Materials List

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Computer Drawing: Joe Seals

This plan is for a 4-foot-wide by 16-foot-long bed.

• Lumber:
  Four - 2" x 12" x 8' (sides)
  Two - 2" x 12" x 4' (ends)
  Twelve - 4" x 4" x 24" (posts)
  Two - 2" x 12" x 8" (tie braces)
• Twenty-four - 6" x 5/16" hex-head bolts
• Eight - 8" x 5/16" hex-head bolts
• Thirty-two - 5/16" washers & nuts

Construction Tips:

• Before construction: Have lumber pre-cut to size by lumberyard.
• Dig out hole approx. 5' x 17' x 12" deep.
• Build box in halves--upside down. (They will be tied together afterwards when moved into place.
• When drilling holes for bolts on end posts, make sure they don't cross/intersect.
• Double center post bolts are longer, to allow for the tie lumber thickness.
• It requires several people to carry first half and flip it into the hole. Set so sides are at grade level.
• Move in the second half per above and bolt through the ties, to complete the box.
• Level the box, fill in the post hole areas with soil, and then tamp until firm.
• Fill beds with a good planting mix (1/3 compost, 2/3 native soil).
• Screed until roughly level.
• Sprinkle the beds daily for a couple weeks, to allow the soil to settle.
• Fill in low spots as needed.
• Weed, if necessary. Then plant.