Tall raised garden bed plans

What the materials cost

Other bed shapes

• Three-step tiered bed

  Three stepped levels, 11, 16.5 and 22 in deep: herbs and greens in front, root crops in the deep back step.

  8' x 4', $339–$846

• L-shaped corner bed

  Two 3 ft wide arms that wrap a corner of the yard; every spot is in easy reach.

  8' x 6', $428–$990

Plan specifications & limitations

• Bed width (reach)

  At most 4 ft, so you reach the middle from both sides

  In this plan: 4 ft · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu

• Soil depth

  At least 10 in for most crops; more for root crops

  In this plan: 21 in · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu

• Suggested depth for your crop

  11 in for vegetables

  In this plan: 22 in · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu

• Wall supports

  A support at most every 4 ft along a wall; cross ties on beds 16.5 in and taller

  In this plan: On every long wall · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu

• Lumber

  New copper-treated (ACQ / CA) ground-contact lumber, or cedar; no railroad ties or lumber treated before 2004

  In this plan: Pressure-treated · Source: extension.oregonstate.edu

• Lumber in a food garden

  Economy uses new copper-treated ground-contact lumber: an Oregon State study found copper moved only about 1 in into the soil and none into the produce. Durable uses cedar. Never use railroad ties or old treated lumber.

• Ground

  Assumes level ground with good drainage. On concrete or pavers, water drains out under the walls.

• Gophers and moles

  Where gophers or moles dig, add the 1/2 in hardware cloth bottom (an option in the wizard).

• Soil

  Bagged soil is estimated from the inside volume; bulk soil by the cubic yard is often cheaper for several beds. Soil settles: plan to top it up.

• Permits and HOA

  Many cities and counties require a permit for structures above 120 sq ft. Some require one for smaller ones. HOA rules may limit size, color or materials. Checking permits, setbacks and HOA rules is your responsibility.

• Not an engineered plan

  The plan is a general guide for a small backyard structure. It is not stamped or engineered, and it is not a substitute for engineering or local approval.