Weekend Project: this is the year to finally build a raised bed instead of fighting Southwest Florida’s sandy soil one more season. Raised beds give you full control over drainage and nutrition, and they’re one of the simplest outdoor projects to knock out in an afternoon.
1. Pick the Spot and Frame
Choose a spot with at least six hours of sun and good drainage away from downspouts. Rot-resistant wood, composite boards, or concrete block all work for the frame — aim for 12 to 18 inches deep so roots have room to establish.
2. Layer the Right Soil Mix
Skip bagged soil for anything bigger than a small planter — it gets expensive fast and often compacts. A bulk mix of quality topsoil blended with organic compost gives fall vegetables the nutrients and drainage they need right out of the gate, and delivery is far more cost-effective than truckloads of bags from a big-box store.
3. Mulch and Plant
Top off with a thin layer of mulch to lock in moisture between waterings, then get your fall crops in the ground. Beans, broccoli, carrots, and lettuce all do well in a fresh raised bed this time of year.
Unplugged Designs delivers bulk topsoil, organic compost, and mulch throughout the Fort Myers area, so you can fill a new bed in one trip instead of a dozen car loads.