Grow & Garden Upgrade Your Garden
Preparing for Spring
Building a Raised-Bed Garden
By Steve Sniff
As the economy continues to put the squeeze on households around the country, more and more families are looking for ways to cut down on living expenses. One popular option is to start growing their own fruits and vegetables.
A quick search on gardening reveals that raised bed gardens are recommended again and again. So what makes them so popular? From improved soil control to easier maintenance, raised beds offer several advantages, along with simple, affordable ways to build one yourself.
Benefits of Raised Bed Gardens
There are several reasons that the raised bed garden has become so popular, including the fact that you can use the kind of soil you want and not be restricted to whatever soil is in your yard already.
Raised bed gardens also have better drainage and fewer problems with weeds and pests. One of the most compelling reasons is accessibility. You can work at a comfortable height and thereby reduce the stress on your back and legs.
Construction Materials
From wood and metal to cinderblock and composite lumber, the types of materials that can be used is endless. Put-together kits can also be purchased online and at big box stores.
For the purpose of brevity, we are going to confine our discussion to a simple wood structure. Weather-resistant wood, such as cedar and redwood, is a perfect candidate for this project, but because it can be a bit pricey, less expensive woods, such as pine or fir, can be used.
If you decide to use cheaper materials, it would be wise to paint the top and outsides of the box with a wood sealer and waterproofer to slow rotting. This will add a few years to the bed. Be sure not to get any sealer on
28 AcreageLife March 2026 AcreageLife. com