Why raised beds?
Its easier to control soil fertility (suggested mix 1/3 potting soil, 1/3 organic matter (coconut coir, etc), 1/3 compost)
You can grow more in less space because easier to amend soil (see Square Foot Gardening books)
You can have loose soil (needed for root veggies)
You don’t compact the soil because you don’t step in them (beds are made 4’ wide because you can reach in 2’ from each side)
Keeps gophers out
Materials
Redwood planks are ideal but expensive. Doug fir in our pretty dry climate will last at least 5 years. You want to at least use 2x6s, but taller is better. Don’t bury the wood at all; gophers tend to pile dirt on the sides of them, scrape that way when it happens to prolong life.
Plywood doesn’t last very long
No treated lumber, particle board, or wood from pallets
½” aviary wire or ½” or ¼” hardware cloth are great for the bottom. Smaller gophers can get through 1” wire
Methods
We build beds 4’ wide but different lengths depending on location. We screw the planks to corner posts rather than to eachother for strength. Corner posts between 1-2’ are good. It’s easier to build them square on a hard, flat surface such as our concrete patio.
1) Lay down 4 corner posts, place your longer boards on top and screw into the posts. You may need to drill pilot holes. 2-3 screws per end.
2) Stand the long pieces upright and place the 4’ pieces at the ends. Screw into the posts not the ends of the long boards, it's stronger that way. Drilling in screws is a little more difficult for the 4’ boards as you have less leverage
3) Flip it upside down, cut a piece of wire and staple it on.
