Building and planting a raised garden bed is an intermediate-level do-it-yourself project that generally takes a day or so to complete. It’s helpful to have some experience with DIY work and to be familiar with basic carpentry. The general steps for the project include:

• Planning your garden site
• Cutting the lumber to size
• Assembling the planter box
• Adding soil and plants

We'll show you each of the phases of the work below and give you some tips for planting your raised garden.

The work will go more quickly if you have the right tools and materials ready to go. Here are the key items you'll need.

Pick a spot for your garden bed. Keep in mind many types of plants — such as vegetables — need plenty of sun. Take a look at our article and videos on designing and planting a vegetable garden for tips on choosing a good location.

Mark the location for your garden bed and remove the grass from this area. You can then add the finishing touches to the frame.

Start with high-quality soil and choose plants that'll work in the location you select. Plant tags show details on the care and conditions the plants need to thrive. See our guide to reading a plant tag to learn how plant tags can help you plant and grow a garden.

The wood you choose to use for a raised bed is your decision. Here are some options:

• Cedar and redwood are naturally water-resistant but can be expensive and hard to find.
• Hemlock, fir and pine are suitable materials for raised beds but aren’t very long lasting.
• Pressure-treated lumber is also an option, but it’s been a controversial topic for many years. The purpose for chemical pressure treatment is to protect wood from rot, decay and wood-ingesting insects. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was the most controversial treatment, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned it for consumer use in 2003. Current treatments such as alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) are deemed low risk by the EPA and designated safe for use around humans, pets, plants and vegetables. Creosote-treated wood isn’t a good option for raised beds where you intend to grow vegetables.

Compared to untreated wood, pressure-treated lumber lasts longer and is available at a comparable cost. Some types are specifically treated for ground contact. But keep in mind that even water-based treatments, such as ACQ, contain the fungicide and pesticide necessary to make it effective. Here are some practices that may address concerns about using it in raised beds.

• Let the wood dry before using it. It can take six months or longer for treated lumber to dry. You can then either paint it, seal it or choose to use it as is.
• Line the interior sides of the bed with sheet plastic or pond liner.
• Plant vegetable, fruit and herb plants near the center of the bed, a few inches away from the wood.

Follow these guidelines and safety precautions anytime you use pressure-treated lumber:

Guidelines

• Use fasteners and hardware labeled for treated lumber — stainless-steel or hot-dipped, galvanized screws.
• Butt lumber tightly. Pressure-treated wood shrinks as it dries.
• Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting when nailing or screwing boards.
• Use wood rated for ground contact when necessary for the project.

Safety

• Wear work gloves, a dust mask and eye protection when handling or cutting wood.
• Wash your hands after working with treated wood.
• Dispose of sawdust and waste according to local regulations.
• Don’t burn pressure-treated wood.
• Don’t use pressure-treated wood as mulch.

Read more about pressure-treated lumber and wood preservatives on the EPA website: Overview of Wood Preservative Chemicals.