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Raised-Bed Planters
Here’s simple step-by-step directions, with easy-to-follow pictures and detailed text on how to build simple structural landscape planters perfect for planting trees and shrubs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heavy timbers fastened with galvanized pipe pins make strong, durable, structural landscape planters that are ideal for shrub borders.
The pipe serves two purposes: It fastens the timbers together and anchors the planter to subsurface soil.
To build your planter, gather a reciprocating saw, electric drill, spade bit, ties, landscape fabric, pipe, shovel, flour, pea gravel, and a sledgehammer, then follow these steps:
Building a Raised Shrub Bed
Measure and mark the outline of the planter with flour or marking paint. Excavate trench footings 8 in. (20 cm) deep.
Line the footing trench with landscape fabric to prevent roots from penetrating the structure. If burrowing rodents are a problem, line the bottom of the planter with 1/4‑in. (6‑mm) wire mesh hardware cloth. Add a layer of pea gravel to the trench, 4 in. (10 cm) deep.
Lay a first course of timbers, overlapping them to create flush corners. Use a power drill fitted with a 7/8‑in. (22‑mm) spade bit, drill holes vertically, 8 in. (20 cm) from each end of the timbers.
Lay a second course of timbers, overlapping them log-cabin fashion, to avoid aligning joints. Mark and drill through the timbers to extend and join the first course’s holes.
Temporarily install a threaded end cap on a length of 1/2‑in. (12‑mm) galvanized pipe, 32 in. (80 cm) long. Using a sledgehammer, drive it through the aligned holes and into the soil underlaying the bed. Remove the cap and repeat at each hole.
Use the sledgehammer to drive each pipe flush with the timber. Repeat at each pair of holes. Fill the bed with soil and allow it to settle. Top off after settling and the bed is ready for planting.