While coming up with this design, I had three goals in mind:

1. Build a raised bed that would be functional for growing vegetables (holding soil at least 18” deep) and would also support an 8’ high trellis for privacy.

2. Stick to a design that would require only tools I already owned. Since my power-tool collection is more the homeowner variety than a carpenter’s workshop, this meant a drill and chop saw. (You could also get by with a circular saw.)

3. Finally, to adjust the design so it would maximize the yield I could get from dimensional deck/fencing – lumber available at my local home center.