FIELD NOTES / MEASURING UP

How to measure an awkward garden bed

A tape measure and a few simple shapes are enough to make a useful material estimate.

Start with the space to be covered

For a rectangular area, measure length and width. For a circle, measure straight across the widest part: that is the diameter. For raised beds, measure inside the frame.

Break awkward shapes into smaller areas

A curved or L-shaped bed can be approximated by a few non-overlapping rectangles. Add those as separate areas, then combine their volumes into one order. This is an estimate: mark the boundaries and avoid counting overlapping patches twice.

Measure depth separately

Use the final depth you want and the depth already present. The calculator subtracts the existing depth, so a bed with two inches of mulch and a three-inch target needs one inch more. For uneven areas, take measurements in several places and use a representative average.