Introduction
The construction of gardens requires planning and the proper materials if it's to grow plants successfully. The location, type of plants and materials can all impact the garden construction. Spend some time studying the proposed garden site and drawing up plans. It's much easier to play with ideas on paper before you begin to build than to change the design half way through the construction process.
Location
Location plays an important role in the construction of the garden. Decide what type of plants you want to grow and verify their light and soil requirements before determining the location. Most vegetable plants require at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Some flowers also require all day sun, but there are also many that thrive in lower light conditions. For example, begonias should never be planted in direct light and are better suited to shady garden locations.
The type of soil can also affect the construction of the garden. If you aren't building a raised bed you will have to work with the native soil in the location. If the soil is sandy and drains quickly, only drought tolerant plants with low nutrition needs will thrive there. Wet and boggy areas can only grow wetland plants that don't mind moist root conditions. If your soil is poor, it's best to build an elevated garden so you can bring in soil better suited to the plants you wish to grow.
Layout
Construction of garden requires a layout plan before you can start to build. There are several things to keep in mind when planning the layout. First determine the purpose for the bed. Ornamental beds that border buildings, fences or walkways are typically narrow since you can only see and access them from one side. This allows you to reach the back of the bed easily when you care for the plants. Vegetable gardens come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to reach the middle of the bed without walking on it, make it no more than 4-feet wide. If you prefer to plant using the row system, you can make the bed much wider. Island beds are an attractive way to break up a large expanse of yard. These can be square, round, rectangular or you can use a free form shape. Keep in mind your building materials when determining the shape, since some materials are difficult to construct curves with.
Supplies
The right supplies simplify the construction of your garden. You will need something to separation the bed from the surrounding lawn. Brick and stone are common materials to use due to their versatility and durability. You can also construct the beds with wood boards. Use untreated boards for edible food gardens, since leaching chemicals from treated boards can taint the food. Cedar and redwood are durable rot-resistant choices if you want to go chemical-free. Other garden construction options is to build up a soil berm around the perimeter of the bed. This isn't a permanent solution but allows you to construct a temporary garden for a single season's use.
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