The DIY Raised Bed: Useful, Modern, and Super Practical

First, a suitable location for the raised bed should be chosen in the garden. An ideal spot is partially shaded or sunny. Ideally, you should have an easily accessible watering point, so you don’t have to carry water too far. Next, mark the size of the raised bed with ground anchors and connect them with a mason's line. The grass sod in the marked area is then removed with a spade. The ground anchors are driven into the soil from above using a driving tool. Then, wooden posts of equal height are placed into the sleeves and fixed with speed screws. Careful work is crucial here, as the posts must stand firmly and securely, not only due to the weight of the raised bed but also because of weather conditions. A spirit level is then used to align the ground sleeves, ensuring the raised bed will be even and straight, as most surfaces are not level. The highest post determines the level of the future raised bed. A hose level is used to measure the height level.

Next, the other posts are shortened. Wood preservative is applied to the lower ends of the posts. Afterward, the posts are reinserted into the ground sleeves and screwed in place. The sides of the raised bed are then fitted with planks. When attaching the first plank, leave a 5 cm gap from the ground. The individual boards should be aligned horizontally with a spirit level. The first boards should be secured from the inside against the ground sleeves. The first short boards are then attached from the outside. After two board heights, a Casanet mesh is inserted. This serves as protection against voles and moles. The bent sides of the mesh are now stapled to the wooden boards. The rest of the boards are then attached and painted with wood preservative on both the inside and outside. The post caps are placed on the top ends of the posts. A pond liner is now used to line the interior walls of the raised bed and fixed with a stapler. The pond liner is necessary to protect the boards from moisture and rot. Now, the raised bed can finally be filled. The first 20 cm should be filled with a coarse layer of branches and twigs. On top of that comes another 20 cm of bark mulch. The third layer consists of 15 cm of straw or leaves. The fourth layer consists of soil, and the last, fifth layer is approximately 20 cm of topsoil.

Now, the seeds can be sown. Herbs and vegetables are ideal for a raised bed. To reduce the need for frequent watering, you can place upside-down bottles filled with water in the bed, which is perfect for the hot season.