Above Ground Garden Building: A Guide for Beginners

Step 1: Choose a location

The first step in building an above ground garden is choosing the right location. Look for an area in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight and is relatively flat. You'll also want to make sure the area has good drainage so that your plants don't get waterlogged. If you're not sure where to put your garden, consider using a raised garden bed to create a designated growing area.

Step 2: Decide on the size and shape

Once you've chosen a location for your garden, it's time to decide on the size and shape of your garden bed. This will depend on how much space you have available and what types of plants you want to grow. A good rule of thumb is to make your garden bed no wider than 4 feet so that you can easily reach the center of the bed from either side. You can make your garden bed as long as you want, depending on how many plants you plan to grow.

Step 3: Gather your materials

To build your above ground garden, you'll need some basic materials, including lumber, screws, and soil. You can use untreated wood, such as cedar, to construct your garden bed. Avoid using pressure-treated wood, as it may contain chemicals that can leach into your soil and harm your plants. You'll also need enough soil to fill your garden bed to a depth of at least 6 inches.

Step 4: Build your garden bed

Now it's time to build your garden bed. First, cut your lumber to the desired length and then screw the boards together to form the sides of your garden bed. Make sure the corners are square and the sides are level. Once your garden bed is assembled, line the bottom with a layer of cardboard or newspaper to suppress weeds and then fill it with soil.

Step 5: Plant your garden

Finally, it's time to plant your garden! Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Some easy-to-grow vegetables for beginners include tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. You can also grow herbs, flowers, and even small fruit trees in your above ground garden.

Step 6: Maintain your garden

To keep your above ground garden healthy and productive, you'll need to water it regularly, fertilize it as needed, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases. You'll also need to weed your garden regularly to keep it looking neat and tidy.