Garden #1: Initial construction

So Kristen and I have wanted to have a garden for years, and this year we finally figured we could pull it off now that Liam's a little older and easier.  We started doing a lot of research on different types and quickly decided that a raised bed would be ideal - you don't have to worry about your soil and any amendments, they're well draining and modular, you don't have to bend over as far when working in them, and (most importantly) I get to build something.

We decided to start with just one 4'x8' plot - all the tips we read repeatedly mentioned that first time gardeners' biggest mistake is usually starting too big.  I went with cedar for the structure (2x6's for the frame and 4x4's for the posts).

This one was pretty straightforward, but still fun.  Just had to cut the 4x4 post into sections and 2 of the 2x6's in half, then start drilling and screwing together.  The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted the PVC - I'll explain that later.  I had a great helper throughout this whole project (note his tools in the bottom of the next photo).

If you're wondering I built this upside down, the posts sticking up will go into the ground to anchor it in place.

We wheeled this back into the backyard, got it in place, dug the holes for the posts to sit in, and set it in the ground.  Those are cut pieces of 1" PVC bolted on the insides - you'll see why those are there in a bit.

We got a bunch of old newspaper and some really great dirt and started fillin' her up.

 We've also had a big compost bin going for about a year and a half, we finally got to use some of it!!  That's some seriously good plant food right there.

Forget the gym, just till a garden by hand with a shovel.

Ah, finally finished - that garden is ready for planting!

Stay tuned for update #2 - final construction and planting!