A 30-foot rubber board rests in rebar "cradles".

Hardware required Item Quantity 3/8-inch by 18-inch* rebar stakes One for every 18 inches of border 5/8-inch by 36-inch* rebar stakes Four per bed 5/8-inch by 10-inch rebar rod (for use with sling) *May vary, depending on soil type Tools required Power hacksaw or chop saw for preparing stakes Sledge hammer Hand winch Wire sling String line Shovel Garden rake Carpenter's level Safety glasses Tape measure

Using the appropiate perimeter stake line, mark off the corners of one end of each bed by driving 5/8-inch by 36-inch-length rebar stakes into the ground next to the string. This means that, using our example of 40-inch beds on 5-foot centers, the stakes would be positioned at 0, 40, 60, 100, 120, 160, 180 and 220 inches and so on the length of the string, depending on the number of beds to be constructed.

If the plot is level, stakes may be driven flush with the string, 8 inches above grade. If the plot is sloped perpendicular to the long axis of the beds, only the first corner stake of each bed (0, 60, 120, etc.) should be driven flush with the line and a carpenter's level used to level the second corner stake with the first. Orienting the stakes at a slight angle leaning away from the bed will help minimize their movement when the rubber boards are stretched.

Use the same procedure to mark off the corners on the other end of the beds, with one exception: drive the stakes into the ground only a few inches, as they will need to be pulled out and repositioned at a later time.

Working across the plot, designate the exact location of the first bed border (rubber board) by stringing a line between the first set of rebar end stakes. Every 3 feet along the string, drive a pair of 3/8-inch rebar stakes 1/2-inch to either side of the string. Drive the stakes into the ground only a few inches, as they will need to be relocated later. These temporary stake "cradles" act to hold the board erectly on edge.

Use of a chop saw to make rebar stakes