Build Your Own Raised Garden Bed with These 5 Supplies

A raised garden bed is one of the easiest and most effective ways to start growing your own vegetables, herbs, or flowers—even if your outdoor space is limited or your soil quality is poor. The good news? You don’t need to be a master builder to make one. With just five essential supplies, a few basic tools, and an afternoon to spare, you can build a sturdy, long-lasting raised bed that will make gardening easier and more productive.

Why Build a Raised Garden Bed?

Raised beds offer several advantages:

  • Improved drainage, which reduces the risk of root rot.

  • Warmer soil, allowing earlier planting in spring.

  • Better control over soil quality and nutrients.

  • Less bending and kneeling, which is great for your back.

  • Neater, more organised garden spaces—especially in small or urban gardens.

Now let’s look at the five key supplies you’ll need to get started.

1. Timber Boards (Treated or Untreated)

The frame of your raised bed starts with timber. Look for planks around 6" to 12" wide, depending on how deep you want your bed to be. Treated wood will last longer outdoors, but if you're growing vegetables, make sure it’s safe for gardening (look for wood treated with non-toxic preservatives).

Recommended size:

  • Length: 1.8m (6ft)

  • Width: 1.2m (4ft)

  • Height: 200mm (8in)

Top tip: Avoid wood that’s too thin—19mm or thicker will help prevent bowing over time.

2. Decking Screws or Exterior Wood Screws

To hold your frame together, you’ll need decking screws or other corrosion-resistant wood screws designed for outdoor use. Screws give a firmer hold than nails and make disassembly easier if you want to move or modify the bed in future.

Size to use: 60mm–80mm screws
Quantity: Around 20–30 per bed depending on the size

3. Weed Control Fabric

Lining the bottom of your bed with weed membrane helps prevent grass and weeds from growing up into your soil while still allowing drainage. This is especially useful if you're placing your bed directly on lawn or gravel.

Choose a heavy-duty, permeable fabric designed for landscaping.

4. Topsoil and Compost Mix

The quality of your soil will make or break your garden bed. For best results, use a 50/50 mix of topsoil and compost. You can also add in a few handfuls of perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration.

Approximate volume for a 6ft x 4ft bed:

  • Around 0.3 to 0.5 cubic metres of soil/compost mix

5. Corner Brackets (Optional but Recommended)

For added stability and a cleaner finish, corner brackets or metal L-brackets help keep the bed square and secure over time—especially in wet or uneven ground.

You can find these at most DIY stores, and they’re inexpensive but highly effective.

Conclusion

With just these five supplies—timber, screws, weed membrane, compost/topsoil, and optional brackets—you can create a professional-looking raised garden bed that will serve you for years. Whether you're growing salad greens, tomatoes, or pollinator-friendly flowers, a raised bed gives you the ideal start.

Need help picking the right tools or timber? Visit our DIY supplies section or drop into the store—we’re always happy to help.