How to Build a Metal Raised Garden Bed

Have you ever seen a metal raised garden bed? Raised beds are great for growing vegetables, herbs and other plants because they allow you to easily tend to them and keep weeds at bay. They also help you grow healthy plants by keeping soil moisture consistent, improving drainage and reducing the risk of disease or rot. Building a metal raised garden bed is an excellent way to grow your favorite crops in your own backyard. Raised gardens are beneficial because they make it easier to tend your plants and help prevent soil-borne diseases such as blight or root rot. They’re also easy to construct and can be made from materials that aren’t readily available at your local home improvement store. Metal raised garden beds offer many advantages over more traditional wooden versions, including increased durability and resistance to pests.

What You'll Need:

To start creating your own Metal Raised Garden Bed - Roll of chicken wire - You can buy this at any hardware store and it will last for many future garden beds. - 2x4s - For the frame, you’ll need six 2x4s. Cut them to the desired length based on your garden bed size. - Wood screws - You’ll need at least one box but probably more. - Staple gun - You’ll need one for the wire mesh. - Soil - To fill the garden bed. - Mesh - The kind you use for sifting flour will work perfectly. - Gardening gloves - To protect your hands while building and planting. - Gardening trowel - A standard gardening trowel will work. - Watering can - To water your garden bed.

Build the Frame:

Start by cutting and assembling the frame. You’ll want to use 2x4s as the base, and then you can either add a bottom board or simply leave it open. The frame will keep the chicken wire from falling apart and will also provide structure for the rest of the garden bed. When you’re finished, measure and cut the chicken wire so that it covers the inside of the frame. Then, use a staple gun to secure the wire to the frame. Be sure to leave about 4 inches at the bottom of the frame open to allow for water drainage. If you’re working with a large garden bed, you may need an extra person to help hold the wire in place while you staple it.

Add Drainage:

Start by putting a layer of gravel at the bottom of the metal raised garden bed to help with drainage. You’ll want about one-inch of gravel for each square foot of garden bed. Next, put down a layer of coarse sand. The sand will help to further promote drainage while also retaining moisture. Finally, add your topsoil and mix it so that the sand and gravel are evenly distributed. Topsoil will likely be available at your local gardening store. Be sure to choose soil that is rich in nutrients, but that also drains well.

Add the Final Touch:

You’re almost finished! All you need to do now is add plants to your new garden bed. To plant your metal raised garden bed, start by making holes with your trowel about as deep as the soil is thick. Make sure to space your plants evenly. Then, place the plants in the holes and gently press the soil around them, making sure there are no air pockets. Once you’ve planted your garden bed, it’s time to water it. Water your plants regularly and make sure to water thoroughly so that the water gets down to the roots. You’ll also want to make sure that you regularly remove weeds so that they don’t overtake your carefully cultivated plants.