How many DIY projects do you know that can ease stress, bring lasting enjoyment, add beauty and interest to your yard, instill values and education in kids, and save money? How about an easy raised bed garden?

OK, I'm kidding about the "save money" part. We all know a tomato raised in a backyard garden costs five times what you pay in the grocery store. But I created a simple 4x4 garden for my granddaughters about five years ago. Every spring, they enjoy picking seeds or seedlings, planting, tending to the young plants and enjoying the harvest. It is truly quality time and teaches them patience, perseverance and appreciation for the earth.

Building is simple. Just screw some 2x8's together in a rectangle or join them using brackets. Put down some landscape cloth as a weed barrier, and fill it with soil mix. I use about half topsoil and half potting mix, but there are specific raised bed soils available as well. For my corners, I used raised bed brackets, available at McKeithen's Hardware. No tools needed!

You can plant seeds or your choice of flowers, herbs and veggies. Since the three girls share the bed, this year it is a mixed bag of all of these — everything from watermelon to daisies. It will be interesting to see what survives and thrives. I'll share an update in a future column.

Happy gardening!