outdoors
L A N D S C A P IN G
Build a bed
To get started, determine the dimensions of the bed.
A size of
4
x
8
feet is convenient because boards come
in
8
-foot lengths. Buy three, saw one in half, and with
a single cut all four pieces are ready. Regardless of the
length, beds should be no more than
4
feet wide. This
allows you to reach all parts by leaning in from the
edge. If desired, stain the boards before assembling.
Staining isn’t critical, but it increases the life of the
boards and makes the bed more attractive.
1
FASTEN CORNERS
Drill pilot holes, then
fasten boards with
3
>! -inch deck screws.
a
DRIVE STAKES
Use a sledgehammer
to drive stakes into
the ground along the inside
surface of the box. Space stakes
every
2-3
feet.
3
FASTEN STAKES
Drill pilot holes,
then drive
2
-inch
screws through the stakes, into
the boards.
ATTACH TRIM
(Optional) Cut
pieces of scrap wood
and attach them to corners for
a decorative look.
5
REMOVE SOD
Use a flat spade or a
sod cutter to remove
lawn grass, if present, from
inside the bed. If no sod is
present, loosen soil by turning
with a shovel or spading fork.
B
ADD SOIL
Fill the bed with
topsoil, or “black dirt.”
Fill soil to the top of the boards;
it will soon settle an inch or two.
MATERIALS
□
2
x
8
cedar boards
□
3
>
2
-inch deck screws
□
2
-inch deck screws
2
-foot wood stakes
Topsoil
COST
About $
50
-$
6
o
for wood, hardware,
and soil for a
4
x
8
-
foot bed.
96 APRIL2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
PHOTOS: (HOW-TO) BLAINE MOATS; (FINISHED BED) BOB STEFKO
