Q&A for How to Construct a Raised Planting Bed

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Do I need to place the raised bed on level ground or can it be on a slight slope?

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Staff Answer
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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Ideally, your raised bed should be on level ground. When you build on a slope, water may not drain evenly from your bed, causing it to become too dry on one end and too waterlogged on the other.

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Question

Won't the wood rot, especially the posts that are put into the soil?

Community Answer

Yes, some types of wood will rot in time, due the moisture in the soil. You can balance this by either accepting that you'll need to replace any soft wood or wood that is damaged by moisture every few years, or you could choose to use wood that can withstand a lot of moisture (hence the suggestion of using a wooden boat, which would presumably use marine appropriate wood) or a wood such as macrocarpa railway sleepers, etc.

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Question

What size PVC pipe is recommended for creating the insect barrier?

Community Answer

A 1/2 inch pipe is most pliable and strong enough to support the lightweight plastic netting. If you prefer even more strength, you could use 3/4 inch PVC pipe.

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Question

If I put my grow boxes over grass, what can I do to keep the grass from growing up through the soil in my grow box?

Community Answer

Put some heavy sections of newspaper, tarp, or other "carpeting" on top of the soil before you begin planting. You can go to your local gardening store to find the proper materials.

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Which is the best orientation of 4x10' to 4x12' planter box? Parallel to the track of the sun or perpendicular to the track of the sun? I can do either.

Community Answer

Check the direction of the wind. Whichever direction has the better air flow, prepare the box accordingly.

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Question

Do I need to dig the ground up under the box?

Community Answer

If you can, remove the top layer of grass or weeds. Then, put heavy amounts of newspaper down before adding your soil. (You can put rocks on top of the newspaper for drainage as well.)

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Why do I have to put the cloth on top?

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You don't need to in the beginning but, as the plants begin to grow, you will want it on top to provide room for growth.

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