Choose the bed location
Clear the area of grass, weeds, and debris
Level the ground beneath the bed
Add hardware cloth or wire mesh if needed for pest control
Place the raised bed frame in position
Line the bottom with cardboard or newspaper if desired
Fill the bottom with coarse organic material such as branches or wood chips if using a layered method
Add a mix of topsoil, compost, and other soil amendments
Blend the materials well as you fill
Fill to within a few inches of the top
Water the bed thoroughly to settle the soil
Add more soil if the level drops
Top with mulch if desired
Refill with compost and soil each season as needed