- 1). Plan out the size and location of the planting bed. In order to line it with timbers, it is best if the bed has straight edges, since timbers are difficult to use for curves. Mark the area for the bed in your yard by spraying a dot of paint at each corner. This identifies the area you want to till.
- 2). Rototill the ground in the planting bed so you can use the soil for planting. Add any soil amendments, such as compost or fertilizer, at this time and till it into the soil.
- 3). Dig out an area along each side of the bed for the landscape timbers. Make the area wide enough for the timbers to fit down into them. The timbers that will line the bed should stick up only an inch or 2 above the surface of the soil. Make sure the surface the timber will rest on is level. You can check this by laying out a timber and placing a level on it. Add soil or dig out bumps until the timbers are level.
- 4). Arrange your timbers around the planting area. Lay them out so that they fit neatly together at the ends. Trim any of the timbers that are too long to fit snugly against the others. When you are done, your planting area should be completely lined with the landscape timbers.
- 5). Pound a stake into the ground on the outside of each corner of the planting bed. The stakes should press against the landscape timbers, holding them securely in place. The dirt on the inside of the bed will be slightly higher than the timbers, which will provide support to the inside of the frame. Add a stake every 3 to 4 feet, if you have long timbers, to add stability.
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