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How to Build Inexpensive Cedar Raised Garden Beds

Learn a quick and cost effective way on how to build raised garden beds with cedar. These raised garden beds are simple, beautiful, and can be completed in a weekend.
Yield: 1 raised garden bed
Author: The Bluebonnet Farmhouse

Equipment

  • Drill
  • Miter saw or circular saw
  • Tape measure

Materials

  • 6 - 6' cedar fence pickets
  • 1 - 2 x 2 x 6 cedar board
  • 1.25" outdoor screws

Instructions

  • Measure and cut six posts at 11" each from the 2 x 2 x 6 cedar board.
  • Cut off the dog-eared tops of the cedar fence pickets for a clean edge. This will make the pickets 5'11".
  • Measure and cut two of the fence pickets in half to get four 2' 11.5" boards. These will be used for the shorter sides to make the width of the raised bed.
  • Lay two of the 6' cedar fence pickets side by side with the ends in line with one another.
  • Place three 11" long 2 x 2 posts underneath the 6' boards - one on each end and one at the center. The center post helps prevent bowing or separation of the boards once filled with soil.
  • Align the boards and attach the fence pickets with four screws at each post.
  • Repeat with the other two 6' cedar fence pickets and 11" posts.
  • Flip the assembled sides so that the pickets are laying flat and the posts are facing up.
  • Clamp the 3' cedar fence pickets onto the 2 x 2 posts - two on each end.
  • Drill four screws at each post with two in each fence picket, minding the placement as to not collide with the existing screws.
  • Flip the three sided structure and clamp onto the posts of the other 6' piece. Drill screws in the remaining two posts.
  • Place the finished raised beds in the garden, fill, and sow.