A raised veg bed from timber is a weekend project you can finish at home. You need boards plus a corner post at each junction. Select timber that can handle damp soil for many outdoor seasons. Douglas performs well when the box remains over the ground. Treated timber lasts longer when the wood remains in lasting soil contact.
What you need for the box
- Boards 20 to 30 mm thick. Board width is a matter of taste.
- Corner posts or screw junctions at both ends of each wall.
- Root cloth or weed cloth if you want extra outdoor cover under the soil.
- Stainless screws from our fixings range so rust remains away.
Notes that help the bed last
Prevent wet soil from sitting on the inner face of the boards. Fit a food-safe foil or liner on that inner face for lasting contact. Larger beds need sturdy corners and, if needed, extra cross-bracing. That bracing keeps long walls from bowing after the first wet season.
Common questions
Is treated timber safe near food plants?
Prefer Douglas or hardwood and then add a liner on the inner face. With treated timber always install a barrier foil as well. Place that foil between the timber and the soil in the outdoor bed.