Building Your First Raised Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide

If this is your first raised bed, you're three decisions away from a productive first season: where it goes, what size it is, and what you fill it with.

1. Siting — six hours of sun, not more

Walk your yard over a Saturday and clock the sun. You want a spot that gets at least six hours of direct light, ideally morning sun. Afternoon-only sun in zones 7+ will cook leafy greens by July.

2. Sizing — smaller than you think

A 4×4 bed is plenty for a first year. You'll be tempted by the 4×8 — resist. First-year beds tend to be over-planted and under-watered. The smaller footprint forces better spacing and keeps your watering manageable.

3. Soil — the ‘Mel's mix’ rule of thirds

One third compost, one third peat or coco coir, one third vermiculite or coarse sand. Fill the bed in layers, water each layer in, top it off the next day after it settles.

The three first-year mistakes

Planting too close. Watering at noon. Skipping mulch. Do the opposite of those three and you'll be fine.