DIY 3-Layer Planter Block Raised Garden Bed UPDATE

It's my 3rd year attempting to grow vegetables in my DIY planter block raised garden bed that I made in 2021 with my mom. We've learned a lot over the years and still have lots to learn about gardening successfully. This year, we upgraded our 2 layer C-shape to 3 layers and we tried to build an arch for our climbing plants. Yes, it was expensive to build overall, however it has already brought us 3 summers of happy gardening and valuable learning experiences that allow us to continue producing our own food. Let's see if we get a good harvest this year!
Harvest UPDATE: • Harvesting My DIY Rais...
(c) Victoria T. 2023
LINKS:
Instagram: / qdcrafts
TikTok∶ vm.tiktok.com/Tp41ge/
Twitter: / qdcrafts
Pinterest: www.pinterest.ca/qdcrafts/
Facebook: / qdcrafts
Vlogs: bit.ly/2TPwMtH
Supplies to look into*:
Planter Blocks: www.homedepot.ca/product/oldc...
Untreated Cedar Planks for 3 layers:
Three 2"x6"x12'
Twelve 2"x6"x3'
Nine 2"x6"x5'
www.homedepot.ca/product/porc...
www.homedepot.ca/product/porc...
www.homedepot.ca/product/porc...
Raised Bed Soil: www.homedepot.ca/product/suns...
Weed Fabric: www.homedepot.ca/product/vigo...
Email: [e-mail]
Here's a poem:
*This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate links. Gotta pay off those student loans :3
0:00 2021 Update
3:10 2022 Garden
6:49 Adding a new layer
11:00 2023 Garden so far
13:08 Arch and decor
15:30 Costs
17:39 I love gardening!

[@QDCrafts]

HARVEST UPDATE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pl6YhYVmlJmsh9U Thanks for watching and learning with me! 😊

[@NitinJegadheesan]

Please post the weed control fabric link.

[@QDCrafts]

@@NitinJegadheesan Hello, I've added supply links to the description. Hope it helps!

[@keriannehurst3484]

Awesome job and update! I'm a librarian in Virginia. :) Your original video inspired me and I created similar raised beds with my husband in our yard. I love that you are growing your knowledge every year with your family. Thanks for promoting libraries! :)

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you so much for watching! So happy to hear you were inspired to make a raised bed too. Libraries always have a special place in my heart!

[@sayonarasami]

Your sign came out so cute 🥰

[@catmejia6109]

One of the best videos I’ve seen, thank you for all the info

[@evoniecherry]

this is really cool to see how your garden bed has progressed!

[@stephaniehogue6442]

Your own home grown veggies always taste better and sweeter than the grocery store. Especially the tomatoes 🍅

[@MelyndaVang2023]

I LOVE libraries. And I also loved seeing your video because I wanted a raised bed but wasn't sure what option to go with. I saw your first video and that was so inspiring. I'm going with your route!

[@princessM1015.]

Originally was looking for ideas on how to start a raised garden bed as a beginner. Thank you for linking this update from garden bed video. Both are very informative!! You are sooo easy to follow for someone who has only regrown store bought green onions indoors

[@you1jay]

Love your enthusiarm. Instead of buying expensive soil, you can learn how to make compost in your backyard. That will save you ton of money and you can grow an organic garden.

[@beingtoreyjohnson8874]

Awww that ground hog cute!! Lol thanks for sharing and your learning cause we all need to learn

[@AmandaAmanda-sh8lx]

Such a cute garden.

[@zoebowler5664]

The seed library sounds amazing

[@Chimiri88]

Thanks to your video I have the encourage to start my garden in my yard!

[@cheriebonnington1250]

It has been an absolute pleasure watching your vlog. Hearing your experiences and the methods you used to improve your garden were really helpful! I'm in the PNW and find the short growing season a challenge. You have inspired me to keep gardening and try new ideas that hopefully will increase the produce in my garden. I love your chickens and sign!

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you for your kind words Cherie! Wishing you a joyful gardening season and keep growing!

[@gudetammy]

your reaction to the hail hahaha

[@QDCrafts]

😭

[@kibibishaw1194]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much! 🫶🏽

[@gammayin3245]

Very pretty! Where do you live? (What USDA Zone?). BTW - try finding cattle wire panels at Home Depot. You built a garden that will last 10 years or more! Well done!

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you, I'm in zone 6 in the Greater Toronto Area!

[@mindbottle]

Omg the groundhog is so cute :) love ur gardening videos!

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you!! 😊

[@user-gs9gm7cl5k]

Good job! ❤

[@mirandajane0]

Very nice garden 🎉🎉

[@amberbingham9948]

Loved your video!

[@F3502000]

What a great video!! 👍

[@user-pe2fl5ni1b]

I am sooooo excited to do this. You made it so much easier!!!

[@melissamonicabuddysworld]

Oh wow! That's so cool! I always had a garden bed.

[@smashingtakis1317]

honestly so inspiring makes me want to garden too 🥰🥰

[@user-ex4um5lq3w]

nice you shared your years of experience

[@jeff737500]

Looks really cozy place to sit in the evenings. 🌿

[@gavinpostich591]

It’s so cute :)

[@Decidueye_]

So pretty! I'm glad you updated since I haven't seen you post in a while. Hope everythings ok!

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you! and yes just been busy trying to be ✨employed ✨

[@bobbieburns6710]

You are awesome! You should be very proud of your garden! I am enjoying your videos and will be using the planter blocks and wood this year! I think we are going to get a greenhouse for our raised beds. We live in Hixson, TN. Thanks for sharing!!

[@onlinevideos9462]

Excellent ! 👍 😄 / Greetings from Halifax! / Yau-Sun Tong

[@ladyvladyvet7159]

Your garden turned out great. I use the brick corners, they make great stools for sitting down, happy growing

[@DeborahMajen]

😂 the groundhog ❤

[@triciaclement68]

Thank you so much for this helpful video! I have designed a garden space almost exactly the same size and shape as yours, and was looking for videos using the planter blocks. This makes it look so much more doable! I also plan to put up some trellises and arches so you've given me some great ideas. I also appreciate the info on what type of soil you used. So much good information here. Thanks so much for sharing your experience and putting in the updates. Beautiful garden! Would love to see another update in 2024!

[@Phzbia]

I looked how to build a garden bed and your video came up and I was so sad when there was no update till now 😩😩♥️♥️♥️

[@ant8259]

I’m super glad I got to see the first and most recent video in the same day! I’m a new subscriber as of 10 minutes ago haha and look forward to more of your content!

[@ant8259]

Also sending lots of good vibes and luck towards your garden this year! Your video helped me plan so much for my new raised beds next year

[@ant8259]

Also also I be your sign!! Lol

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you! Good luck with yours next year 😊👩🏻‍🌾

[@upliftlife11]

Thanks for sharing! 😊 I'm building beds this year myself 🎉

[@QDCrafts]

Wonderful! Hope it turns out great!

[@mskazz642]

It looks so good. Welldone. I’m hoping to start my garden soon.👩🏻‍🌾☘️🍎

[@QDCrafts]

Thanks! Good luck! 🥕

[@jump312]

shout out the library

[@smallforestdweller6999]

Always great to see how these things do even if the first year isn't a massive harvest :) I'm in my third year of growing now, but first year with an actual garden, not just planters on the front steps! So happy! I don't have room for a compost heap, so I'm making a wormery, great source of highly nutritious compost :)

[@QDCrafts]

So excited for you! I don’t know much about composting yet but I do hear vermicompost is really packed full of nutrients! Would love to have my own worms some day ：）

[@smallforestdweller6999]

@@QDCrafts Can't wait to see how your garden does this summer too ☺Got the worms on Thursday, fun fact, worms can climb and are great escape artists! They've settled in now luckily 😅

[@Blessedbeyondmeasure1111]

I loved your response to the hail😂❤

[@QDCrafts]

it was quite the surprise 😅

[@Blessedbeyondmeasure1111]

@@QDCrafts I’m a first year gardener and I related to your response soooo much. I’m glad I found your channel.💛🥕🥒🥬🍅🫑🌽

[@j.mathis8137]

@@QDCrafts I love your content. What did you do after harvest ended? Did you have to replant seeds or do they just grow fruit next season? When harvest ends to you still water the soil?

[@vancitylady5706]

those carrots made me laugh too cute!!

[@eyehskitchen3518]

We love your channel! What’s your growing zone?

[@ladyvladyvet7159]

You can also use PVC pipe, very flexible

[@evoniecherry]

@3:37 that is so cute haha

[@paperplates8164]

Thanks for the update! Did you not find the need to add rebar to the bricks to hold them in place? I'm just about to build my bed and found your original video then this one. Both are super helpful, especially hearing your lessons learned.

[@QDCrafts]

Hi! My ground was originally slanted so I had to dig the soil near the front of the bed before adding the bricks so that everything is levelled. Since those bricks are a bit buried in the soil, the base bricks have been secured quite solidly after settling into the clay soil in our garden. My bed has been fine without rebar, but it wouldn't hurt to add some! Hope yours turned out great :D

[@thumper823]

Great garden! Did you need to factor in any additional length the blocks add when planning your lumber length on the back 2"X6"X12' lumber?

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you, the measurements you see at 7:41 are exact lengths for the wood, so the additional length the blocks add don’t affect the back 12ft, but made the front lumber that makes the c-shape 5ft instead of 6ft, which is why the front wood lengths add up to 11ft rather than 12ft like the back, if that makes sense!

[@thomaspalmer501]

So we're finally about to assemble ours, we've got all the boards and materials, we're super excited! But we were wondering, now that you've had this for three years, have you had to replace any boards? In your original video you mentioned liking how modular it was, in case you had to replace any of the planks, but did you need to? We're rubbing ours with linseed oil for extra protection. Also curious, as I haven't seen all of your videos, are you in a region with all four seasons? Like, wondering how well this build will survive a few winters!

[@QDCrafts]

Hi Thomas, so excited for you! We have not had to replace any boards and other than some discolouration, they are still very sturdy and not showing any signs of breaking. They are cedar planks so they are quite rot resistant and expected to last many more years. I think adding the linseed oil wouldn’t hurt! I’m in Toronto, Canada so they’ve survived our cold winters pretty well in the last 3 years. We added a third layer last year and it’s already the same colour as the original ones but everything is still structurally sound 👍🏻 hope yours turns out nice 😊

[@jazziegirl9292]

Are you Filipino by chance? You mom sounds like my Lola ❤ BEAUTIFUL garden. I’ll be making my bed similarly .

[@QDCrafts]

We’re Chinese but I was born in 🇨🇦 and thank you!

[@Nkakatho]

niceeeeeeeee❤🎉🎉🎉

[@thomaspalmer501]

Okay I'm curious how 3+5+3 equals 12? Cause I'm looking at the front and the back and the back is 12 feet, but the front sides add up to 11. I know you cut the 1' board for symmetry, do you have the sides just like, kicked out by 6 inches each to make up for the missing foot? We're trying to make this ourselves and not sure how that's adding up. We absolutely love and adore this build though, you've done such an amazing job! We watched a ton of "how to build a raised bed" videos, and this was the one that made my girlfriend jump off the couch and go "THAT ONE! THAT'S THE ONE WE'RE MAKING!"

[@QDCrafts]

Hi Thomas, thanks for watching and I’m glad you guys like this build! Keep in mind the planter block itself is using up some of the space at the front, so even though the back is 12 ft and the front has 11ft of wood, the front has two extra blocks in the middle that are needed to make the inner walkway, so it offsets the dimensions a little. We found 5ft still fits nicely to make a c shape because you can angle the planks slightly and it doesn’t need to be as exact as if you had to nail the wooden planks to each other. The blocks give a bit of wiggle room and makes it more flexible to assemble! Hope yours turns out nicely!

[@thomaspalmer501]

@@QDCrafts yeah after I left my comment I took at look and realized there was a little bit of excess from each block that would add up to about a foot. We just went to home depot yesterday and got all of the stuff to assemble. The weather should be clearing up by next week and we're excited to get everything up and running!

[@bobbiejobatt-hensley2905]

👍👍

[@boxturtle5643]

hi!!!!

[@sayonarasami]

Would it be okay to paint the cedar?

[@stephaniehogue6442]

Did you run into any hornworms on your tomato plants? If so, how did you get rid of them.

[@QDCrafts]

I’ve never seen a hornworm before! I didn’t know they like tomato plants 😮

[@kittyskid1]

I will use a weed barrier because of surrounding trees. cardboard, too.

[@jeremyweible1368]

Do you feel like the gravel under the blocks was necessary to keep them from sinking?

[@QDCrafts]

The gravel was mainly to keep the bed level on our sloped ground and I think having them under the blocks is a good idea to prevent sinking depending on how your landscape is. My bed has sunk a little, but is still quite level so it wouldn’t hurt to have some and the rocks we bought weren’t expensive for a big bag :)

[@leeannekaden2600]

Very nice garden. Thank you.

[@jeretso]

Bitter Melon is easier to train to climb arches and the fruit is not heavy.

[@QDCrafts]

ooh great! so excited to see how my bitter melons do this year!

[@darlenemckay265]

Your garden looks beautiful! Btw, you wouldn't want chickens if you're trying to have a garden. They would destroy it and eat everything up. I have chickens, believe me😂

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you! aw I can imagine but it would be so cool to get fresh eggs. Too bad we have coyotes around so the city wouldn't allow it D:

[@RVRC313]

For that amount of money you could’ve bought 2 to 3 VEGO Raised bed or Birdie Raise bed! But great job with the garden! Looks amazing!

[@QDCrafts]

Thank you! Those look great too, maybe I'll get a chance to try them some day if I can find the space

[@BeadTube]

Hello! 👋 I have a small Perler Bead channel. I love your videos and I have made a lot of cool stuff from them!

[@copypasta6470]

I wish I could have a garden (rn it's only in minecraft)

[@QDCrafts]

that's so nice i need to make one in minecraft too :D

[@user-bt9gx6xk8q]

Gj plz put me in a vid