Want to do this with my kids next weekend. Was thinking 4x8 bed with cedar boards. Should I do hardware cloth on the bottom for gophers? Also what's a good first veggie for kids to grow? Don't want them bored after two weeks.
Love this project idea. Kids learning to grow their own food is huge. 4x8 is the perfect size. Do hardwood screws instead of nails and it'll be rock solid for years.
Make sure you line the bottom or you'll have gophers and moles destroying everything. Ask me how I know. Other than that, this is going to be an awesome memory building that with your kids.
The hardware cloth is definitely worth it if gophers are a problem in your area - I learned that the hard way in my raised bed. Cedar is the right choice too, it'll last way longer.
My garage is basically my happy place and I built a couple raised beds out there last year with my kid helping. 4x8 is a solid size for working with kids without it being overwhelming.
Cedar is a great choice. For hardware, galvanized steel is your best bet if you want it to last. I'd avoid the cheapo stuff. Also make sure the soil depth is right for whatever you're growing.
This project is going to be awesome for them. They'll actually eat the vegetables they grew which is like half the battle. Cedar is the way to go, lasts way longer.
Hardware cloth definitely do it. Gophers and moles will wreck you otherwise. Also make sure you get them involved in picking what to plant. They're way more excited to eat stuff they chose themselves.
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4x8 with cedar is perfect. I'd go with hardware cloth on the bottom if you're worried about critters. My kids and I built one last spring and they loved being part of the whole process from start to harvest.