.

Here are the types of lumber I used:

To make 8 beds, I spent around $350 worth of lumber, closer to $400 if you include hardware. It's worth googling around for a local lumberyard and checking if you can find a comparable deal in your area.

Building the box is where the magic happens, and I'm excited to walk you through it. You can choose from five standard sizes, all 14” deep, so pick the one that fits your space.

The cost will depend on the size you choose, ranging from $60 to $190. You can also opt for varnish, but it's not required.

If you need a custom size, don't worry, it's available. Just keep in mind that you might need to pay a bit more.

You can get the box with or without a bottom, so think about what will work best for your garden.

Setting up your cedar raised garden box involves some preparation to keep burrowing creatures away from your plants. Use hardware cloth or a layer of chicken wire on the bottom to keep them out.

You can also place a layer of weed barrier down, such as landscape fabric, newspapers, or cardboard, to help kill the grass if you're setting your raised bed on top of a grassy area.

To fill your raised garden box, you'll need to decide on the soil mix. You can buy a load from a landscape business or create your own soil by mixing together large bags of container soil, garden soil, and bricks of peat moss.

A fresh viewpoint: Raised Garden Bed

Setting up your DIY raised bed is a crucial step in creating a thriving garden. It's a good idea to use hardware cloth or a layer of chicken wire on the bottom of your raised garden bed to keep burrowing creatures away from your plants.

You can attach the hardware cloth to the bottom of the bed using a staple gun. Alternatively, you can place a layer of weed barrier down, such as landscape fabric, newspapers, or cardboard, to help kill the grass and prevent weeds from growing up through the bed.

To make the setup process easier, consider using a layer of weed barrier that can break down under the soil. This will help reduce the amount of maintenance required for your raised bed.

Before digging the holes for your raised bed, mark the area with a little orange spray paint to ensure accurate placement. Dig the holes about 12 inches deep, and consider digging them slightly larger around to make it easier to fill them back in with the posts.

Expand your knowledge: How to Raise a Bed without Legs?

Here's a list of materials you may need for setting up your DIY raised bed:

Remember to attach the hardware cloth or weed barrier to the bottom of the bed to prevent pests and weeds from growing up through it.

Filling a raised bed can be overwhelming, especially with all the advice online about creating your own soil.

You can buy a load from a landscape business, but make sure to trust the company and know the quality of the soil.

Pressed for time, we bought large bags of container soil and mixed them with garden soil and peat moss.

The soil mix should not be too "heavy" when planting in a raised bed, as it's essentially a large container.

We'll be working some compost into the soil next year, but for now, this mix is doing the trick.

You might like: Raised Bed Soil Mix Recipe Epic Gardening

Mulch is a must-have for any garden. It helps retain moisture, especially in containers and raised beds which tend to dry out quickly.

Straw is a common garden mulch, but I prefer using wood chip mulch. Just make sure the wood chips are large enough to allow water to reach the plant roots.

Using fine wood chips can create a matting that seals off moisture from the roots. I learned this the hard way one year, and it was a costly mistake.

Mulching is a simple yet effective way to keep your garden healthy and thriving. It's a good idea to add mulch to in-ground gardens too, not just containers and raised beds.

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Using a chemical-free varnish on your cedar raised garden box is a great way to protect it from the elements without harming the environment. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to rot and insects, but a varnish can provide additional protection.

A water-based varnish is a good option, as it's easy to clean up and dries quickly. It's also less likely to damage the wood than a solvent-based varnish.

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Some varnishes contain chemicals like polyurethane, which can off-gas and harm plants and animals. Look for a varnish that's labeled as "non-toxic" or "plant-safe" to ensure it's safe for use around your garden.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a varnish that's specifically designed for outdoor use on cedar wood. This will help ensure it adheres well and provides long-lasting protection.

Take a look at this: Garden Safe Diatomaceous Earth

Keep an eye on your cedar raised bed for signs of damage or wear & tear issues, and replace the affected boards before the structural integrity is compromised.

Regularly pull weeds as they appear, as even raised beds can't be completely weed proof. Pulling them periodically will prevent them from developing deep roots.

Inspect your raised bed regularly to catch any water or pest damage early on, so you can address the issue before it's too late.

To make the most of your vertical garden, keep in mind that it's best to make your bed at least 8 inches deep to accommodate shallow rooted plants like lettuce and kale.

You can customize the width and height of your bed to fit your space and needs, but don't forget to leave enough room for plants to grow.

If you're using a tutorial to create your bed, I'd love to see how it turns out and share it with others - just tag me on social media!

Maintaining your DIY raised bed is a crucial step in keeping it in good condition. Keep an eye out for signs of damage or wear and tear issues, such as boards coming loose or water or pest damage, and replace the affected boards before the structural integrity is compromised.

Regularly pull weeds as they appear, even though raised beds are less prone to weeds than in-ground gardens. Pulling weeds periodically will prevent them from developing deep roots, which can be a bigger problem.

Inspect your raised bed regularly to catch any issues early on.