Many people love to vegetable garden but find limited gardening space makes it difficult to grow all the varieties they desire. Making a vegetable box garden, or raised bed, is an efficient way to make better use of the available square footage; this enables gardeners to maximize the harvest of various vegetables.
Raised beds can even be constructed directly on pavement, making it an ideal solution for patio or balcony vegetable gardeners. Additionally, raised beds help cut down on the amount of weeding that needs to be performed, while also improving the chances of a successful harvest.
Materials Needed for a Vegetable Box Garden
Some of the necessary materials for construction of a raised bed or box garden include measuring tape, an unfinished wooden 2-by-4s, plywood, nail gun, wood saw, corner metal brackets, nails or screws, soil, as well as compost.
Steps to Make a Vegetable Box Garden
1. Measure out the desired garden size in an area of the yard that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. A good sized bed to start with is 4 feet by 8 feet. This will allow plenty of vegetables to grow, yet provides enough room to harvest vegetables without trampling on the surrounding soil.
2. With a wood saw, cut the 2-by-4 planks to desired length. If making 4-by-8 foot raised bed, you will need two 4-foot pieces and two 8-foot pieces. If purchasing wood from a home improvement store, you can often get the wood cut for you beforehand. For tabletop and patio gardens, cut the plywood so it just fits over the allotted box size.
3. Attach metal brackets to the four sides of the box. Secure them with screws or nails. These brackets can be placed either on the inside or outside of the raised bed, but many people prefer to attach them on the outside.
4. If using the raised bed on pavement or on a table, place the plywood along the edges of the box. Use a nail gun to secure the plywood to the edges.
5. Place the finished raised bed directly on the ground or on the surface where it will be kept. If using an open box for the ground, mulch one foot all the way around the box to help prevent weeds and grass from encroaching on the vegetables. Fill the box with soil and compost. The box is now ready for planting seeds and transplants.
Vegetable Box Construction Tips
Use a black plastic sheet to help kill the grass in raised beds placed directly on the ground. In the fall, fill raised beds with composted horse manure for a fertile, organic soil to work with come spring.
Also, always read the manufacturer's instructions before operating a hand saw, nail gun or other tools or equipment. Be sure to wear proper safety items such as protective glasses and gloves when cutting wood.
Sources
- Sally Jean Cunningham, Great Garden Companions, Rodale Books, 2000.
- Pete Lane, Raised Bed Gardening, University of Rhode Island Green Share, 2000.
Rachel Campbell - Rachel is a freelance writer and author specializing in producing engaging web content on a variety of topics. Her diverse background and ...
