Custom Designs for Raised Beds

In addition to squares and rectangles, you can use our Raised Bed Corners and In-Line Connectors to create other configurations. You can also create two-tier beds, using our Raised Bed Stake, an aluminum post that fits inside of the Raised Bed Corners and/or In-Line Connectors.

Each of the designs featured here can be created using 6", 8" or 10" connectors. You can buy our cedar boards, or provide your own lumber. Our connectors are made to fit boards in standard dimensional sizes. Cedar is best because it's naturally insect- and rot-resistant. If you use pine or another softwood, treat it with a nontoxic wood preservative to prevent rot. Do not use pressure-treated lumber if you are going to grow vegetables or other edible plants. Treated wood can leach chemicals into the soil and your crops.

Keep in mind these two points before you get started:

• Find a level site for your bed. If you plan to grow sun-loving crops or flowers, make sure the site isn't shaded.
• If you are placing the bed on an area covered with lawn, remove the sod and loosen the soil to a depth of 6".

L-Shaped Raised Bed

Parts

6 Raised Bed Corners
   (3 sets; 6", 8" or 10")
2 boards, 2" x (6", 8" or 10") x 6'
4 boards, 2" x (6", 8" or 10") x 3'

Steps:

1. Lay out the boards and corner connectors in a rough approximation of the diagram.
2. Slide the boards into the Raised Bed Corners, making sure they're seated. Secure the boards with Phillips screws (provided). For best results, drill starter holes. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Insert a black plastic end cap into the top of each Raised Bed Corner.
4. Fill the raised bed to the top edge with a mixture of garden soil and plenty of organic matter, such as compost.

Two-Tier Raised Bed

Parts

8 Raised Bed Corners (4 sets; 6", 8" or 10")
4 In-Line Connectors (2 sets; 6", 8" or 10")
4 Raised Bed Stakes (2 sets; 6", 8" or 10")
14 boards, 2" x (6", 8" or 10") x 3'

The Raised Bed Stake (center) fits inside the Raised Bed Corners and the In-Line Connectors.

Steps:

1. Lay out the boards and connectors in a rough approximation of the diagram. The components for the second tier can be layed out separately, off to the side.
2. Build the first tier by sliding the boards into the Raised Bed Corners and In-Line Connectors, making sure they're seated in the connectors. Secure the boards with Phillips screws (provided). For best results, drill starter holes. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Build the second tier by sliding the boards into the Raised Bed Corners, making sure they're seated. Secure all of the boards with Phillips screws.
4. Insert a Raised Bed Stake into each of the four In-Line Connectors on the first tier. Attach the second tier by guiding each Raised Bed Corner onto one of the Raised Bed Stakes.
5. Insert a black plastic end cap into the top of each Raised Bed Corner.
6. Fill the raised bed to the top edge with a mixture of garden soil and plenty of organic matter, such as compost.