How to Build an Extended Raised Garden Bed

Select a garden area that receives full sunlight and meets your desired dimensions. Mark the length and width dimensions by pounding stakes into the ground.

Remove 3 to 4 inches of soil from the interior of the marked dimensions and 6 inches beyond with a sharp spade and shovel. Clear out all weed roots, rocks and debris from the area. Dig a little deeper if you need to remove additional roots.

Install a layer of landscaping timbers around the perimeter of the raised bed, cutting the timbers to a length that fits the ends snug together. Attach the timbers together at the corners by pounding 4-inch long nails into the edges.

Pour 2 inches of pea gravel into the bottom of the bed area to prevent standing water around the roots. Cut a section of weed prevention fabric to fit the extended garden area and lay it on top of the pea gravel. Cut several pieces if the garden extends longer than the size of the fabric.

Install landscaping timbers on top of the first layer, extending the height to your specifications. Secure the corners with nails 12 inches apart, through the top of each layer, to secure each row underneath.

Pound metal stakes, spaced 24 inches apart and flush with the outside edges of the garden, bed to provide support for holding the timbers in place.

Add a good quality topsoil mixed with compost at a ratio of three parts soil to one part compost. Contact a landscaping company if you need a large quantity for your extended garden bed.