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The basic supplies needed to build a raised bed include: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The overall cost will mainly be determined by its size. Taller and longer beds require more siding and soil to fill it. To plan your garden size, it helps to physically mark how long you want it to be so you can better visualize the space. Most gardeners prefer their bed to be a maximum of 3 ft wide to ensure they can easily reach their plants from the side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Siding materials vary significantly in price. Some people purchase pre-assembled frames to avoid the assembly process, although this is likely the costliest option. Materials like metal or stone offer enhanced durability but can also be expensive. The list of potential materials is endless, but the cheapest ones are often recycled. Cinderblocks are a common choice, but don\u2019t hesitate to get creative with what you already have on hand. Aside from recycled materials, wood is generally one of the most affordable options. Its longevity in your garden depends on the type of wood and its level of rot resistance, but most kinds of lumber will last for at least several years (see Raised Bed Materials<\/a>). Cedar is a popular choice due to its hardiness and natural rot resistance, while Douglas fir is favored for its affordability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For the raised bed I recently assembled in my backyard, I used 2 in x 4 in planks of Douglas fir wood, assembled using screws with a metal bracket for added support. The final height measured to be 7 inches. Some gardeners choose to raise their beds higher or elevate them on blocks to make them easier to reach when standing or sitting. This can be a worthwhile investment for those who desire greater accessibility, but most vegetable plants only require about 10 inches of planting depth for healthy root growth. Certain crops, like potatoes, require more, and greater depth can never hurt. To increase the available soil depth for root growth, you can simply till into the native soil and mix it with your filler soil. For my 7-inch bed, I tilled 5-6 inches into the native soil to provide a greater planting depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many options exist for filling your garden bed, including bags of topsoil or soil mixes made specifically for raised beds. However, filling the bed with this exclusively can quickly add up in cost. A mix of native soil, compost, and some topsoil is usually best. Compost is a fantastic, nutrient-rich filler, and DeKalb County\u2019s sanitation department offers free compost at several locations, including one on Memorial Drive right next to the Extension Office (DeKalb County Compost<\/a>). We always recommended doing a soil test prior to planting since it is easier to amend your soil beforehand. Routine soil tests are available through our extension office and are $10 a sample (Soil Testing List and Instructions)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Starting from seed will is generally more cost-effective than buying transplants. Our ANR agent, Caston Noorullah, is setting up a \u201cseed bank\u201d available this September at the DeKalb County Extension Office with donated seeds free to visitors. Currently, the limit is 5 seed packets per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Raised Bed Materials<\/a> by Bob Westerfield and David Berle<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raised Bed Materials with Walter Reeves<\/a> video tutorial<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building a Raised Bed with Walter Reeves<\/a> video tutorial<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raised Garden Bed Dimensions<\/a> by Bob Westerfield and David Berle<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting a Garden from Scratch<\/a> by Emily Cabrera<\/p>\n\n\n\n DeKalb County Compost locations and schedule<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vegetable Planting Chart<\/a> by Bob Westerfield<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Sources & Additional Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n