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Raised vegie beds

They’re super-easy to install
Phil Aynsley

Use a DIY kit to make your vegie garden quick and easy – you won’t need nearly as many tools and it will take less time to construct.

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These beds are made from white cypress heartwood and are durable, termite‑resistant and chemical-free. They also come in a variety of layouts.

Gather your supplies

  • 1200 x 1200 x 300mm Birdies Heritage Veggie Beds (2, see Notes below)
  • Herbs and vegetables

You’ll also need

Rake; drill; screws; hammer; newspaper; organic herb and vegetable potting mix; cow manure; garden shovel or fork; forest fines mulch; wheelbarrow

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Notes – Buy the DIY
kit at the Bunnings
special orders desk or at
birdiesgardenproducts
.com.au.

  • You can buy potting mixes and manures by the bag or in bulk and have it delivered.
  • When using power tools, wear all safety gear required. For more information, refer to your equipment pack instructions.
  • This project makes 2 beds. Building multiple beds gives you space to rotate crops.

Here’s how

STEP 1 Set out rectangle for beds. Allow about 800mm between beds for walkway. Completely remove grass in area. Level area with a rake.

veggiebed
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

Tip – In general, a north‑south
orientation will take best
advantage of available light.

STEP 2 Lay out all kit pieces in order they will be placed.

STEP 3 Screw a metal disc, centred, to bottom of 1 post (this will stop slats moving). Repeat for remaining posts.

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veggie bed 3
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

STEP 4 Holding post (with metal disc at bottom), slide a slat into 1 channel on post. Slide opposite end of slat into channel of a second post. Repeat 3 more times to form a square.

veggiebed 4
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

STEP 5 Slide 2 more slats into place on top of slats installed in Step 4. Ensure all slats are level.

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veggiebed 5
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

STEP 6 Hammer dowel halfway into predrilled centre hole on top of post. Repeat for remaining posts.

veggiebed 6
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

STEP 7 Secure corners on posts, lining up dowel and predrilled hole in corner piece.

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veggiebed 7
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

STEP 8 Lift entire bed and set in place, ensuring surface remains level.

veggiebed 8
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

STEP 9 Repeat Steps 2–8 to build second bed. When positioning, measure out a 800mm gap between beds.

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STEP 10 Lay newspaper in bottom of beds (this will help stop weeds growing).

veggiebed step 10
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

STEP 11 Fill beds with potting mix then spread over a 5cm layer of cow manure with shovel or fork and mix through.

veggiebed 11
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)
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STEP 12 Remove herbs and vegetables from plastic pots.

STEP 13 Pour mulch around outside of beds for walkways. Use shovel to spread evenly.

veggiebed 13
(Credit: Brent WIlson) (Credit: Brent WIlson)

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