How Do You Build Raised Landscape Beds?
Raised garden beds not only add architectural interest to any landscape, they are easier to maintain, help nurture plants by improving drainage, and extend the growing season. The varieties of borders available at lawn and garden centers and from Mother Nature ensure that there is a style to suit every design and budget. And, by relying on a technique called sheet composting, installing a raised garden bed does not have to be difficult or back-breaking. Select a spot for the bed and outline the proposed border. Use stakes connected by string for straight borders. Spray chalk outlines for curvy borders. Stomp down any weeds and cover the weeds and any sod with 6 to 12 overlapping layers of newspaper. Place the landscape timbers or fieldstones around the perimeter of the bed. The border material should be on the newspaper to prevent any exposed grass or weeds from poking through. Soak the newspaper. Create a 2- or 3-inch layer of peat moss. Add a layer of nitrogen-rich organic material s
