I have now built eight raised beds for my garden. The first three I did about five years ago for my kids, so they could have their own space to garden within my garden. Their interest has waxed and waned, but it is always fun this time of year for them to start planning what they are going to grow, and they love planting it–weeding and watering, not so much. But harvesting and eating bring back the fun!

I added five more raised beds to my front yard in the area between the sidewalk and the street. It gets full sun and is on a slight slant, so I thought raised beds would be the perfect solution. I made sure to leave room for my lawn mower to fit among them.

If I can build a raised bed, you can do it! Here’s how to build a simple one:

“Ingredients”

• 4 pieces of untreated cedar, sized to your liking
• Drill
• 4 silver l brackets
• 8 screws for brackets
• Compost or organic potting soil

Figure out how big you want them, then head to Home Depot and buy UNTREATED CEDAR boards. Have them cut it to your precise measurements, and then buy some l brackets and screws. The employees are usually very helpful. Again, buy untreated cedar, so chemicals will not leech into your soil and contaminate your plantings.

Next, pre-drill your holes and assemble. I like to put the brackets on the outside of the raised bed.

Then fill with organic compost or organic potting soil and whatever you wish to grow.

Happy Building!