Grow It Right: Raised Garden Bed Tips from Williams

Kim Williams, SVP of Retail Operations at Williams Lumber and Home Centers, shares tips for making your own raised garden bed this Spring.

Dig In & Grow Your Own Garden

Here in the Hudson Valley, we’re lucky to have rich soil and the perfect seasons for growing. I have such fond memories of planting a veggie garden with my mom and uncle when I was little.

There’s something truly magical about growing your own veggies, herbs, and flowers—digging your hands into the earth and nurturing life as it unfolds before you. One of my favorite things about gardening is that with the right planning, you can have color and blooms all summer long. Flowers bloom at different times depending on the varietal, so if you plan it right, your garden becomes a constant source of beauty throughout the seasons. And by choosing pollinator-friendly plants, you’re not just creating beauty–you’re supporting the bees and butterflies that help our ecosystem grow.

I like to give my seeds the best start by planting them in a seedling kit before moving them to an outdoor garden bed. A seedling kit typically includes small pots or trays, nutrient-rich soil, and a humidity dome to create the perfect environment for germination. While your plants establish strong roots indoors, you’ll have time to prepare a thriving garden space outside for them to grow all season long.

Build It Right: Essential Supplies from Williams

Before you start planting, setting up your raised garden bed the right way makes all the difference. Start with a natural drainage layer—sticks, leaves, and small branches—before adding nutrient-rich compost and high-quality soil. This simple step improves drainage, reduces the amount of soil you need, and creates a rich environment for plant roots to flourish.

Your Raised Garden Bed Checklist:

Whether you’re starting with a few beds or transforming the entire space, Williams has everything you need. From DeWalt and Craftsman tools for power in every cut, to Scotts soil and fertilizers that nourish your plants for a healthy garden, we’ve got you covered. Add Miracle-Gro for that extra boost. And with Fiskars tools, you’ll have the perfect gear for every gardening task.

✔ Raised bed materials – Cedar or composite wood, screws, and corner brackets for durability.
✔ High-quality soil – A nutrient-rich mix designed for raised beds.
✔ Compost – The key to improving soil fertility and structure.
✔ Fertilizer – Organic options to keep your plants thriving.
✔ Irrigation supplies – Soaker hoses, drip irrigation kits, and watering cans.
✔ Gardening tools – Rakes, trowels, and shovels for easy planting and maintenance.
✔ Protective gear – Kneeling pads, gloves, and sun hats to keep you comfortable.

With the right foundation and supplies from Williams, your garden will be set up for strong, healthy growth all season long.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Raised Garden Bed

Choose a sunny location – Find a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and is close to a water source for easy irrigation.
Select the right size – A 4’x8’ bed is a great starting point, offering plenty of growing space.
Build your frame – Use cedar or composite wood for longevity. Secure the corners with brackets and ensure proper drainage by leaving small gaps or drilling holes in the bottom.
Create a natural drainage layer – Before adding soil, fill the bottom with sticks, leaves, and small branches. This improves drainage and slowly breaks down, enriching the soil over time.
Fill with quality soil & compost – Use a mix of topsoil, compost, and organic matter to provide essential nutrients for strong, healthy plant growth.
Plan your planting – In Spring, start with vibrant blooms like tulips and daffodils, along with early veggies like spinach and peas to get a head start on your harvest. Summer is perfect for sun-loving flowers like roses, lavender, and zinnias, plus your favorite warm-weather veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. For Fall, add warm-toned flowers like chrysanthemums and asters, while planting hearty fall veggies like kale, carrots, and squash to extend the growing season.
Install irrigation – A soaker hose or drip irrigation system keeps plants hydrated without overwatering. Add a timer for easy, worry-free watering.
Maintain & protect – Regularly add compost to replenish nutrients, use mulch to retain moisture, and add netting to keep pests away.

Keep Your Garden Growing & Your Soil Balanced

Healthy soil is the heartbeat of a thriving garden—it’s where all the magic begins! Think of it as the foundation of a strong home for your plants. Adding rich compost not only feeds the soil but also boosts moisture retention, improves texture, and provides essential nutrients.

Pair that with a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to keep hydration steady—because happy plants don’t like to be too thirsty or too soggy! And don’t forget the final touch: mulch. A cozy blanket of mulch locks in moisture, regulates soil temperature, and keeps pesky weeds from taking over.

Starting your own raised garden bed isn’t just about growing food or flowers—it’s about grounding yourself, finding joy in the process, and creating something beautiful with your own two hands. And when you set it up right the first time, you’re setting yourself up for season after season of success. A sunny location, nutrient-rich soil, and a well-planned layout make all the difference—no guesswork, no stress, just a blooming flower garden.

And you’re never on your own! Our passionate, knowledgeable team at Williams is here to help you find everything you need—from quality soil and compost to sturdy raised bed materials and the best seeds for your space.

So, roll up your sleeves, dig into the dirt, and begin building your dream garden. Nail it Right the First Time and watch as you grow something truly beautiful!

— Kim

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!