DIY Elevated Garden Bed

[@dantheman2595]

What were the cut lengths for all the boards? I saw in the comments, the 4x4 were cut at 30 inches. What about the 1x6 and 1x4's?

[@dantheman2595]

Update for those who are curious. You need 2, 12 ft 1x6 boards. cut the 1, 12 ft board for the 24 inch boards (4 from this board), the remaining piece is 48 inches. Cut the next 12 ft board into 48 inch cuts (you'll get 3, 48 inch boards from it). You'll have 4, 24 inch boards & 4, 48 inch boards in total. You need 1, 10 ft 1x4 board. Cut into 24 inches each, you'll get 5 boards ( for underneath) I strayed away from OP's 30 inch posts, and did 42 inch. So, I got a 14 ft 4x4. 3 cuts making them 42 inch length each. I did all cedar, got it all from Menards for $50 for just the wood.

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks Dan!!

[@WingoTribe704]

@@dantheman2595 your comment got me all the way thru!!!! Thanks brother. I have the height at 3ft! Perfect for my wife's height!

[@michaelrowat9959]

Dan b

[@chefgiovanni]

Nice job ! Cn you fill it 15 inches deep ? How does it hold up after a season of growing ?

[@winyonzentrada]

Isn't that a bit uncomfortable to sleep on?

[@stephenmejia4089]

I don't know the flowers sleep there everyday

[@benjamingilespinosa7303]

😂😂

[@Iamveronicagiles]

HaHAHAHAHA

[@xxDOTH3DEWxx]

Gottem

[@billpaterson9046]

I just finished building 10 of these boxes- 2 different heights 30" stand up and 25" wheelchair I also added another board to equal 13.5 inches of depth. These boxes will go to 5 different senior and disabled places- two boxes @ each place. Thanks so much for the plans.

[@MadebyMitch]

This is great Bill. I'm glad this helped you out. Thank you!

[@nitrotmann]

Just got done with a 6x2 version of this. Thanks for the great idea and video.

[@MadebyMitch]

That's awesome! You're welcome. I'm glad it worked out for you.

[@eddiesmith1618]

Thanks. Helpful. Much simpler than others I’ve seen.

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks Eddie!

[@Letizia4813]

Hi and thanks for the video, I was wondering how your beds were holding up after a couple of years? I live in coastal NC and after several years of flooding I need to get my veggies off the ground! I will probably do something similar but include more boards on the bottom so the soil doesn't fall through, also sit those bottom boards on a rim instead of screw them up from the bottom of the box. Thanks for the idea!

[@handmadeliving1849]

The tongue and groove wood is such a good idea! Great job!

[@MadebyMitch]

Thank you very much!

[@WingoTribe704]

Thanks bro!!! Only spent $65 Wood, staple gun, staples, landscape fabric, chicken wire

[@MadebyMitch]

Awesome! You're welcome.

[@power4one2go83]

using roofing ceramic for the bottom covering work best.

[@MadebyMitch]

That's a good idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@mundlkalli4396]

Thank you very much......not to complicated. Can you tell me how much you spent for all the material and how much time ? Thank you again

[@MadebyMitch]

I think it was around $80 for the lumber and it only took a couple of hours. And thank you!!

[@mundlkalli4396]

Thank you very much !!!!

[@ezpg2176]

wonderful work! can I use treated lumber ?

[@evamalone4833]

Hi there! Would you mind sharing an estimate of what this cost you? Really beautiful job!

[@MadebyMitch]

Helle Eva, thank you! I can't remember exactly, but I believe it was between $50-$75 for everything.

[@tamaramontral]

When home depot cut my wood pieces didn't come out even.i watched them measure and everything..ugh... any advice.

[@paulkline3011]

Cut it yourself. Can't trust employees at any lumber store to cut it right.

[@billstahr1]

Mitch. I was a complete novice. I didn’t have any tools at all this time last year. This was the very first project I took on with a borrowed drill and mitre saw. Now I’m making all kinds of stuff and I even make money selling stuff. Thanks for a simple, easy to follow video.

[@sashaAcruz693]

Saw this this morning.. Went to local store for supplies... Spent the afternoon doing this project. From someone who does not build or savvy in the slightest with a drill but it was a success!!! Thank you so much for making this project easy as possible with measurements and list of supplies needed. Took me a min to figure out what kinda screws to use the 2" where too long and kept sticking out, maybe it was my drill idk but either way i got it done! Thanks again

[@thepacketnarc7634]

ProTip - to determine the volume of soil you need, measure LxWxH (inches) and divide by 1728. That converts CubicInch to Cubic Feet, most garden shops sell soil by the cubic foot bag. A typical bag may be 1.5-2.0 cubic feet. If you only want it, 6” deep, then use 6” as your depth. So 4’ x 2’ x 6” bed would need (48x24x6) /1728 = 4 Cubic Feet of soil. If you need to know inches to cubic yards, divide by 46,656.

[@MadebyMitch]

This is very helpful. Thank you for sharing!

[@AshKast]

This is crazy. Maybe it's time we move to metric.

[@farmkidstuckinthecity14]

Thank you so much for this conversion!

[@seonggkim]

Just google it.

[@constance9779]

Did I miss something? How does it drain with the plastic on the bottom?

[@khaleesi4210]

Thank you SO MUCH for this tutorial! I built two raised beds this past week, based on this video's instructions. They turned out great. I've literally never built something from scratch before (Ikea doesn't count, LOL)! I really appreciate you sharing how you build them!

[@MadebyMitch]

Vivi I am glad this helped you out! And congrats on building something from scratch. It is a good feeling to make something from nothing. Nice work! Thanks for the comment.👍 And ikea definitely counts. They can be pretty intense.lol

[@mclonetattoos1576]

Are they still doing well? Or did you have rotting?

[@gregoryseguin5073]

Concise, informative, with non distracting music and a good presenter. This is what you want in a video. 10 out of 10

[@brandonb6327]

I just made this for my wife for mother's day. Thank you for the video, it came out so awesome!

[@chillouo9227]

knowing little of tools, im confident to finally make something and be productive in my life. gardening and building seems really relaxing than doing nothing

[@dannybaker8795]

Do you have written plans? I do better with written plans.

[@seanlamb8757]

Here to say thanks, so many complicated ones out there, I'm gonna build this tomorrow!

[@MadebyMitch]

You're welcome Sean! I'm glad the video helped you out! Good luck with yours👍

[@donnahallim9016]

Showed my husband this video and asked him if he could do it. Of course he said yes but the question is will he do it. LOL. You made this look so simple I think I will do it myself. Thanks for posting

[@MadebyMitch]

Lol! Very cool! I hope it turns out great! Thanks for watching. 👍

[@ifetayogillison6977]

To funny I did exactly the same thing, now getting my plan together it will be built soon...

[@almas7123]

shushishane lol relax dude geez 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@JDnBeastlet]

Donna, if a man says he'll do something, he'll do it. There's no need to nag him every six months.

[@donnahallim9016]

@@JDnBeastlet depends on the man.😂life is not that serious though. ☺

[@shantayprueeissen8914]

I heard about woodprix good opinions.

[@shantahsieh4833]

Those plans are fantastic I think!

[@nicolegrosklos]

Instead of fabric or heavy rocks, we lined ours with coco fiber, then some torn up extra coco fiber from expired window boxes, some straw, then the potting soil.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

You could have made it much stronger and omitted the mesh and cloth by using a pencil to space the boards across the bottom. The soil compresses and you don't lose it but retain drain feature. Just my two cents. Ask me how I know? Lifetime Gardener and former landscape designer and contractor.

[@renaygoulding4237]

I’ve been searching for this! Now I know the difference between a “ raised bed” and an “ elevated bed”! Lol

[@jordanullman7274]

This became my first do-it-yourself project...it came out great! Thanks for the clear instructions and for showing that it can be done!

[@beachthoughts4574]

Dude the tongue and groove planks for the sides was brilliant. Never would have thought of that.

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks! It worked out well.

[@billpaterson9046]

Mitch- we are proposing to build 15 of these for handicapped residents in our town. We are going thru the Healthy community program- Blue Cross provides funding for project like this. Nice simple design. I have used T & G cedar for a couple of beds and it works great and looks great.

[@MadebyMitch]

That is very cool of you are trying to get these to handicapped residents. 👍

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Great idea! Is this grant only open to certain states. A quick google search only resulted in Michigan I believe.

[@jj1216-]

Very simple - thanks for the video. How did this hold up over time? Any issues with the vertical screws in the bottom slats pulling out, since they are supporting the weight of the soil?

[@samanthawisdom7367]

Just wondering if you ever built this and did you have any issues with this?

[@jj1216-]

@@samanthawisdom7367 I'm 8 months late with this reply haha, but yes I did build two of them and they are holding up great through two planting seasons.

[@steveshepherd2712]

Good project, and hey wife approved so must be good. This would be perfect too for herbs which are so handy to have fresh and you just take what you need instead of buying a pack and end up throwing most away

[@MadebyMitch]

Thank you Steve! Yes great for herbs! We have used ours for a couple years now.👍

[@johnmud5085]

Thanks for sharing Mitch! I Acquired all of the wood and will be building soon. I decided to use natural burlap instead of landscape fabric in the bottom, not a fan of using polypropylene based fabric in vegetable gardens. I'll let you know how well it works. Thanks again!

[@johnmud5085]

The natural burlap has worked great... i did 3 layers of it just for added strength. We've produced a lot of cucumbers up the A frame trellis, but, unfortunately, 0 zucchinis. I think it may be too shallow for them, next year will be more shallow rooters in here!

[@joymiramontes9051]

@@johnmud5085 Hello! Would you recommend the wire mesh and then natural burlap? And how was the drainage?

[@JacobFury]

i built this last year and it is great. Used all your suggestions. I am trying to grow some tomatoes and jalapenos in it now. Just wanted to say thank you.

[@Jackleg]

Built 2 for my wife's birthday. Easy design and very functional. Thanks for sharing.

[@snoopdoggydog5640]

Thanks for posting this! I just made one (finished about 5 minutes ago!), per your specs. It was even easier because we had the wood cut down at the store. Also watched your follow up video, and will heed your advice about the landscaping fabric and it not allowing enough drainage. Will try gravel and see how that does. Thanks again!

[@joymiramontes9051]

Hello! Any update on the gravel and how it works for drainage?

[@garyboylan7720]

Hey. Awesome job! We’re going to be making an elevated garden bed for my Wife’s parents today (Fathers Day gift). My plans look a LOT like your’s, hehe. We just plan on adding some lower raised beds (directly on the ground) on the short sides, and some sort of trellis on the top. I’m the yard manager for a local lumber mill. I make a LOT of raised beds for customers in the run of a year. Usually, when I’m cutting the corner supports, I’ll make three cuts instead of just two. The first cut is most important to have straight, then as you flip the timber a single side at a time you have the end of the previous cut as a beginning guide for the next cut. Saves a LOT of time marking and lining up the cuts... Oh, btw...we’re planning on trying a layer of wire, much like you did, but then lining the bottom with a good layer of twigs. Adding wood as filler to the bottom of the bed will not only allow for drainage but allow the wood to soak up some moisture as it decomposes. This moisture will then stay present, and be available to the plants growing in the box, meaning you won’t have to water as frequently. The technical term for this method is ‘hugelkultur’.

[@itzelavila1698]

Wow I didn't know it'd be that easy.... Will definitely be making this, this week.

[@barryroberts6470]

Hi Mitch a great Planter Build. I have been building different Styles of Planters for years now, as i grow my own Fruit and Veg in Containers, and Waist High Planters. I have enjoyed your videos, and i'm looking forward to seeing some more. New Subscriber. Barry (ENG)

[@MadebyMitch]

Thank you very much Barry.

[@WayWoodworking]

Turned out great! I'd like to see how the lettuce comes in. Wanted to put in a small garden but the rabbits eat everything here. The raised bed would help.

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks man! I will put some pictures on Instagram when the lettuce comes in. 👍🏻

[@MrGucci247]

Just what I was looking for. Going to Home Depot tomorrow to buy the material and build this during quarantine times. Thanks Mitch!

[@MadebyMitch]

Awesome! I'm glad this helped you out.

[@rachaelshay7649]

Me Too!!!!

[@helseyrivera3280]

Thanks!!! I will build this one. We are renovating the house and my husband threw outside so much wood, I want to recycle it and build elevated garden beds. Thank you so much for this video 🙏😊✌️

[@richardharrold8777]

Awesome. We've just been given some seed potatoes by the neighbours but the rabbits and our dog will eat or dig up anything I plant at ground level. This will solve the problem nicely - and it gets me back into the workshop! A win-win. Thanks!

[@mirenda5160]

Brilliant! So simple and wonderful. I’ve built this and added a shelf underneath.

[@1likeakite]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! My son and I made this together after watching your video. I love that you kept it simple. It was a great afternoon project for us. : )

[@MadebyMitch]

You are welcome Brenda! It is great to hear that you built it together. Glad to help.

[@mollymason9919]

Brenda, My 13-year-old and I want to do a few of these. Do you have any advice? Thanks, Molly

[@helenarichard]

Aight i'm off to the shop to buy a table

[@R.Gsolo365]

Great video man. Looks easy but im sure I'll find away to make it difficult lol

[@mc4kvb]

Good job son. These are very handy and it’s good to see people growing their own produce. I like the way you made “L” brackets to put the frames together initially. Good idea.

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks Becky! I really appreciate it.

[@gradyleewhite]

Mitch, Thank you so much for the simple design and tutorial. You inspired me to build this for my wife. I amended your design a little in order to add built in side tables. See the attached video clip. share.icloud.com/photos/0a0r8DhtO4WO314Fye0xKpqPw#North_Chevy_Chase. It looks great and she loves it.

[@johnguzik7079]

Dang Grady, I just finished Mitch's design but after seeing this, I'm going to suprise my wife by adding the table so when she gets home from work she will be suprised. Great work man.

[@taurarush2465]

That's amazing!!!!

[@jjost1]

Thanks for the plans! Quick question about the 1x4 boards underneath. Since those are mounted underneath, are there any concerns with gravity and/or the weight of the soil warping that wood over time? Obviously the wire and the 5 boards are designed to dissipate that weight, but curious if that might being a fault down the road?

[@MadebyMitch]

Hey Joe. I haven't had any issues with the boards warping in 2 growing seasons. They are still the same as the day I build the garden bed. If they were to warp, I would just replace them but so far there has been no need to. Thanks

[@paulragona]

Awesome video - I made this on the weekend and it turned out great! Oh, and to the point about it getting heavy - I added 2" casters so I can move it around on my concrete pad - so far, so good!

[@MadebyMitch]

That is great! Thank you very much! Casters are a great idea for this. I may have to add them to mine as well!

[@carolpridgeon8200]

Thank you. Thank you. I've been looking for a simple plan to make raised garden beds. I'm 78 and this looks like something I could really do. Thank you so much. Thank you very much namaste.

[@MadebyMitch]

You're very welcome! I am glad this helped you. Thank you.

[@Mobabe8]

Best and simplest video I've seen and I've been watching all day. Thank you for making this video!

[@MadebyMitch]

Wow thanks Kelsey! That is a huge compliment. I really appreciate it.👍

[@JulianOwens]

Good video and I am going with the design but for the posts 4x4, I find getting treated 8' fence posts that were already treated and cheap and easy to cut for my posts. For the cedar, I used replacement cedar fence slats and cut them the same way and they hold the dirt fine. Thanks for your vid, it is .a perfect design.

[@MadebyMitch]

Very cool! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I'm sure the treated legs will hold up much longer.

[@michelley3910]

Thank you for this. It's exactly what I was looking for. Regarding rot: what about treating wood with waterproofing stain?

[@jamz808]

Ok so just wanted to stop in and say thanks! Basically took your design and made it a little bigger. Mine is 6ft X 2.5ft and 16inches deep. Also added extra legs at the 3ft mark. I will say the idea to use tongue and groove board was awesome. Made things so much easier!

[@Malusifer]

Great vid. Been wanting to make a cedar planter for a while. I made a planter out of some scrap pine a while ago and its held up pretty well but isn't deep enough and doesn't drain well. I like how you did the bottom of this one.

[@MadebyMitch]

Thank you Malusifer. I'm hoping the cedar holds like it is supposed to. The drainage works pretty well for this one I like how it turned out. Thanks again!

[@kiphigdon3247]

cool me with bad back this will make it great thanks for your video nice work young man

[@MadebyMitch]

Thank you very much! I am glad you enjoyed!

[@bearbon2]

Thanks for this video. I followed your lead and built the exact same planter except, since it's so light, I only used 2X4s for legs and they're fine.

[@mrtrek64]

An utterly fantastic video!! Thank you. I banged this out in about 3 hours time. The next one I make I'll have lumber cut at the store for better and straighter cuts though :)

[@courtneyjackson6921]

Your design was the simplest yet best I've seen. No extra just enough. You got a new subby because of this video. Great job!!

[@joevalentejr.4439]

It’s a really simple design. A great spring weekend project. I’m planning on building a couple of these raised garden boxes soon in my own backyard soon.😀

[@MadebyMitch]

Very cool! Good luck with making yours! They are a lot of fun. 👍

[@ryanlynch4661]

What are the total dimensions, Just trying to figure out how much soil.

[@vmchase03]

thanks mitch.....i subscribed and will be watching your channel for another project i can complete....easy peasy.....CHEERS

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks for subscribing Vincent!

[@KnightsArmory]

This video was exactly what i was looking for! Thank you!!

[@MadebyMitch]

You're welcome!

[@ChemTheCourier]

Awesome man. I had a spontaneous decision to make a planter today. Wanted some ideas and this was the first thing that popped up. Easy video and informative. Subbed The only thing I don’t like is how loud the ambient music is. No big problem tho. Thanks!

[@finleyking5767]

Thanks for the lesson! Did this myself today. Super easy and turned out great!

[@MadebyMitch]

That is great to hear!

[@Fattiapples]

what was the overall dimensions WxLxH? thanks!

[@DjgcjhDghffgf-p1u]

Lopez Jeffrey Jackson Richard Johnson Steven

[@franflores4816]

Thank you so much!!! That´s what I was looking for !!! Great job!!

[@TheKiltedKraut]

A "Speed Square" does NOT check or confirm if something is "level"!! You said that at both the 1:50 mark and again at the 2:10 mark. If you want to check for level...you need a level. A speed square lets you check to see if something is square at 90° as well as marking other angles to cut.

[@TruthNTime]

thanx for your tips & pointers Mitch, it helped alot bro.

[@MadebyMitch]

You're welcome. I'm glad they helped you. 👍

[@jessiceeoriginal]

I am not a builder of items like this. I was able to (frustratingly) make 2 small raised garden beds. They are so not perfect. You look at them from above and they are not straight. 😆 Oh, well. I wanted to plant more crops next year and wanted to do make a raised bed you can stand up and plant. This construction looks like I can work with. But there is 1 problem. I don't have a circular saw. So.... 🤔 I have an interesting problem. I guess that's what brother-in-laws are for. 😆

[@naturallygifted2002]

You should have let the fabric meet the very top and add the extra bag of soil.

[@shriyaskuttyfarm]

Good videoResult of hard work. Give your valuable comments to improve our channel thank you. Stay connected and stay blessed

[@lnboyer]

This is exactly what I've been planning to put together... awesome. Thank you

[@MadebyMitch]

Awesome! You're welcome! 👍

[@davidbertrand6884]

Put 64oz juice containers on bottom of all 4 feet , thus keeping them from touching the ground. Then no need to having special pads to place planter on. 11-19-2020 Also, since lots of folks are without jobs doe to the china virus, old pallets are an alternative to purchasing new wood. Improvise and use what you have for free......

[@chrispurse3931]

Hopefully this is a lot cheaper than the pre-fab ones. They're like 160 bucks for the cheapest ones. Ridiculous. BTW thanks, great video.

[@subhashs14]

That landscape paper won't allow extra water to drain out

[@rosepedal05]

Great job thank you ,question can you make legs a tad longer I am in a wheelchair thanks vicky

[@brittneyjohnson6320]

@SchizophrenicHippie here is another idea! @NatureDayDream is gonna love it!

[@Damian-nd8he]

Very nice and simple project. I have a question: do I have to make some holes on the landscape fabric before filling it up with dirt?. Thank you so much!

[@leisuredailylifestyle]

I made one similar to yours but it's not looking as yours. Thanks for your sharing. I'm a new your subscriber.

[@Trix3Mix4]

Hoping to make this tomorrow! Thanks for the great video!

[@SteveBueche1027]

I’ve built this years ago for my cats grass. 2’X4’ in cedar as well. No liner but a solid base covering. I also put caster wheels on to be able to move it around as it will weigh quite a bit.

[@MadebyMitch]

Very cool! I like the caster idea. It would be nice to be able to move it around a little.

[@SteveBueche1027]

If you want them on the cheap, Harbor Freights frig dolly can cost less than the separate wheels. Just take the wheels off for your project. I used them on my 8’ workbench. Held up going on 10 years

[@MadebyMitch]

Oh wow. Thank you for mentioning this. I am going to check them out. I appreciate it!👍

[@carolynrivera4456]

Hmmm I’m confused. You put the mesh down then a liner which will prevent good drainage right? I’m confused why you need anything in there at all besides a few holes drilled

[@StorytimeWithMya]

Wow awesome video !!! Simple and straight to the point. I’ll definitely be attempting this !! Thank you for sharing

[@Unrealistic-o9c]

Decent concept, but flawed for growing anything substantial.

[@temujinkhan6326]

The fabric doesn't help with preventing decay of the wood

[@thehappychicken7718]

i love this! Knowing that gardening season is in 7 months comes to planing on making something better. Decided to do 3 of these at different level to attach them together like a staircase!

[@valeryjohnson7937]

Wow! Nice idea!

[@francysgardening6913]

Hello I like this tutorial but my question for you is: won’t the plastic stops the water from flowing? How’s the water going to drain?

[@virtualhawaii6987]

Thanks for very useful video. I am interested in making this, but I have a question. Is the wood used for the bottom not going to be rotten? I don't know much about carpentry or gardening.

[@williamdalexander4858]

It's about time a video came out with clear and easy to understand instructions and visuals....... I'm a motorcycle mechanic, not a carpenter,, but I like to do projects for my beautiful wife,, and she wants me to build two of these elevated garden beds...... thank you for making me feel like I can accomplish this......

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks William! I'm glad the video helped you out!

[@brycecupp9660]

I made these last spring but did it 3 boards high. I made them 4x8 but used a 2x2 lip on the bottom to then lay cedar slats across the bottom. I then laid pond liner 6 inches up on a side and put in 5 6-inch drain tubes with "socks" over to seal out dirt. Made a tube into one and turned it into a selfwatering sub-irrigated reservoir (sir). Keeps the dirt from drying out for 4-8 weeks and grows amazing carrots, zukes, cukes, lettuce and green onions and herbs. Just planted it again and cant wait to eat fresh veggies all summer

[@MadebyMitch]

Wow that is really cool. I may try something like this with mine. It would really help to not have to water it so much. Thank you for sharing. 👍

[@kinseybeecck]

Could I just go in to Home Depot and have them cut all the wood for me? And than all I’d need is screw and drill???

[@MadebyMitch]

Yes I believe they could cut the lengths for you.

[@gl6937]

Thanks for a great and simple way to build a waist high planter.

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks GL!

[@Users_rx]

I have small balcony and only a miter saw yet i am watching this. I just love torturing myself apparently..

[@BruceAUlrich]

Good video, Mitch! And good thinking about the tongue and groove...kind of held it for you.

[@MadebyMitch]

Thanks so much Bruce. It worked out pretty nicely.

[@DrewVerdin]

I wonder if you added pea pebbles about 1/2 in thick on top of the wire if they would allow better drainage than landscaping paper and your soil wouldn't fall through

[@carloscervantes3177]

Thank you so much! Yours was by far the easiest and most helpful! Thank you again! I really appreciate it! Thank you for adding the measurements

[@MadebyMitch]

You're welcome Carlos! And thank you for watching👍