Raised beds are excellent options on lawns, patios, or where the soil is not ideal. They can also bring the gardening level up a bit higher to make things easier on your back. No two raised beds have to be alike, either. The size, shape, materials, and cost can all be customized to your space and needs. So once you know what you want to grow, we can take a look at a few different ways to build a raised bed garden to make your plans a reality!

Basic Raised Beds

A basic raised bed garden is typically a square or rectangle shape, large enough to hold what you need but small enough that you can reach to the middle of the plants. If you plan to grow a lot, you can do several different beds. You don’t want to step in the bed at all – that will compact the dirt, and you want nice, loose soil that drains well.

Materials. Landscape timber works well for the walls, as with this DIY raised garden bed. However, keep in mind that we are building beds for organic gardening, so the timber cannot be treated. You will also need rebar for bolstering the corners and sides, rocks to help drainage, and the soil and mulch to fill it.

Building the beds. Mark off the area you want to place the bed, and make sure it’s clear of established plants or anything major you need removed. Raised beds can go right onto the lawn without having to turn the soil or clear it, but anything more should come out. Drill holes in the timber for the rebar, place them, and then drive the rebar through the holes until it is flush with the top of the wood.

Alternatively, bury wooden posts at the corners and secure the planks or timber to the posts. Layer rocks in the bottom to help with drainage, then fill with soil and fertilizer or mulch as needed.

Filling a raised bed garden. Loose, rich soil is one of the main benefits of a raised bed. You are starting fresh without the years of compacting and weed growth that lies below. Include a mixture of topsoil, compost, and potting mix for the best consistency. A soil calculator will help you to estimate the volume needed to fill the beds.

Raised Bed Garden Kits

If you aren’t up for DIY or don’t have access to lumber and supplies, you might need an all-in-one kit. I was able to try one for review and was impressed with the thorough supplies – right down to  a watering system. Kits are typically more expensive, but you should have everything you need for a complete bed.

Make sure you are getting your money worth when comparing kits. Do they have extra perks, like a gate or watering system, that make the price worth it? What more will you have to buy to finish it out? Will the simplicity of an all-in-one kit be worth the added expense? Also be sure to check the reviews on any system that you purchase to make sure it’s made of high quality materials.

Creative Raised Beds

Out here, it’s very common to see railroad timber as raised bed walls. Cinderblocks stacked are common and simple, as well. For more expensive options, concrete or masonry beds can be permanent fixtures in the yard, making gorgeous landscaping features. Metal kits or steel walls are also gaining in popularity for their durability – culverts can be used as a quick and easy set up. 

Repurposed bathtubs, dressers, canoes or boats, or anything deep enough can be used as well. This toes the line between container gardening and raised bed gardening but can add an eclectic appeal to the garden. Thrift stores, Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores, and garage sales can provide any of these items on the cheap.