How deep do i dig to create a garden bed?

Smnthandrsn

Ok, I have been ideating for a while and have finally landed on a design - with help from chat gpt! As you can see, we started laying out bricks where we want the garden bed on the right to be. My question is, how deep do I have to dig and then top up with healthy soil for thriving plants?

Also, any suggestions on platforms to site a couch other than bricks?

Yes, the fence is getting redone first before we plant! 

EricL

Hello @Smnthandrsn 

Thank you for sharing your question about your garden bed project. If the soil in the garden bed is actually still in good condition aeration might be the next step that you'll need to take. You can then top it up with garden soil and other organic matter to improve its composition. Your rendered picture has a lawn right in the middle which technically is possible, but it will not thrive if you place garden furniture on top of it. 

As an alternative, I propose using artificial lawn to achieve the look. This will enable you to put furniture on top of it without worrying about damaging it. I recommend using your existing bricks as garden edging as shown in the picture, but I would go one step further by extensively using it as a border for the entire area giving it a defined shape. 

Here is a link to our best advice: How do you improve your soil to grow vegetables? (techniques used are applicable to your project)

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

• How to determine soil health
   
• How to choose the right soil for your plants
   
• No-dig garden bed for edibles by @mich1972
   
• How to prepare a new garden bed for planting? by @BeeGees 
   
• Preparing planter soil by @Maryam90 

Here is a handy guide for installing artificial turf: How To Lay Synthetic Turf 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric