How To Build A Raised Garden Bed Cheap – Raised beds, also known as planting boxes, are a great option for growing food at home! They are a fun, useful, healthy and beautiful addition to any yard. But perhaps you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the process and decisions you have to make? This article will definitely put you in the right direction! From someone who has built over 40 raised garden beds over the years. I definitely have some tips and tricks for you. Including how to learn from our mistakes.
From location and design to type of wood. Necessary materials and installation best practices Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to get started with your raised garden bed. Follow the 10 steps below to learn how to design and build a raised garden bed.
How To Build A Raised Garden Bed Cheap
For all visual learners Be sure to watch the tutorial video at the end. Head over to the video here. Then be sure to read this post to see how we installed a drip irrigation system in our newest garden bed! We placed an irrigation platform in each bed.
How To Build A Raised Garden Bed With Wood
If you are new to raised gardening. You must like it! Although there is a slightly more upfront cost than planting directly in the ground. But it’s totally worth it. (In my humble opinion) it is almost impossible for us to grow food directly in the ground because of gophers. (Learn more about non-toxic sand control here.) Additionally, our local sandy soil isn’t the best quality.
Raised garden beds give you more control over the condition, quality, and texture of your soil. Raised beds can be filled with the ideal soil that your plants will love. Pests and burrowing weeds can be kept from below with hardware cloth and landscape cloth. to protect your trees our body and back
Prefer the ergonomics of raised garden beds over above ground gardening. Last but not least I love how they look! Raised beds create dimension, interest and defined space in the garden.
Our old front garden with new raised beds to the right – the garden we will create together in this tutorial!
Raised Flower Bed Ideas That Will Add Dimension To Your Garden
Don’t have a house? Don’t let that stop you! Before we buy a house We build raised garden beds in many rental homes. Check with the owner. You might be surprised. Some of these were left over from the movement. But we can dig a small one. A few to take with you!
Not comfortable enough to create your own? good! There are also many beautiful, durable, raised bed sets, like this selection from Gardener’s Supply Co. Or check out these galvanized metal beds from Epic Gardening – code “deannacat3” will save you 5%!
Most vegetables need as much sunlight as possible. There are some exceptions, so choose a spot in your garden that receives the most sunlight, all day, all year long, if possible – yes, even if that means in the middle of your front lawn. Because…why not?!
If you have a small space or there is an obstruction You can create different areas. of the garden using partial shade. We have some beds that receive less sunlight than others. that was blocked by a nearby house or tree We can also use it to grow shade-tolerant vegetables such as lettuce, kale, greens, spinach, arugula or mustard greens. If you live in very hot summers. Your garden might just love a little afternoon shade!
Diy Round Raised Garden Beds
Is your only garden space on a hard surface like a concrete patio? You’re lucky! I wrote an article about how to build a raised garden bed and install it on a hard surface – directly on the ground, raised, or even mobile. The design is basically the same as in this article. But there are a few changes/options at the bottom. With additional advice on drainage. Check out this article here.
Remember that the sun’s path changes with the seasons. In winter, the sun is lower in the sky. which is the southern horizon If you’re in the northern hemisphere like us, This is especially important if you live in a moderately warm winter climate and hope to grow a garden year-round.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people build garden beds next to fences, walls, or houses.
– It makes sense aesthetically. To keep the garden close to something “out of the way” whenever possible. I recommend keeping the raised garden bed outside. away from buildings Because if the wall or fence does not face south It will obscure your garden, it is not ideal.
Diy Log Raised Garden Bed
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere A south-facing garden is also ideal. This orientation will give your garden the most exposure to southern sunlight at any time of year. An exception to what I mentioned above is placing a raised garden bed along a south-facing fence or wall.
Works well The only time the orientation creates shade is during the final hours of a long summer day. If you live in the southern hemisphere The logic is completely reversed. Facing the garden north is best.
The front garden of the old house. From where I stand and look at this picture Looking towards the south. You can see cabbage and other plants. lean forward This is the prevailing direction of the sun. So we kept the raised bed at the north end of the yard. which is far from the house which in winter creates shadows near the end of the yard. This is a “south facing” garden.
Please note that I recommend placing the garden bed at least 6 inches from the hedge, and definitely away from your house. Let every space breathe! This will prevent water damage and give you space to keep an eye on everything.
How To Build A Raised Garden Bed
One of the many beautiful things about gardening is that It can be completely unique! Whether you have a small lawn or open space The bed can be designed to fit the space. Let your imagination run wild with the arrangement, number, shape, and size of beds without going beyond your abilities! On the other hand, there are some best size and placement guidelines to consider when dreaming. Let’s discuss.
In addition to sunlight You also have to think about working in and around the bed – it’s more comfortable and easier! Do you have a structure, tree, or other feature? Are there areas in your area that already need to be avoided? Do you plan to have multiple beds?
I’ve seen some beds that are very close together. Only a foot apart While this is a great way to increase productivity in a small space, things can get very crowded. Especially during the summer when the trees become dense. We like our garden beds to be at least 28 inches apart. Most of our current garden beds are spaced 36-48 inches apart. This distance creates the perfect distance to move a wheelbarrow or stroller in. Our favorite gardener goes up and down the walkway between the beds. Not only convenient But it is also necessary for our backs.
Before making a final decision Grab a piece of wood, string, rope, broom handle, or whatever you can find! Place it on the floor according to the space and size you imagine. This will give you a better idea of how the space will look and feel once everything is in place.
Inexpensive Raised Garden Bed Ideas
Use scrap wood to get a feel for the placement and spacing of the new bed. Previously, it was replaced by a wine barrel.
I did the same thing in our current farmhouse: I used a board to organize a rough layout. Before installing the bed I marked the area with a pole and rope. Then they arranged a raised bed on a nearby patio into a simple work space.
Another tool you can use is the Homestead and Chill Garden Planner Kit! It includes a storyboard that you can use to sketch out ideas and scale them. If you don’t have it yet, you can grab it below. There are also tools like planting charts and planting calendars for each USDA hardiness zone!
Raised garden beds should be built no more than 8 feet tall and may not be more than 10 feet tall if a particularly long raised bed is desired. It is recommended to divide it into parts. This means that multiple raised garden beds can be placed separately to create the look of a longer bed. We have done this both in our garden and in the backyard. See the picture below.
Build 6 Raised Beds In One Day On A Budget
The bigger the bed, the better. It’s even more difficult to arrange. Unless you plan to build it.