How to Make a Raised Garden Bed Cover with Hinges
Introduction
Growing your own herbs, vegetables, and flowers can be a rewarding experience. However, protecting them from pests, extreme weather conditions, and other potential damages is essential. A raised garden bed cover with hinges not only safeguards your plants but also provides ease of access for tending to them. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making a raised garden bed cover using hinges – an innovative solution that combines functionality with convenience.
Gather Materials
Before starting the project, ensure that you have all the necessary materials ready:
1. Wooden boards: Choose high-quality lumber boards according to the dimensions of your garden bed.
2. Hinges: Opt for durable hinges that can withstand varying weather conditions.
3. Galvanized screws: Use these corrosion-resistant screws for securing the wooden boards together.
4. Measuring tape: Essential for accurate measurements during assembly.
5. Saw: To cut wooden boards into required sizes (if needed).
6. Drill: Used to create pilot holes before driving screws in.
Determine Dimensions
Measure your raised garden bed’s length and width carefully in order to determine the appropriate dimensions for your cover frame.
– Length Calculation:
Measure the length from one end of your garden bed to another using a measuring tape or ruler.
– Width Calculation:
Measure across from one side of your garden bed to its opposite side using a measuring tape or ruler.
Write down these measurements so you can refer back to them during construction.
Cut Wooden Boards
Using a saw or any suitable cutting tool, cut four wooden boards according to each side’s calculated length:
– Two longer pieces will serve as top/bottom frames
– Two shorter pieces will act as sides
Ensure all edges are smooth and free from splinters.
Construct the Frame
Now that you have your cut wooden boards, it’s time to assemble them using galvanized screws and a drill. Follow these steps:
1. Place one of the longer boards (top/bottom frame) on a flat surface.
2. Align one of the shorter boards (side) perpendicularly at each end of the longer board.
3. Secure the shorter board to the longer board by driving screws through pre-drilled pilot holes.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the other side, ensuring all corners are square.
You now have a rectangular frame ready for attaching hinges!
Add Hinges
Attach hinges to connect one side of your cover frame with another, allowing easy access to your garden bed:
1. Position two hinges along one side of your assembled frame – place them equally spaced apart.
2. Mark screw hole locations on both hinge plates using a pencil or marker.
3. Pre-drill pilot holes within marked areas on both hinge plates.
4. Align each hinge with its corresponding markings and attach them securely with screws using a drill.
Your raised garden bed cover is taking shape!
Connect Lid to Frame
With hinges attached, it’s time to connect the lid (cover) portion to your frame:
1. Place your constructed lid onto its respective position over the open frame.
2. Ensure proper alignment between lid and edges of frames before moving forward.
3. Mark screw hole locations on both sides: lid bottom edge & adjacent upright sideboard edges where they meet in closed position.
4.Pre-drill pilot holes within marked areas for ease during attachment process
5.Attach screws through pre-drilled holes securing lids underside edges aligned atop upper inside surfaces set along sidewallboards’ inner faces
The hinged raised garden bed cover is now complete!
Conclusion
By following these step-by-step instructions, you have successfully created a raised garden bed cover with hinges. This practical addition to your gardening setup provides protection for your plants while allowing easy access for maintenance. Enjoy the benefits of growing healthy plants year-round in a secure and functional environment. Get ready to witness the bountiful results of your efforts!