Here’s what you can do…

RAISE VEGIE BEDS 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. 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 (see ‘10 top vegies and herbs to plant’, on page 84)

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

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. 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STEP 12 Remove herbs and vegetables from plastic pots and plant according to planting guide (see ‘10 top vegies and herbs to plant’, page 84).

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