DIY Network

Proper Plant Selection Proper Plant Selection From "Fresh from the Garden" episode DFFG-102

	Figure A
	Figure B

Now it's time to plan the garden! As you begin choosing the plant varieties you'll include, remember that each type will have different needs in terms of light, shade, water, nutrients and the amount of required daily care. Using raised beds will allow you to grow more in less space with less work. If you have more space, you can plan a garden full of rows or mounds. Read seed packages to see how much space your favorite plants will need so that you can lay out your garden correctly.

Gardeners are finding that wider and deeper rows (figures A and B) need less water and produce more. There are several reasons for this. First, deeper rows hold more moisture over a longer period of time. Secondly, wider areas of loose soil allow the roots to travel more freely to find nutrients. Finally, more plants can be planted in a rectangular bed than can be planted in a long narrow bed with the same square footage....

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Building Raised Beds

Steps:

1. To build the raised beds, begin by measuring one 2" x 12" x 12' board to a length of 35 1/2" for the planter box end pieces. Use a framing square and a pencil to mark for your cut (figure C). Then using a circular saw make the cut (figure D). You'll need two end pieces for each box. For the bed sides no cuts are necessary, use the entire 12' length. This will make your planter box 12' long by 3' wide.

Safety Note: Be sure to always wear safety glasses, gloves, dust mask and ear protection when operating a circular saw.

Figure C

Figure D

2. Once all of the wood is laid out, pre-drill holes in the side pieces (figure E) using a cordless drill and a 1/8" drill bit. These holes will prevent the wood from splitting when you attach the side pieces to the end pieces.

3. Next, using 3-inch galvanized screws, attach the two pieces (figure F). Repeat these building steps for each planter box in your garden.

Figure E

Figure F

4. With all the beds in position, use 18-inch stakes to keep the beds in place (figures G and H). Drive the stakes into the ground until even with the top of the bed. Next, attach it to raised bed using 2" inch screws. The stakes will prevent the beds from moving as soil is put into them.

Figure G

Figure H