Building a Raised Bed with Corners and Connectors

A 4' x 8' bed is a comfortable reach for most people; however, you may choose to have a longer or wider bed.

In-Line Connectors
In-Line Connectors provide the support needed in longer raised beds because they prevent the sides from bowing out. With several In-Line connectors you can create a continuous raised bed by placing a connector every 6 to 8 feet. Or, using two or more connectors, you can add to an existing bed. For best results before building your raised bed(s), draw a sketch of your bed configuration to see how many Corner and In-Line Connectors you'll need. The possibilities are endless.

Selecting the Lumber
These instructions are for building a raised bed where you supply the lumber. Use Standard Dimensional Lumber, available at lumber supply stores. From the list below, identify the recommended size lumber for the 6", 8" or 10" Corners or Connectors you have purchased.

For 6" Raised Bed Corners or In-Line Connectors: 2" x 6" x 8' (boards)

For 8" Raised Bed Corners or InLine Connectors: 2" x 8" x 8' (boards)

For 10" Raised Bed Corners or In-Line Connectors: 2" x 10" x 8' (boards)

If available, try using cedar; it's naturally insect- and rot-resistant. If you use pine or another softwood, you should treat it with a natural and non-toxic wood preservative or you may need to replace it in a few years.

Do not use pressure-treated lumber if you are going to use the raised bed for growing vegetables or other edible plants. Treated wood can leach chemicals into the soil and your crops.

Assembly Instructions
Parts included with the Raised Bed Corners:
(2) Raised Bed Corners
(2) End Caps
(8) 1-1/4" Phillips Screws

Parts included with the In-Line Corner Connectors
(2) In-Line Connectors
(2) End Caps
(12) 1-1/4" Phillips Screws

Tools needed:
saw
hammer
Phillips screwdriver or drill.

Step 1. Locate a level area on the ground that will receive the appropriate amount of sunlight needed by your plants and prepare the ground for planting. If you are installing the raised bed on a lawn, remove the sod and loosen the soil with a shovel or spade so that the plant roots will be able to penetrate to a depth of 6".

Step 2. If you are building a bed shorter than 8', cut the boards to the correct length you need.

Step 3. Place two boards into the slots of each Raised Bed Corner. Make sure the boards are fully seated and level with the bottom of all four Corners.

Step 4. Connect or extend the beds by placing three boards in the In-Line Connectors.

Step 5. Connect the boards to the Corners and In-Line Connectors using the Phillips screws provided. Make sure the boards are fully seated and secure by making adjustments as you work your way around the bed. To make it easier, drill starter holes in the wood using the screw holes in the corners and connectors to guide you. Finish by tightening the screws with a Phillips screwdriver

Step 6. Insert the black plastic End Caps into the top of each corner and connector.

Step 7. Fill the raised bed to the top edge with a mixture of garden soil and plenty of organic matter, such as compost. You may mix in other materials like peat, perlite, or coconut fibers to help aerate and retain moisture in the soil. Now you're ready to plant!

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