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Build the beds

Construct the raised, keyhole or wicking beds from your layout plan and fill them with good growing media.

How

1. Mark out beds and paths with string to the dimensions on your plan.
2. For framed raised beds, Oregon State advises reinforcing beds taller than about 45 cm (18 inches) or longer than about 1.8 m (6 feet) with cross ties or stakes to stop the sides bowing.
3. Fill with a mix high in organic matter made for vegetables, not a coarse lawn mix.
4. For wicking beds, fit a protected liner, perforated drain pipe as the reservoir, a fill tube and an overflow, following the University of Kentucky design. Capillary rise is only about 10 cm (4 inches), so keep the soil layer above the reservoir within that reach for seedlings.
5. Mulch or pave paths to stop weeds and mud.
6. Lay the irrigation mainline and any buried pipe before final filling.

Safety: Lift soil and timber with good technique or mechanical help. Keep liners away from sharp objects.

Sources

1. Raised Bed Gardening (FS 270). Oregon State University Extension, accessed 2026-11
2. Raised Wicking Bed (AEN-158). University of Kentucky Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, accessed 2026-11

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