Use two sets of Raised Bed Corners to form the four right-angle corners of your raised bed. Each set includes:

• 2 Corner Connectors
• 2 Corner Caps
• 8 1.25" Phillips Screws

Use In-Line Connectors for spans longer than 8 feet to help prevent sides from bowing; for example, to create a 12-foot-long bed, use two 6-foot boards, joined with an In-Line Connector. You can also use In-Line Connectors to add length to an existing bed. Parts included with the In-line Connectors:

• 2 In-Line Connectors
• 2 Corner Caps
• 12 11.25" Phillips Screws

Use standard, 2" dimensional (milled) lumber, widely available at home supply stores. We recommend cedar because it's naturally insect- and rot-resistant.

If you use pine or another softwood, consider treating it with a nontoxic wood preservative to prolong the life of the bed. Select board sizes based on the height of the corners and connectors you've purchased as well as the size of the bed you're building. For ease of planting and maintenance, we suggest beds a maximum of 4 feet wide.

For example, if you'd like to build a 4 x 8-foot bed with 8" high corners, purchase three boards 2" x 8' x 8'. Either have one of the boards cut in half at the store or cut it in half when you get home, so you end up with two 8-footboards for the sides and two 4-foot boards for the ends. If using In-Line Connectors, you will need another board cut to the same length as the ends.

Tools needed for assembly:

• Drill with Phillips screwdriver tip
• Rubber mallet or hammer and piece of wood for cushioning
• Saw, if needed

Step 1. Locate a level area that will receive enough sunlight for your plants. Keep in mind that most vegetable crops require lots of sun. If you are installing the raised bed on a lawn, removing the sod first.

Step 2. Place the boards into the slots of each Raised Bed Corner (and In-Line Connectors, if used) to form the bed. Make sure the boards are fully seated and level, as shown in Figure 1, above.