A Beginner’s Guide to Raised Garden Beds: A Fun Family Project
Looking for an easy and rewarding way to get your hands dirty this spring? Starting a raised garden bed might be the perfect project—and it’s one the whole family can enjoy!
Whether you're a gardening newbie or a green-thumb-in-training, this simple setup is an ideal way to dip your toes into growing your own food or flowers. Even better? It's a great way to get kids involved in nature, responsibility, and a bit of outdoor fun.
Why Raised Garden Beds?
Raised garden beds offer many benefits:
-
Better soil control – You fill the bed with soil you trust.
-
Fewer weeds – The elevation helps reduce weed invasion.
-
Improved drainage – Especially important in places like Flagstaff with fluctuating weather.
-
Easier on your back and knees – Less bending!
Step-by-Step: Building Your Raised Bed Garden
1. Build or Buy Your Raised Bed Frame
You can build one from untreated wood, stone, or even recycled materials—or pick up a pre-made kit from your local garden center.
2. Add Your Soil
Here’s where the fun begins. Pour in your garden soil (a large bag or two, depending on the size of your bed). In the video, one of our young helpers helped even out the soil, spreading it smoothly with her hands while an adult poured it in. This is a perfect task for little ones!
Pro Tip: Use a soil mix designed for raised beds—typically a blend of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite for great drainage and nutrition.
3. Plant Your Seeds
Once your soil is flat and ready, it’s time to plant! You can sow seeds directly into the soil. Just read the back of the seed packet for how deep and how far apart to plant.
Alternatively, you can use indoor seed starter kits—especially useful in colder climates like Flagstaff, where spring can take its time. These kits are simple: add a little water, follow the directions, and watch your seedlings grow. Once the weather warms up, transplant them into your raised garden bed.
4. Water and Watch It Grow
After planting, give your seeds a good drink. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) and place your bed where it will get plenty of sunlight. Over time, you'll see little sprouts appear—and that's when the magic begins.
Start Shopping for Your Garden Supplies
Bonus: Why Kids Love Gardening
Gardening with kids isn’t just about growing veggies—it’s about growing curiosity. Kids learn responsibility, patience, and where their food comes from. Plus, they love digging in dirt!
Whether you're growing carrots, tomatoes, sunflowers, or herbs, gardening is a hands-on, screen-free activity that brings the family together.
.jpg)
This beginner-friendly raised bed project is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, teach kids something new, and start your spring off right. No green thumb required—just a bag of soil, a few seeds, and a little elbow grease.
Want to keep this handy? Download our printable PDF guide to take these steps with you to the garden.
Stay tuned for next month’s DIY project! Got questions or want more tips? Visit us in-store—we’re always happy to help.
A Beginner’s Guide to Raised Garden Beds: A Fun Family Project
Looking for an easy and rewarding way to get your hands dirty this spring? Starting a raised garden bed might be the perfect project—and it’s one the whole family can enjoy!
Whether you're a gardening newbie or a green-thumb-in-training, this simple setup is an ideal way to dip your toes into growing your own food or flowers. Even better? It's a great way to get kids involved in nature, responsibility, and a bit of outdoor fun.
Why Raised Garden Beds?
Raised garden beds offer many benefits:
-
Better soil control – You fill the bed with soil you trust.
-
Fewer weeds – The elevation helps reduce weed invasion.
-
Improved drainage – Especially important in places like Flagstaff with fluctuating weather.
-
Easier on your back and knees – Less bending!
Step-by-Step: Building Your Raised Bed Garden
1. Build or Buy Your Raised Bed Frame
You can build one from untreated wood, stone, or even recycled materials—or pick up a pre-made kit from your local garden center.
2. Add Your Soil
Here’s where the fun begins. Pour in your garden soil (a large bag or two, depending on the size of your bed). In the video, one of our young helpers helped even out the soil, spreading it smoothly with her hands while an adult poured it in. This is a perfect task for little ones!
Pro Tip: Use a soil mix designed for raised beds—typically a blend of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite for great drainage and nutrition.
3. Plant Your Seeds
Once your soil is flat and ready, it’s time to plant! You can sow seeds directly into the soil. Just read the back of the seed packet for how deep and how far apart to plant.
Alternatively, you can use indoor seed starter kits—especially useful in colder climates like Flagstaff, where spring can take its time. These kits are simple: add a little water, follow the directions, and watch your seedlings grow. Once the weather warms up, transplant them into your raised garden bed.
4. Water and Watch It Grow
After planting, give your seeds a good drink. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) and place your bed where it will get plenty of sunlight. Over time, you'll see little sprouts appear—and that's when the magic begins.
Start Shopping for Your Garden Supplies
Bonus: Why Kids Love Gardening
Gardening with kids isn’t just about growing veggies—it’s about growing curiosity. Kids learn responsibility, patience, and where their food comes from. Plus, they love digging in dirt!
Whether you're growing carrots, tomatoes, sunflowers, or herbs, gardening is a hands-on, screen-free activity that brings the family together.
This beginner-friendly raised bed project is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, teach kids something new, and start your spring off right. No green thumb required—just a bag of soil, a few seeds, and a little elbow grease.
Want to keep this handy? Download our printable PDF guide to take these steps with you to the garden.
Stay tuned for next month’s DIY project! Got questions or want more tips? Visit us in-store—we’re always happy to help.