How do I Build Boxed Raised Garden Beds?

Cut four pieces of 4-by-4 lumber, each 18 inches long. Cut the 2 by 12 into four pieces as well, two long pieces and two short pieces. The lengths of these pieces will depend on how big you want to make the box.

Place two of the 4-by-4 posts on the ground or your workbench. Place one of your short boards over the posts and align them so they are flush with the outer edges of the board. One end of the posts should also be flush with the top of the board, with the other ends sticking out 6 3/4 inches past the bottom of the board.

Screw four 3-inch deck screws through the ends of the board and into the post. Do this for both ends, and then repeat the process to create both of the box end pieces.

Stand two of the end pieces up on one end so that one post is on the ground and the other is in the air. Place one of the long boards over the end pieces, and align the pieces so that the ends of the long board are flush with the short 2-by-12 pieces you attached to the outside of the posts.

Drill four 3-inch deck screws into the board to secure it in place.

Flip the entire structure over so the long board you just attached is flat against the ground. Place the second long board over the structure, in the same manner you did the first. Screw this board into place.

Clear and level the soil where you are going to place the raised bed. Place your structure over the area where you will install it, and mark the place where each leg touches the ground.

Remove the structure and dig a 6-inch hole where you make your marks.

Put the structure back in place, with the legs in the holes. Use a level to make sure the top of the box is even, and adjust the hole height as necessary. Tamp soil back into the holes when the box is even.

Fill the box with a soil of your chosing. Tamp the soil down and even it out. Then spray the box down with water, and even out the soil one last time when it dries.