There are many ways to DIY your very own galvanized steel raised garden bed. This article will explain why you should use raised gardening beds, the pros of raised gardening beds, the tools and various materials you will need for building, and the eight steps to build your DIY galvanized steel raised garden bed.
Why Use Raised Beds for Gardening?
There are many reasons why you should build a raised bed for gardening. Raised garden beds give you control over the growing environment, making it easier to control watering, fertilizing, weeds, and pests. It is much simpler to grow your own garden in a controlled environment.
The Pros of Raised Garden Beds
There are many pros to making and using your own raised garden beds vs. gardening directly in the earth. They include:
- Control of the soil quality
- Improved water retention
- Less erosion
- Better water drainage
- Fewer weeds
- Warmer soil earlier and longer in the season
- More visually pleasing
- Great for gardening beginners
- More ergonomic (less strain on your back!)
Tools and Materials You Will Need
There are many tools and materials you will need for this project. They include:
- Saw
- Drill
- Metal shears
- Stapler
- Metal screws with washers
- Stainless steel staples
- Coated construction screws
- Deck screws
- Corrugated metal panel
- Treated cedar lumber
- Treated plywood
- Utility knife
- Protective gear such as gloves and eye goggles
How to Build a Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed in 8 Steps
There are eight steps to build your very own galvanized steel raised garden bed. The steps are as follows:
Step 1. Sketch Your Design
For step one, you will need to sketch your design. This includes the length and width you will need for your garden bed.
Step 2. Build The End Frames
You will need to clamp your parts to a flat surface and join the parts with screws. The bottom rails require a countersink hole you can drill with a spade bit.
Step 3. Build the Side Frames
You will now need to fasten the side frame parts with toe screws. If any of them don’t sink into the wood, you should drill a shallow countersink hole with the size to match the screw head.
Step 4. Join the Frames
For this step, you will need to join all the frames together to result in a box. Next, drive screws inside the corners without showing them on the outside.
Step 5. Cut Your Metal
Here is where your metal shears come in. Be sure to wear your gloves and goggles because metal edges can be dangerous to work with. Cut your metal panels as long as they need to be based on your sketch from step one.
Step 6. Install the Metal On Your Bed
For this step, you’ll need to install the metal panels onto the box. Put your newly cut metal on each side and screw into place on the top and bottom edges. Additionally, you will need to screw in a screw at every second rib.
Step 7. Add Plywood to the Inside
Add plywood to the inside of your metal bed to reinforce the metal. Simply screw your plywood on wooden blocks to help it stay in place.
Step 8. Line Your Bed
First, staple plastic sheeting inside of your gardening bed. For the final step, take your utility knife and cut off the extra plastic liner. This will ensure your wood will stay dry when you water your plants. Your DIY galvanized steel raised garden bed is now complete!
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