Enclosed Raised Garden

We build a raised garden bed with an integrated fence.
Enclosed Raised Garden model in Sketchup 3D Warehouse
3dwarehouse.sk...
Materials and additional notes:
Ground contact rated treated lumber:
7 - 2x4x14'
20 - 2x4x8'
16 - 4x4x8'
2 - 2x2x8'
Notes: The 2x2s were not in my original design, but I added them to the model in Sketchup. Look for the purple 2x2s at each corner. The 2x2s provided additional support for the metal panels where they meet on the corners.
Corrugated metal:
We bought 10 sheets of 26"x10' used corrugated metal and had one full sheet left over. 26" is pretty standard for corrugated metal. (I used left over pole barn metal screws to attach the metal)
Metal flashing:
2 - 3"x3"x10' galvanized metal corner flashing
The flashing holds the outside corners of the corrugated metal together. I drilled through the flashing & corrugated metal and pop riveted them together.
Wire fencing:
2"x4"x60' galvanized wire fencing (it's called welded wire)

[@frankfremont3434]

Very well done. Thanks.

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thank you! I have bumper crops of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, kale and basil going this summer in the garden.

[@josesoto5148]

I have been watching a lot of raised bed gardens with the fencing to protect the plants from the deer getting into the garden, and so far, your Idea has been the best design I've seen. so far. It is efficient It's simple, and it seems very cost effective also. Thanks.

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks! We're now into our fourth growing season with the raised garden and I'm happy to report it is still holding up great. I'll probably splash a little stain on it next year to freshen it up a bit.

[@harshtruth632]

Love the build. For where i live it would be a great idea to put a roof on it. And close it with greenhouse foil. Turn it into a custom made greenhouse. But looks warm enough over there that u don’t need a greenhouse.

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks! Turning it in to a greenhouse would be pretty easy. I'm located in central Minnesota where most winters begin in Nov and don't end the the end of April. If I wanted to grow anything between those dates I'd need a greenhouse for sure.

[@harshtruth632]

@@TheToolmanTim well it looks to me like u already did most of the hard work, if come next winter it would be an easy conversion and the possibility for another great build video. And with a roof on it u could catch and collect rainwater to water your garden.

[@worldwide1376]

Outstanding work, I did not know what the jig was until you mentioned it, genius idea. As for the hair, do what the wife likes ;-). At least you HAVE hair to grow out! Cheers.

[@joecamerer2865]

First video I have found that is almost exactly what I to build. I like that you stained the boards before assembly, I like the steel around the bottom so the boards don't rot, and of course the fencing is the most important. You even filled the bed with trees branches like I want to do. I would like to make the outside fence be able to swing open in sections so you could work on the garden from both sides. I would also like to make a small section that can be used enclosed as a green house in the spring for early planting. Excellent job!

[@SereneMountainSummit-hh9sr]

Great build; love the overall design. Loved it so much, I just finished my copy of it with a few tweaks.

[@janecantrell7155]

I Love what you have done! We are in the mountains with bear, bobcat, deer, raccoon and everything else and looking at all ideas. Thank you for your video.

[@TheToolmanTim]

I'm glad this video provided some inspiration. We have mostly a deer problem. We have raccoon around, but they don't seem interested in our vegetables. If they were, I'd consider some sort of overhead mesh to make it completely critter proof.

[@ruthannbeeler5781]

My husband got his last haircut in February and I ❤️LOVE❤️ the long locks! Wish I had a raised bed like yours - maybe someday...? 🤷‍♀️

[@TheToolmanTim]

I finally broke down and got a haircut in the summer and glad to have it gone! My wife has the same sentiment as you and continues to remind me that she likes long hair. I hope you get the garden you want in the future.

[@popsworkshop7509]

Looks great, thanks for the video and idea. We built one very similar using your video as guidance and we love it.

[@TheToolmanTim]

I just checked out your video. Looks like your garden turned out great! We're on our third growing season with ours. It's still holding up great and we've enjoyed bumper crops of tomatoes, basil, cucumbers and kale.

[@popsworkshop7509]

@@TheToolmanTim that's awesome. This is our 2nd season. We have a few veggies planted but my wife loves flowers and several planted in there. Thanks

[@vanaukentim]

During quarantine I made something very simular. It really turned out great and the yield was great! I have deer and critter problems and this made all the difference. Nicely done!

[@TheToolmanTim]

Yep. The deer are abundant here too and this is the only way we have found to protect our vegetables. Thanks.

[@alainfaubert3943]

Nice job!!

[@TheToolmanTim]

I appreciate the comment. In about a month we'll be planting in the garden for our 5th year. It's still holding up well and only needs a little touch up here and there on the paint. Our vegetables have done really well every year and have not been bothered by animals.

[@randolphhull3171]

Well Done. You work well together. Let it grow.

[@alechemer623]

Great job! Very clear and informative. I’m going to build one soon. If your wife loves your hair long, then keep it long - or at least compromise.

[@annamschnetzer4036]

This is my first video to watch on this channel. The question of to cut his hair short or leave it long was interesting. (I use a Flowbee to keep mine short. I highly recommend it as an economical solution other than letting it grow.) I will comment, then look at the most recent video to see their decision. Personally, as an even older woman, I think older men with long hair look as foolish as older women who are obviously trying to look younger. Now, I am committed to watching at least one more video. I don't think that it will be a hardship. I'm halfway through my first and am enjoying it... and learning. BTW, when you mentioned not needing posts in the ground... I thought you were crazy!!! I live in Florida with hurricanes, the rest of the country has high winds if not tornadoes.

[@TheToolmanTim]

I'm glad you enjoyed my video. I ended up cutting my hair. I used to love watching the Flowbee infomercial. Very cool concept. Even though the posts on the raised garden don't extend into the ground, the bottom plate is anchored down with rebar stakes. I'm about a month away from planting my fourth year in the garden and it is holding up great.

[@alainfaubert3943]

Love the music!!

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks. I had a lot of fun picking out music for this video.

[@jdxtube68]

Outstanding build. You've got a subscriber!

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@ThoenWorks]

Pretty cool wire mesh bender there. !!

[@KellyHurley-ww1gm]

Awesome ❤

[@karenolson5556]

What a Cool Structure...you did an AMAZING JOB!!! Im going to copy your plans for my garden...it's exactly what I need!!! How tall is the structure?

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks. It's about 6' 9" tall. I have a materials list and a link to the Sketchup 3D model in the video description. I'll be adding compost, tilling it up and planting for my third season next week.

[@bpprod.4981]

Thanks a lot for the video, The Toolman. This will help me tremendously in the spring when I attempt to build one of these. Do you happen to have the material list and/or the steps involved in print form?

[@TheToolmanTim]

The materials and some additional notes are buried in the comments on the video. You will find a lot of questions and answers if you scroll through the comments. I modified the video description to include the material list I used for the project. You'll need to click "show more" in the description below the video to expand it to see the full material list. I don't have any written instructions, but hopefully the video shows enough detail to help out. Good luck on your project.

[@sirewan]

Hi there, now that you have had this for about a year, anything that you wish you had done a little different? Also, what is the purpose of the metal corner flashing in some corners? I think we are going to try something very similar with a couple small modifications (I think we'll put the corner posts on the ground). Thank you so much for posting this!

[@TheToolmanTim]

The garden worked great for us last year. We had bumper crops. It was a bit challenging reaching the tomatoes on the outside edge against the fence material especially in the corners. It will be a lot of work, but I'm considering making the outside fencing hinged, so I can open it and get to the other side easier. The flashing holds the outside corners of the corrugated metal together. I drilled through the flashing & corrugated metal and pop riveted them together. I also added some trim to the 4x4s at those corners to provide extra support to the corrugated metal. I added the trim to my Sketchup model in purple so you can see the mod. app.sketchup.com/viewer/3dw?WarehouseModelId=d185587b-7dc1-42be-aebe-73b03a1976b4

[@krsulock]

my question is how did it work out accessing the deep corners from the inside walkway? did you consider some kind of lining to help preserve the longevit of the galvanized?

[@TheToolmanTim]

Reaching those corners is a bit of a stretch. I usually put stuff that doesn't require a lot of tending in the corners. We moved our sunflowers into the corners because the deer were feasting on them outside the enclosure in years past. I thought about putting hinged frames in the fencing so I can open them from the outside, but it's working out fine right now as is. I didn't go with any lining. It's our fourth season and the galvanized is holding up great. Time will tell.

[@rbb2114]

This is fantastic. I plan to run this by my wife tonight for our future house. I know it depends on location, but does on likely need a permit to build this structure?

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks. I didn't need one here in Minnesota. I'd be surprised if it was required anywhere in the U.S. You would be more likely to run into permission issues with a home owner's association. I'd put a call into your city or township.

[@gailgraf9571]

I love your design. We will be building this in the spring. Do you have a supply list for the lumber by any chance?

[@TheToolmanTim]

You will need: 7 - 2x4x14', 20 - 2x4x8', 16 - 4x4x8' and 2 - 2x2x8'. The 2x2s were not in my original design, but I added them to the model in Sketchup 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/d185587b-7dc1-42be-aebe-73b03a1976b4/Enclosed-Raised-Garden. Look for the purple 2x2s at each corner. You need the 2x2s to support the metal panels where they meet on those corners. We bought 10 sheets of 26"x10' used corrugated metal and had one full sheet left over. 26" is pretty standard for corrugated metal. I used left over pole barn metal screws to attach the metal. Hope your project goes well.

[@gailgraf9571]

Thank you!

[@sandyhammond1217]

I live in country with a lot of wild turkeys ,squirrels and birds. Would you use bird netting over top to keep creatures out and use chicken wire instead of the metal ? This is a nice plan

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks. We haven't had any trouble with animals other than deer, but I would absolutely go with netting over the top if needed. I think chicken wire is a bit flimsy for the sides. I would look for a tighter mesh galvanized wire. I've seen it in 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 1". Search for Galvanized Hardware Cloth.

[@srflow2]

Where would I find a material list for this? Thanks and fantastic job!!!

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks. Scroll down through the comments below this video and you'll see a materials list and a link to my Sketchup 3D model. Look for a comment about 6 months ago by Gail Graf and you will see a materials list in my reply. There were more follow-up comments where we discussed materials after that too.

[@hopechannelcat5462]

i know it's been a while since you built this, but i was wondering how you attached the tin to the outside corners when the 1st piece of tin covered the board. i didn't see an extra board to attach it to.

[@TheToolmanTim]

Good eye! I used 3" galvanized flashing to join the outside corners. The flashing is fastened to the corrugated metal with large pop rivets. You could also add 2x2 wood strips on those corners on the outside to provide a spot the fasten the corrugated metal directly instead of using the flashing or do both. I put the flashing in to ensure the dirt didn't leak out of the corners where the metal is just butted together. After four years everything is still holding together nicely.

[@hopechannelcat5462]

@@TheToolmanTim thanks

[@stephwilliams7578]

Great build! Can you tell me what length you cut the 2'x4'x8' post down too please

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks. Just to be clear, are you asking about the 2"x4"x8' or did you mean the 4"x4"x8' I used for the vertical posts. If that is what you meant, I cut them down to 6' 6". There is a 2x4 running under the whole unit as well as one above that tie everything together, so that makes the actual height 6' 9".

[@stephwilliams7578]

@@TheToolmanTim Yes thank you that is exactly what I meant!

[@gauchopower5222]

Exelent

[@joesmo9671]

anyone ever look at making something like this convertible to greenhouse to extend growing season a bit? Maybe by making a frame with the clear hard plastic roofing sheets for the 4 side walls and then 2 for up on the roof that can easily be attached at the end of the summer?

[@TheToolmanTim]

That is an excellent idea. The structure would support greenhouse panels no problem. You would just need a small mod to have a pitched roof.

[@joesmo9671]

@@TheToolmanTim I was thinking you can set up like slides along the sides to slide in the clear panels to make them easy in and easy out. I am going to have 2 posts at 12 foot in the middle on the outside with 1 dead center so as to set up the peak of the roof and 8 on the corners to give the pitched roof effect. Again, set it up so you can slide the panels in and out.

[@sharonzajack8135]

Hair, just a trim but keep it on the longer side. Question. How long do you think it will last where it has contact with the ground. What part of the country are you in? Looks like you enjoyed doing this together.

[@TheToolmanTim]

We used ground contact rated pressure treated lumber. It should last 20 years or more. Were located in central Minnesota. We did have a lot of fun working together on this project.

[@RyanKittell]

looks great! what kind of paint did you use and what color is it? thanks!

[@TheToolmanTim]

Thanks. We used a solid color stain. It's a Pittsburg Ultra Stain & Sealant. The color is called Navajo Red.

[@RyanKittell]

@@TheToolmanTim thanks!

[@donworthington7156]

you said this a 12 x 12 yet looking at the plans it shows 12' 7" x 12' x 7". Any specific reason you didn't go with 12 ft boards instead of getting 14' boards and cutting them down to 12' 7" and save the additional expense?

[@TheToolmanTim]

Because sometimes, I am an idiot. As with many things in life, hindsight is 20/20. I had my mind stuck on 12x12 for my inside dimensions. So add the 3 1/2" posts to each side and you end up with 12' 7" outside dimensions. In the end, that decision probably cost an extra $20.

[@michelearmstrong4060]

People were telling me I had to put the 4x4's 3 ft into the ground because of the frost, freeze heaving. Not so?

[@donHooligan]

might need to make adjustments in the spring, but i wouldn't worry about it, unless you are adding a roof. a roof would get a bit boogered up by that.

[@ericbrandon8699]

Why didn’t you use screen? Screen will eliminate any bug problems .

[@TheToolmanTim]

We didn't have problems with bugs or small critters. Our only issue was with deer.

[@oneofgodschildren]

Gotta love watching a woman do all the work lol

[@TheToolmanTim]

I did help just a little bit. Seriously though, I married one hard working woman.

[@michelearmstrong4060]

Does your ground freeze/heave in the winter? What state are you located in? Or garden zone?

[@TheToolmanTim]

We're in Minnesota. Our garden zone is 4a. If it gets cold early without a lot of snow, the frost goes pretty deep. The soil conditions on my property are on the sandy side, so I don't get a lot of heaving from frost. If you have a lot of moisture trapped in the soil, you can get more heaving in the winter.

[@michelearmstrong4060]

@@TheToolmanTim Thank you so much for replying. I was told I had to put posts 3 ft in ground.

[@michelearmstrong4060]

OOps. I did't finish reading about the sandy soil. Mine is poorly drained clay.

[@TheToolmanTim]

@@michelearmstrong4060 I thought about sinking the posts into the ground, but decided against it since the garden isn't a load bearing structure like a shed where it needs to support a floor. My biggest concern was that I didn't want the weight of the dirt to push out the base. I solved that problem by pinning the base to the ground using rebar.

[@dlowery51]

What did you use for the inside corners? I see some kind of metal plate.

[@TheToolmanTim]

You're on the right track. I used 3" galvanized metal corner flashing. I pop riveted it to the corrugated metal. I picked it up at Menards in 10' lengths. It worked great. I also added 2x2 wood strips to the outside of those corners to provide a little extra insurance against a blow out. We got through the whole growing season without trouble and made it through a hard freeze winter cycle as well.

[@dlowery51]

​@@TheToolmanTim Awesome! Hey, I really appreciate you replying back. Also, I love your idea using corrugated metal. Originally I was going to use 2x12 boards like everyone else until I saw how much that would cost. lol

[@joee2357]

How did you anchor the 2x4 to the ground?

[@TheToolmanTim]

I pinned the 2x4s to the ground using rebar. I cut rebar into 16" lengths and pre-drilled the 2x4s using a 1/2" bit. Then I used an 8lb sledge hammer to drive them home. Three years and counting with no movement.

[@jesswilson53]

Any issues with settling being built directly on dirt?

[@TheToolmanTim]

No problems. We made it through a winter with no shifting or settling. The gate is still straight and true. The garden is located at a dry high spot on our property that doesn't see frost heave in the winter. If it was damp, it might be a different story.

[@fefootball1902]

What do I need to purchase for lumber?

[@TheToolmanTim]

I have the materials list in the video description. Look just below the video on your screen and click "show more" to see the full description.

[@wildfireluna8333]

What did you use the 2x2x8’s for?

[@TheToolmanTim]

The 2x2s were not in my original design, but I added them to the model in Sketchup 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/d185587b-7dc1-42be-aebe-73b03a1976b4/Enclosed-Raised-Garden. Look for the purple 2x2s at each corner. You need the 2x2s to support the metal panels where they meet on those corners.

[@mamotserasmeni6397]

How much would charge to build one of those

[@TheToolmanTim]

If you build it yourself, plan on spending between $700 and $900 for materials. If you have someone build it for you, the price would go up considerably.

[@GoellnitzBryce]

Are you not worried about need cross supports inside the bed to keep it from bowing out over time? I've been trying to figure out how I want to build my raised bed and have been contemplating a 8'x12' design like this with corrugated Galvanized steel on the outside with the frame hidden inside but worried about wood rot over time too.

[@TheToolmanTim]

All of the bottom plates are anchored into the ground using rebar. I thought about adding cross support higher up, but opted to go without it since this unit was already pretty compact and stout. We got through a full growing season and a winter without any bowing so we're in good shape. If you use ground contact treated lumber, you should get many years of service without it rotting out. I chose to put my lumber on the outside to minimize the chance of any chemicals leaching into my raised bed soil.

[@DavidBrown-zx9tm]

Paint will chip over time I would rather use cedar or trex decking boards

[@TheToolmanTim]

The color isn't from paint. It's an opaque stain and after 3 years of extreme heat, humidity, rain, snow and below zero temps it is holding up great. No chipping or peeling. Cedar would work great, but I'd caution against a material like Trex. It doesn't have the lateral strength of wood. It's great as decking where you have joists every 16", but it will bend like a wet noodle over longer stretches.

[@annafranceslohse]

I'd like to weigh in on the hair. I'm actually a little interested to see how long it can get and also you should do whatever your wife likes.

[@TheToolmanTim]

I knew one day I would be out-voted in my own house and that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Mom will appreciate your support.

[@saltlifess6226]

After a while, did you have problems with the metal bowing out?

[@TheToolmanTim]

We're into your second year with the raised garden and there are no signs of blowouts or even bowing of the metal or wood framing.

[@amandagordon3018]

Can rats crawl up the tin?

[@TheToolmanTim]

I'm sure they could, but we don't have that problem where we live. You could go with a tighter fence mesh and a cover over the top as well.

[@carriebanks-wright333]

Your wife said she love it. So if she love it that's what count.

[@adamcz3183]

Leave the hair

[@lb476]

Hey you two...Samson and Delilah? If you love each other and the hair is not out-of-control then keep it. He looks like he has a 'Sam Elliott' thing going on...nice! Statement written by 72 year-old woman who is not dead yet.

[@TheToolmanTim]

I ended up cutting my hair only to grow it back long again during the COVID lockdown. Keeping it long for now. Gotta keep the peace around here. 😄

[@provanost]

Keep the long hair.

[@medicmatthew]

I think you should cut your hair.

[@faithmoore8903]

What kind of fencing did you use?

[@TheToolmanTim]

We used 2" x 4" galvanized fencing wire. It's called "welded wire" if you are looking for it at a home improvement store.

[@faithmoore8903]

@@TheToolmanTim, I am at Tractor Supply.