Building a raised garden bed - first time gardener

Jan 9·1 min read

The plan:

4x8 ft cedar bed
Start with tomatoes, beans, lettuce
Kids can help fill soil, plant seeds, water

Obviously I'll do the actual construction but I want them to own the planting/maintenance part. Any tips for keeping a 6yo engaged with a garden when nothing grows overnight? Also, where do people actually buy good soil in bulk that isn't stupidly expensive?

5 comments351 views

Comments(5)

AAndrew T.RegularJan 9

Getting the kids involved in filling the soil is honestly half the fun. Fair warning though it gets messy but that's part of the whole experience.

PPatrick W.RegularJan 10

Lettuce is such a good starter crop. You'll have stuff ready to harvest in like 6 weeks and it keeps the kids interested because the payoff is quick.

DDean F.RegularJan 9

Cedar is the right call. Just make sure you're treating it properly or it'll start breaking down in like 3 years. Some people swear by sealant.

MMarcoNew DadJan 10

Tomatoes will absolutely thrive in a 4x8 bed. You might want to add some pepper plants in there too, they love the summer heat and the kids think they're cool to grow.

RRyan M.New DadJan 10

How deep are you going with the soil? For tomatoes and beans you want at least 12 inches but ideally more like 18.