Cedar raised garden bed

How to make it

1. 

   1

   Cut the pieces

   Leave 4 boards full length at 96 in. Cut the other 2 in half to make 4 end boards at 45 in. Cut the 4x4 into 4 posts at 11 in.

2. 

   2

   Build the ends

   Lay 2 posts flat. Screw 2 end boards across them, stacked, flush with the post ends and outside faces. Use 2 screws per board into each post.

3. 

   3

   Repeat the other end

   Build the second end the same way. Pre-drill near board ends so cedar doesn't split.

4. 

   4

   Join the long sides

   Stand the ends up 8 ft apart. Screw the long boards to the posts, covering the end boards' cut edges. Your box measures 48 x 96 in outside.

5. 

   5

   Prep the spot

   Pick a level patch with 6 to 8 hours of sun. Lay cardboard over the grass inside the bed and wet it.

6. 

   6

   Fill it

   Shovel in the soil mix to about 1 in below the top. Rake it level and water it well.

7. 

   7

   Plant

   Plant seedlings or seeds the same day. That's a whole season of tomatoes waiting.