Building a fixed raised bed is the recommended method for installing FarmBot Genesis or Genesis XL outdoors. In these instructions we show you how to build a simple but sturdy bed that will fit into most yards, look great, and last a lifetime.
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8-12 hours
This is the estimated time it will take to build a fixed raised bed.
Maximum raised bed size
The reference designs shown on this documentation page are for a maximally sized fixed raised bed for the stock Genesis and Genesis XL kits. If you are designing a bed for a smaller installation, you will need to modify the dimensions of the lumber and post hole layouts.
We recommend building your raised bed as large as possible to get the most value out of your FarmBot. See the economies of scale section for more information on maximizing FarmBot value.
If you are going to modify our reference design, use the dimension guidelines below to ensure compatibility with the FarmBot.
Model Outer Bed Width Outer Bed Length
Genesis 1.48m max 3m recommended
Genesis XL 2.98m max 6m recommended
Do not exceed the max width
While you can adjust a FarmBot to accommodate smaller width beds, you cannot adjust it for beds larger than the maximum width listed.
Longer length beds are OK
While FarmBot Genesis and Genesis XL kits only include enough extrusions and other hardware to allow for gantry travel up to 3m and 6m respectively, creating a longer length bed will not prevent the system from being installed.
Step 2: Dig post holes
Dig post holes according to the diagrams below. A post hole digger and pick axe can help with tougher soils.
Maintain access
Position the raised bed such that you will be able to access all sides of your FarmBot and garden.
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Step 3: Prepare the materials
Cut all of your lumber to the lengths shown in the table in step 1. Sand all of the wood surfaces to remove any markings and splinters. If desired, stain the wood or apply a protective coating of your choice.
Step 4: Postion the posts
Place all of the posts in the holes. The top of the posts should be positioned 300mm above the ground.
Importantly, all of the post tops must be level with each other. Dig out or back fill each hole as necessary to ensure the tops of all posts are level and the correct height off the ground.
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Step 5: Attach the short walls
Clamp a short wall to the posts on one of the short sides of the bed. The posts should be flush with the top edge and ends of the short wall. If you are building an XL bed, also clamp the middle post to the short wall.
Drill appropriately sized holes for the lag screws or bolts you will be using. There should be two holes per post. The upper holes should be positioned 50mm from the top edge of the short wall. The lower holes should be positioned 50mm from the bottom edge of the short wall. All holes should be center-aligned on the post.
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Attach the short wall to the posts using M10 x 100mm lag screws and M10 washers or equivalent. Once the wall is fastened to all of the posts, you may remove the clamps.
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Repeat for the second short wall on the opposite side of the bed.
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Step 6: Attach the long walls
Clamp the long wall(s) to the posts along a long side of the bed. The ends of the long wall(s) should be flush with the outer face of the short walls. If you are building an XL bed, the two long walls must meet at the middle of the middle post.
Drill two holes per wall-post attachment point. The upper holes should be positioned 80mm from the top edge of the long wall(s). The lower holes should be positioned 80mm from the bottom edge of the long wall(s).
All holes should be center-aligned on the post except for where the two long walls meet: these holes should be positioned 17.5mm from the ends of the long walls to best share the common post.
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Attach the long wall(s) to the posts using M10 x 100mm lag screws and M10 washers or equivalent. Once fastened to all of the posts, you may remove the clamps.
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Repeat for the remaining long wall(s) on the opposite side of the bed.
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Step 7: Install tensioning cables (optional)
With larger raised beds, especially those for FarmBot Genesis XL, it is possible that expansion and contraction of the soil will cause the longer sides of the raised bed to bend outwards, causing track misalignment. If you think that your bed will not be sturdy enough to resist bending, consider adding stainless steel tensioning cables every 3m to prevent the long sides of the bed from being pushed away from each other. The cables should be positioned in the lower half of the bed so as to not interfere with the FarmBot’s tools once buried in the soil.
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Step 8: Fill the bed
Back-fill the post holes with native soil, making sure to compact around the posts to reduce movement. Then fill the bed with gardening soil or a mix of native soil and compost, keeping out large rocks and branches. The Genesis bed will require approximately 1m2 of soil, while the Genesis XL bed will require approximately 4m2.
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Congrats!
