Designing and creating your own raised garden bed can be pretty easy to do. You may already know what you want to grow and how much work you plan to spend on it, but before you can do that you need to choose which of the many elevated garden bed designs to build. Depending on your unique needs, your raised bed design could take on any form you choose. And the fact that you plan to build it yourself means that you can make it as practical and functional as you like.

The Layout:

The typical layout is usually a rectangular pattern about 3 feet in width. This allows you easy access to all areas of the garden bed without having to reach too far in either direction to get to the plants you'll be taking care of. The length of the bed can be determined by the amount of space you have and how much you plan to plant. The rectangular shape is the most common in elevated garden bed designs. However, you can choose any other shape that you prefer, just make sure that the width allows you easy access to all points of the garden without the need to overreach or to climb into the bed to get your gardening done.

The Materials:

While most raised garden beds are made from wood you can use any material that will hold large amounts of soil without losing its shape. If you plan on using wood, avoid using lumber because it has been pressure treated and often chemically treated as well. Those chemicals can leech into the soil and harm your plants. Other materials many have used are concrete, bricks, stones, or containers.

On the other hand, using cedar wood can provide some additional benefits to your gardening success. The natural oils in the cedar will prevent rotting and help your garden last longer. While it is more expensive, you will be able to enjoy your garden for many years.

Drainage:

It is also important that you design drainage features into your garden. If you plan to keep your garden in full sunlight, then you won't have to worry too much about drainage. Most raised gardens will retain much of the moisture when you water them, especially if you place them where they can get shade a good amount of the time. Ideally, you want your garden to have at least eight hours of sunlight every day. This will create a perfect balance between sunshine and shade that will allow the plants to grow but not give them too much sun that the plants will burn.

Creating your own elevated garden bed designs can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. You can actually build your garden to fit your personal space, lifestyle, and climate perfectly. That will practically ensure your success in your gardening endeavors. Simply make sure that you choose the right materials, and that the garden bed will fit your space exactly. You can make it a family project that you can all make the best use of.