Raised Beds

These are intended as a generic guide for all styles of vegetable kits sold by AVS Fencing Supplies. A specific and detailed instruction is available for the premium raised bed kit, this is found behind the green button ''Technical'', which may be found on the premium raised bed kit product page.

Tools needed

Claw hammer

Larger hammer (if possible not essential)

Spade (border spade ideal)

Set square or modern saw indeed anything to act as a guide for a 90 degree or right angle

Pencil and tape measure may be needed

Ground Preparation

Bed may be sat on a solid surface or preferably on top of a soil area.

Solid surface (may stain slabs etc that it is sat on) provision may need to be made for drainage by sitting the bed sides approx 10mm above the surface. This can be allowed for during construction when cutting and fixing the pegs to the sides. In dry time more watering will be needed and for smaller beds more compost should be mixed with the top soil to retain water.

Soil surface - remove grass turf and weeds and dig surface over.

Construction Method

Sides are nailed to pointed pegs - first choose two sides (If bed is rectangular choose the longest sides). Fix the pegs to the sides, locate these flush with both ends and one in the centre (if provided). In terms of positioning of the peg the square cut end is positioned flush with the top of the side. Before fixing the pegs decide if the length is suitable for the ground you are fixing into/onto.  Note: the pegs can be cut shorter if the ground is hard (to facilitate easily knocking the pegs into the ground, the spade can be used to make a hole/slot. Do not try and knock the peg in without making a start with the spade or the tops of the pegs will became damaged).

Layout one side on the ground and use the spade to make holes/slots for the pegs. Gently knock in the pegs until the side is level at the correct height. Next layout the ends using the set sqaure to get them positioned at 90 degrees. Make further holes/slots for the other side and knock in the pegs to locate the second side, all the time paying attention to the fit of the ends.

Finally nail on the ends. Once you are happy with the finished bed it may be filled with top soil.

You may choose to add some screws (not provided) to reinforce the nail fixings on the corners.