Bed Assembly
Using a permanent marker, designate the corners of one end of each bed by marking the appropriate perimeter stake line. Using the example of 40-inch beds on 5-foot centers, mark the string at zero, 40, 60, 100, 120, 160, 180, 220 inches and so on along the length of the string, depending on the number of beds to be constructed. Mark off the corners on the other end of the bed using the same procedure.

Next, install the bed border stakes. Place one edge of a carpenter's square against the outside edge (away from the plot) of the perimeter line, making sure the apex is on the first ink mark (refer to picture below). Position a 5/8-inch by 36-inch-long sucker rod stake at the end of the adjacent arm of the square on the corner that is in line with the ink mark. Drive the stake into the ground to a depth of 18 inches. Repeat the process until all of the stakes on both ends of the beds are in place.

Because the perimeter stake lines are under tension, they will have a tendency to stretch causing them to sag over time changing the location of the ink marks. To ensure accuracy, don't delay installing the stakes. If you can't finish the job in one day, disconnect the lines and reconnect them when you start again, making sure the previously installed stakes match their corresponding ink marks.

Designate the exact location of the first border by stringing a line between the border stakes at each end of the bed. Adjust the elevation of the line so it just touches the perimeter lines. If the line does not line up with the ink marks on the perimeter line, make needed adjustments to the stakes. Repeat this process when locating each additional border.