How to Make Raised Beds With Sleepers

Lay four sleepers on the ground in a square in the area where you want to place the raised beds. Make the corners of the sleepers abut one another in an interlocking pattern so the sleepers make a complete square. Only one end of each sleeper will be visible, the others will be against the next sleeper.

Hammer in two tree stakes equal distance apart on each side of the first layer of railway sleepers (two on the inside and two on the outside). The tree stakes should extend vertically with enough length to go up the sides of the entire stack of railways sleepers. For three layers of sleepers, the stakes should extend approximately 30 inches.

Place the remaining railway sleepers on top of the initial layer alternating the way the ends interlock to give the walls strength. There should be four walls, three sleepers high, that form a large, square raised garden bed.

Hammer any tree stakes that remain above the sleepers down into the ground so they are flush with the top sleepers. Most people prefer to leave the rustic look of the railway sleepers as they are, but a lick of paint or natural oil or resin-based varnish won't go astray. Avoid polyurethane varnishes, as they deteriorate faster in outdoor settings with exposure to UV.

Fill the garden bed with potting mix, until it is about 1 inch from the top of the sleeper wall. This large raised garden bed is suitable for growing herbs, vegetables, flowers, or even small trees. Planting can begin right away.