Tall man raised garden beds with drainage
Workshop member mdstors built this budget-friendly raised garden bed with drainage grids that doesn’t need to be filled all the way with soil.
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A raised garden bed is a great way to create a dedicated growing space for vegetables, herbs, or flowers while keeping your garden neat and organised. Using timber sleepers provides a durable and long-lasting structure that blends seamlessly into any outdoor space. Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own raised garden bed.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Once the sleepers are positioned to form the shape of your garden bed, it’s important to secure them in place to maintain their alignment. Start by checking that each sleeper sits flush against the next, ensuring there are no gaps or uneven edges. If the ground beneath is uneven, adjust by adding or removing soil so the sleepers sit level.
To keep the sleepers steady while you work, use a nail gun to temporarily pin them together. This will help prevent movement and make it easier when screwing them into place. If you don’t have a nail gun, you can use clamps or temporarily screw the sleepers together with smaller batten screws before securing them fully. Taking the time to align and fix the sleepers now will ensure a strong and stable raised garden bed
Position each upright post into its designated hole at each corner of the garden bed. Use a spirit level to check that each post is plumb and correctly aligned before securing it in place. Once positioned, attach the uprights to the sleepers using 100mm bugle batten screws, ensuring they are firmly connected.
Repeat this process for all uprights, double-checking the alignment as you go. Taking the time to secure the posts properly will provide extra strength and stability to your raised garden bed.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.