We added 3 raised beds to our garden. The bottom has a layer of cardboard. Then we added sticks, leaves, egg cartons and a layer of compost. Along with 50/50 mix of garden soil and compost. Each year we refresh the soil with a few bags of bagged cow manure and compost from our compost pile. We used Pine 2x4 boards, but you can also use Cedar, Hemlock or Locust wood. We brushed a coat of Austrailan oil on the exterior to help preserve them. We grow lettuce, fresh Dill and Basil, carrots, and squa