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Raised Garden Bed Planner
Enter your bed length, width and height to get the boards, corner posts, screws and soil to build and fill a raised garden bed. It is based on standard 2x6 boards stacked to your chosen height.
Common questions
How tall is each board course?
A 2x6 board is actually about 5.5 inches wide, so the planner divides your bed height by 5.5 and rounds up. An 11 inch bed uses 2 courses.
How much soil does it take to fill?
Soil is length times width times height, converted to cubic yards. The note also gives a count of 1.5 cu ft bags. Soil settles, so expect to top it up after watering.
Can I use different lumber?
Yes, but the board count assumes 2x6 boards cut from 8 foot stock. If you use 2x8 or 2x10 boards, you will need fewer courses, so adjust the count by hand.
Should I use treated wood?
Many gardeners choose cedar or untreated lumber for food beds. Check the label and your own comfort level if you consider treated lumber.