Looking to start your own vegetable patch or flower garden but don’t have power tools—or the desire to use them? Good news: you can still build a sturdy, beautiful DIY raised garden bed with minimal effort and zero hardware. It’s one of the easiest garden projects you can take on, especially here in Salt Lake City where elevated beds help manage poor native soil and harsh weather conditions.

Whether you want to grow tomatoes, herbs, or colorful blooms, this step-by-step guide will show you how to create a raised bed that’s affordable, functional, and built to thrive in Utah’s unique environment.

Why Build a Raised Garden Bed in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City’s native soil can be rocky, compacted, and low in organic matter. Raised garden beds give you full control over soil quality, improve drainage, reduce weed growth, and warm up faster in spring.

Plus, they make gardening easier on your knees and back—especially important if you’re turning this into a long-term hobby.

Materials Needed (No Tools Required)

• Pre-cut cedar or pine boards (2x12x4 or 2x12x6 work well)
• Corner brackets or stacking joints (slip-in designs)
• Weed barrier fabric or cardboard base
• Topsoil and compost mix
• Mulch or bark (optional)

You can find bulk topsoil, compost, and mulch ready for delivery in Salt Lake City at DIY Landscape Supply.

Step-by-Step: Building a Raised Bed Without Tools

1. Choose a Sunny, Level Spot

Select a location with at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. Make sure it’s level to avoid water pooling or uneven plant growth.

2. Lay Down Your Weed Barrier

Use cardboard, newspaper, or commercial weed barrier fabric to block grass and weeds from invading your new bed. This also improves moisture retention.

3. Assemble the Frame

Use interlocking stacking joints or heavy-duty garden corners that allow you to slip the boards into place. These are available online or at most garden centers—no nails, screws, or drills required.

Stack 2–3 board layers high for a 12″ to 18″ tall bed. This is ideal for most vegetable garden ideas, allowing deep roots and easy access.

4. Fill With Soil

Mix 50% screened topsoil and 50% compost for optimal growth. If you plan to grow root veggies like carrots or potatoes, go deeper with looser soil.

Shop local for high-quality screened topsoil and compost blends from DIY Landscape Supply, ideal for Salt Lake City’s climate.

5. Add Mulch Around the Perimeter (Optional)

Keep your garden clean and walkable by adding a ring of bark mulch or decorative gravel around the bed.

What to Plant in Your Raised Bed

Here are a few beginner-friendly options that perform well in Salt Lake City:

Vegetables:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Leaf lettuce
• Green beans
• Zucchini

Flowers:

• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Lavender
• Black-eyed Susan
• Coneflowers

Want to combine form and function? Use the middle for taller veggies and border with flowering herbs like basil, chives, and calendula.

FAQs

Can I really build a raised bed with no tools?
Yes! Using pre-cut boards and slip-in stacking corners eliminates the need for screws, drills, or hammers.

What’s the best soil mix for a raised bed?
A 50/50 blend of compost and screened topsoil is perfect for vegetables and flowers alike. Look for bulk delivery in your area.

How big should a raised garden bed be?
Start with 4×4 or 4×6 feet—easy to manage and reach across without stepping into the bed.

Where can I buy bulk compost and topsoil in Salt Lake City?
DIY Landscape Supply offers delivery of screened topsoil, planting soil, and compost right to your yard.

How long does it take to build a no-tools garden bed?
You can set up and fill the entire bed in just 2–3 hours—perfect for a weekend project.’

Keep It Thriving

After building your no-tools-needed bed, success comes down to consistent watering and smart planting. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to conserve water. Mulch around plants to reduce evaporation—especially critical in Utah’s dry summer months.

Need more material? Replenish with mulch, compost, or bark at DIY Landscape Supply.