This step by step diy woodworking project is about diy tiered garden raised garden bed plans. The project features instructions for building a small corner planter for your garden. If you want to enhance the look of your backyard, you should consider building a tiered garden bed. Work with attention and make adjustments to the design and overall dimensions if you want to get the job done in a professional manner.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Raised garden beds are becoming increasingly popular for both hobby and professional gardeners. They offer many benefits over traditional ground gardening, like better drainage, weed control, and easier access. But raised beds come in all shapes and sizes to suit different needs. One of the most versatile options is the corner tiered raised bed. Let’s explore why these uniquely shaped raised beds can be an excellent addition for any gardener.
What is a Corner Tiered Raised Bed?
A corner tiered raised bed, as the name suggests, is a raised garden bed that sits in the corner of your yard or garden and has two or more tiered levels. The tiers create built-in stairs, allowing you to plant on multiple surfaces at varying heights.
These beds come in many different sizes and configurations. A typical design is an L-shape with two tiers. But you can also find corner tiered beds with 3 or more tiers stacked in a pyramid shape. The tiers are often built at heights like 7, 14, and 21 inches to accommodate different plant root depths.
Having multiple levels allows you to grow a variety of plants in the same structure. Shallow-rooted greens herbs, and flowers can thrive on the top tier, while deeper rooted plants like tomatoes and peppers flourish on the lower tiers.
Benefits of Corner Tiered Raised Beds
There are several advantages that make corner tiered raised garden beds a smart choice:
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Space-saving design: Corner beds maximize planting space because you can use the often underutilized corners of your yard. The tiered levels multiply the planting area in a relatively small footprint.
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Better ergonomics: The stair-like tiers minimize having to bend over or crouch down for long periods while tending the bed. This makes gardening more comfortable, especially for seniors or those with mobility issues.
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Greater planting flexibility: Multi-level designs let you tailor the environment for different plants’ needs – including depth, sun exposure, and drainage.
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Eye-catching focal point: A corner tiered bed becomes an attractive design feature. The asymmetry and graduated heights create visual interest in the landscape.
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Higher yields: Take advantage of vertical growing space to increase the quantity and variety of plants you can grow.
Choosing the Right Corner Tiered Bed
If you’ve decided a corner tiered raised bed is right for you, there are a few considerations when selecting the perfect model:
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Materials: Most corner raised beds are built from cedar, redwood, or a wood-plastic composite. Cedar and redwood resist decay, while composite materials are maintenance-free.
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Height: Consider the tier heights in relation to your physical abilities. Standard heights are around 7, 14, and 21 inches.
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Size: Beds range from just a few square feet to over 20 square feet for large multi-tier designs. Choose based on the space available and desired planting capacity.
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Style: Some corner beds feature simple box tiers, while more decorative options have curved edges, pyramid stacking, or finials.
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Budget: Basic corner tiered beds start at around $175, with more sturdy, stylized versions running $350 and up.
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DIY vs pre-built: Pre-built corner raised beds are easier to install but cost more. With basic carpentry skills, you can construct your own tiered bed for a fraction of the price.
Ideal Plants for Corner Tiered Raised Beds
Once your corner tiered raised bed is set up, it’s time to decide what to plant! Here are some excellent options suited to the multi-level environment:
Small herbs: Oregano, thyme, sage, parsley, chives
Leafy greens: Lettuce, kale, spinach, swiss chard, arugula
Trailings plants: Sweet potato vines, creeping Jenny, petunias, licorice plant, lobelia
Shallow vegetables: Radishes, beets, carrots, green onions
Bushy crops: Strawberries, blueberries, peppers, eggplant, tomotoes
Root vegetables: Potatoes, turnips, parsnips, onions, shallots
Climbing vines: Cucumbers, peas, beans, squash, melons
Sun-loving flowers: Marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, petunias, nasturtiums
Partial sun flowers: Impatiens, begonias, fuchsia, lobelia, million bells
Get Creative with Corner Tiered Beds
Once you understand the basics of corner tiered raised beds, don’t be afraid to get creative with them! Here are some fun ways to make these beds your own:
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Plant a pizza garden, with ingredents like peppers, onions, basil, oregano, and tomatoes on different levels.
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Create a salad bar raised bed, with leafy greens on top and carrots, radishes, and beets below.
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Use one tier solely for strawberries – the vines will cascade beautifully over the edges.
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Add trellises along the upper levels for climbing beans, cucumbers, or peas.
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Incorporate aesthetic elements like obelisks, arches, potted flowers, and garden art.
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Use gravel, stone, or pavers to make paths between the tiers.
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Train trailing flowers or ivy along the tier edges to soften the look.
With a little creativity, a corner tiered raised bed can be both a bountiful and beautiful addition to your yard. The possibilities are endless! Hopefully this overview has inspired you to consider adding one of these unique raised beds to elevate your own garden.
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 30″ long, 2 pieces – 27″ long FIRST PLANTER
- B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 30″ long, 2 pieces – 21″ long SECOND PLANTER
- C – 1 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 21″ long, 1 piece – 22 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 31 3/4″ long THIRD PLANTER
- D – 1 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 15″ long, 1 piece – 16 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 23 1/4″ long TOP PLANTER
- E – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 11″ long, 1 piece – 22″ long SUPPORTS
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A Closer Look at the Raised Bed Corners | Gardener’s Supply
What is a two tier raised garden bed?
For those who’d prefer not to get on their hands and knees to tend to their blooms, this generously sized, two-tier raised garden bed takes your gardening to whole new heights. Multiple plants can thrive within this fir wood elevated bed. It is assembled to allow for drainage and airflow, so that the roots don’t become saturated with moisture.
What are raised bed corners?
Raised bed corners are half-lapped, which keeps the corners from working loose over time. Innovative Design: These beds are made from Western Red Cedar, a rot-resistant wood that can be painted or stained, or left unfinished to gray naturally.
What are the best raised garden beds?
Outdoor Essentials Haven Cedar Raised Ga Vita Classic Vinyl Hudson Raised Garden Yard Tuff Amish Made Raised Garden Bed, Sunnydaze Decor Corrugated Galvanized St New! Hanover 94 in. Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed Sign up for emails from Tractor Supply today.
How do you make a long-lasting raised garden bed?
If you’re looking to create a long-lasting raised garden bed, you’ll need the right materials and tools to ensure its durability. At our store, we offer sturdy and reliable powder-coated aluminum corner brackets, made in Vermont, that is built to last. Build your own raised beds with sturdy, powder-coated aluminum corners.