Elevated Raised bed planter

[Ray J Gilligan]

Raised bed planters are very popular here in the Low Country of South Carolina because the soil is so sandy. I am wanting to make things as easy as possible so am looking for a plan for a elevated raised bed. First and foremost would be the consideration for the weight of the water logged top soil in a 4 x 6 raised bed so attention to the detail of a solid construction is very important. Is there anybody out there who has any experience with such?

Ray

p.s. I can buy a ready to assemble unit 5" x 3" with all that is needed for growing immediately for $250 so should I do this or get started on a pocket hole secured unit?

[joseph southern]

i use old pallets i tear them apart and build raised ones im doing that now getting ready for spring

[Ken Darga]

Raised bed planters can be constructed using 3x4 (double "D" shape) PT landscape timbers.

Install them tiered---held together with rebar.

(drill holes thru the timbers and drive rebar 12" deep into the soil)

Overlap the ends about 2ft.

Alternate timbers size:  2-1/2 x 3"

This construction permits easy removal and relocating, if desired.

[Ken Darga]

Alternate construction:

2x6 PT lumber planks---

position the 2x's on edge---

drill thru-holes for the rebar---

(5/8" dia holes for easy on-and-off---plus it gives more wiggle room)---

drive the rebar, into the soil, so its flush with the top of the timbers.

Locate a rebar 6-12" from each end, will suffice.

Drive the rebars 12" into the soil, (as mentioned about)---tap the rebars into the soil, using an 8lb sledge.

Cutting down an 8 ft section, making one 5ft piece and 3ft for the other piece, will give you the 5x3ft bed you desire.

Two such 8 ft secions, will make for such size beds.

(Two 2x6 planks is more economical than two tiers of 3x4 timbers).

6" (5-1/2" actual), will suffice nicely for a 6" deep raised garden bed.

Using rebar  will facilitate easy removal of the planks, and relocate the garden bed, (if desired), to a new location---

just pry-up and lift off the planks and pull out the rebar from the soil.