This is a project I completed in 2015 in a backyard just outside of Toronto. It was built for a client who was dedicated to maximizing food production in her urban farm and wanted an attractive fixture in her garden. Since her home was in a more remote area, my client wanted to have an enclosed area that was protected from nature and wildlife.
I will go over my design and build process with the hope that this post inspires you to see what creative projects you can execute in a backyard. I also go over ways to safeguard your raised bed from flooding and animals such as rabbits and birds. Maybe I’ll even inspire you to convert your own pergola to grow food!
🔨 Get your complete guide to building a raised bed here.
1. Evaluating the setting and designing the structure
The pergola would measure 20’ × 10’ and was located on the south side of my client’s property. The structure made the most of the extra grass area that she had by her pool. While I was there, I also added finishing details to the pergola to match her pool house. Installing the raised bed allowed my client to harvest crops at waist-level as well, which made things more convenient for her.
2. Preparing the ground
There was a slope on the ground that we were working on, so our first step was to build a retaining wall to hold up the pergola. We chose to use stone blocks to build this, as the wall had to be solid enough to hold the weight of the soil and the structure of the pergola. Another concern was that this area of her yard would have mini floods and the retaining wall would be submerged underwater, which automatically eliminated wood as an option. With the retaining wall secured in place, we could build the structure.
For the planting area, we didn’t really prep that much because there was going to be 3′ of soil added. This would be more than enough space for roots to develop and grow.
3. Building the pergola and raised bed
This pergola was built out of cedar to ensure the structure would last long in the elements and also be food safe for her prospective vegetable plants. We used 6 × 6 cedar for the vertical posts, with two posts side by side — which was only a design element and nothing more — and 2 × 12 for the horizontal structure overhead.
To cut down on the cost of things, we used 1¼”-thick deck boards for the vertical walls of the raised bed. Using 2” thick wood would have been ideal, but we wanted to make sure we stayed within budget. To reinforce all of this, we used a structural cross support made out of 2 × 4 every 3.3′. With the weight of the soil pushing out, this would tie it everything together.
On the inside of the raised bed, we recessed the top support to give a lower level to grow leafy greens, herbs, and even strawberries. Playing with elevation is a great way to separate growth and divide what you are growing up.
4. Animal-proofing the pergola
This whole structure was close to nature trails and such, so there was a lot of wildlife in the area. We used a wire mesh as our first line of defence against unwanted intruders, preventing squirrels and birds from accessing to the crops. The holes in the mesh, however, were large enough to allow bees and other beneficial insects to come into the minifarm.
We used a metal mesh roll for its longevity, but we couldn’t find a mesh roll that was large enough to cover the whole pergola. To work around this, we bolted 1″ × ½” cedar straps between the gaps. This way, the gaps were pinched together, making a tight seal. You can check this link for mesh wrapping from Amazon if you don’t want to use metal.
To protect the crops against rabbits, chipmunks, gophers, and other burrowing animals in the area, we put down a metal mesh — measuring 1′ 6″ — on the ground from the edge of the exterior wall to deter any animals from digging underneath. The walls of the raised bed where lined with landscaping fabric to give the wood a little extra protection from the dirt, while also protecting the soil from unwanted bugs getting in through the side.
5. Installing the French drain
This pergola was situated in an enclosed area at the bottom of a hill. As mentioned earlier, during large rainfalls, there was the chance that the inside of the raised bed area could flood. To prevent this from happening, we installed a French drain at the end of the U-shape on the raised bed.
❓What's a French drain? It is just a large, deep hole — typically 8" to 12' deep — filled with crushed stone. This helps drain out excess rain water, allow it to flow deep into the ground and prevent flooding.
6. Adding finishing touches
Some other things that were added to the pergola that made this just that much sweet.
- Solar lights. I added solar lights on top of the main posts. This would just give it a nice ambience in the early morning and evening.
- Decorative gate. To add that country feel in the city, the door needed that special touch. I installed angel brackets and a grate on the bottom to give it character.
- Self-closing hinge. With strong winds that threatened to open the door, it was important to keep the door closed and prevent animal entrance. A self-closing hinge gave this extra insurance to make sure it was always shut.
7. Purchasing your own
I hope the above project gives you an idea of what you can do with your backyard pergola and how it can be used to grow food. Take a look at some products I have found online. If you’re struggling to decide on a raised bed that’s right for you, check out my article here, where I detail the different options available to you.
One year later
A year after the build, I went to visit my client to check in on her farming progress. When I went to check out the pergola, I found it was hard to even walk into the pergola, with all the luscious greenery! The image above was done halfway through the growing seasons. There were so many plants growing inside the pergola — it made for a wonderful spot to grow food.
