cheap ways to build raised garden beds

Cheap Ways to Build Raised Garden Beds: Grow Your Dream Garden Without Breaking the Bank

Dreaming of lush vegetables, vibrant flowers, or fragrant herbs, but worried about the cost of building raised garden beds? You’re not alone! Many aspiring gardeners are hesitant to start because of the perceived expense. However, the good news is that creating beautiful and functional raised beds doesn’t have to be a budget-buster. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can build sturdy and attractive garden beds using readily available and inexpensive materials. This article will guide you through various cheap ways to build raised garden beds, proving that you can enjoy the benefits of raised bed gardening without emptying your wallet.

Reclaimed Wood Pallets: Free and Fantastic

One of the most budget-friendly options for building raised garden beds is using reclaimed wood pallets. Businesses often discard these sturdy structures, making them readily available and often free for the taking. Pallets offer a rustic charm and can be easily adapted to various garden bed sizes and shapes. Here’s how to get started:

Finding Pallets

Look for pallets at local businesses, warehouses, construction sites, and even online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Ensure that the pallets you choose are untreated (look for the HT stamp, which indicates heat treatment, not chemical treatment) to avoid any potential toxins seeping into your soil. Avoid pallets marked with “MB,” which indicates methyl bromide fumigation, a harmful pesticide.

Preparing Your Pallets

Before building, clean the pallets thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. You may also want to sand down any rough edges or splinters to make them safer to handle. Depending on the design you have in mind, you might need to dismantle the pallets to create individual boards. This is often achieved by using a pry bar or a reciprocating saw.

Building Your Beds

There are several ways to use pallets for raised beds. You can simply arrange them in a square or rectangular shape and secure them together using screws or nails. Alternatively, you can dismantle the pallets and use the boards to build more traditional raised beds. The beauty of using pallets is the flexibility it provides – you can adapt the design to fit your garden space and personal preferences. You can also line the inside of the pallet bed with landscape fabric to prevent soil from escaping through gaps. Remember, pallets can decompose over time, so a lining will prolong the life of your bed. You can find landscape fabric at most hardware or garden stores; a popular online option is Amazon’s landscape fabric selection.

Concrete Blocks: Sturdy and Simple

Concrete blocks are another economical and durable choice for constructing raised garden beds. They’re incredibly easy to assemble, require minimal effort, and their modular design allows for creative bed shapes and sizes. Their longevity is a major advantage, ensuring your beds will last for many seasons. Plus, the inherent thermal mass of concrete can help regulate soil temperature, offering benefits for plant growth.

Choosing the Right Blocks

Select standard concrete blocks or cinder blocks, readily available at most home improvement stores. Consider the size and shape of your desired garden beds when determining how many blocks you’ll need. You can also explore different block styles for varied aesthetic looks. You could even use decorative retaining wall blocks to create a more finished appearance. Check out Home Depot’s selection or Lowe’s for various concrete block options.

Assembling the Beds

Building a raised bed with concrete blocks is incredibly simple. Arrange the blocks to form the desired shape, ensuring that they’re stable and level. You can stack them directly on the ground, or place them on a bed of compacted gravel or sand for extra stability and better drainage. Consider using a spirit level to ensure your construction is even. You can leave small gaps between the blocks for drainage, or fill the gaps with soil to give your beds a continuous wall. No mortar is needed, but if you want a more permanent structure, using construction adhesive is an option. One benefit of using concrete blocks is the large opening for drainage and even small plants to grow along the edges.

Untreated Lumber: Classic and Customizable

Using basic, untreated lumber is a traditional way to build raised garden beds. While it might require a bit more effort than pallets or concrete blocks, it allows you to customize the size, shape, and height of your beds. Untreated wood, as opposed to pressure-treated lumber, is considered safe for growing edibles. You might need to replace wood over time, but if you are looking for a classic look it’s worth considering.

Selecting Your Lumber

Choose untreated lumber suitable for outdoor use, like cedar or redwood if it fits your budget, though basic pine is very affordable. Avoid pressure-treated lumber, as the chemicals used in its processing can leach into your soil. Determine the dimensions of your beds, and purchase lumber cut to the necessary lengths. You can shop for lumber at Menards, Ace Hardware, and other similar retailers.

Constructing the Beds

Cut the lumber to your desired lengths, and assemble the frame using screws or nails. Reinforce the corners with corner braces for added stability. You might want to add a middle support beam for longer sides to prevent the wood from bowing outward when filled with soil. A power drill and saw can make the process faster and more accurate. Consider lining the inside of your wooden bed with landscape fabric or plastic sheeting to prolong its life and prevent soil from coming into direct contact with the wood.

Repurposed Metal Roofing Sheets: Durable and Contemporary

Old metal roofing sheets, often available for free or at very low cost, can create sturdy and eye-catching raised garden beds. Their corrugated texture adds a contemporary touch to your garden, and they are incredibly durable. Metal is also resistant to rot, insects, and other pests, making it a long-lasting option. The best part is that you could be diverting these materials from landfills while making something useful for your garden.

Sourcing Metal Roofing

Look for discarded metal roofing sheets at construction sites, scrap yards, or through online listings. Ensure that the sheets are free of rust and sharp edges to avoid injuries. Old metal sheets sometimes have sharp edges, so be sure to wear heavy-duty gloves for protection. Consider local businesses that work with metal and often have leftovers. Earth911 has a guide to find places to recycle metals. Check out to see if a place near you has scrap metal options.

Building the Beds

Metal sheets can be assembled into various shapes and sizes. Simply overlap the edges of the sheets and secure them together using metal screws or bolts. You can create a cylinder-shaped bed or form a square or rectangular structure. If you are opting for an open-bottom bed, be sure to level the ground beforehand. You can also line the beds with cardboard to prevent any weeds from growing up into your bed. Because metal sheets can get hot in the sun, it’s good to be mindful of the types of plants to place in these beds. This can be mitigated through the use of thick layers of mulch.

Woven Landscape Fabric: Simple and Inexpensive

Woven landscape fabric (also known as geotextile) is a surprisingly versatile and inexpensive material for creating simple raised garden beds. While it doesn’t have the structural integrity of wood or concrete, it’s lightweight, easy to work with, and ideal for temporary or low-profile beds. It’s also great for creating no-dig gardens. This is a great option for a quick setup or in a rental property.

Selecting Your Fabric

Purchase durable landscape fabric from your local garden center or hardware store. Look for a heavy-duty option that won’t easily tear. Landscape fabric can be found at most major retailers. Check out the selection available at Walmart.

Forming Your Beds

To make a raised bed, simply unfold the landscape fabric and create a circle or square shape. Overlap the edges and secure them in place using stakes or sturdy rocks. You can also fold the fabric over itself to create a more sturdy edge. It’s a great option for layered gardening because you can place cardboard on the bottom, and layer straw and other compost items on top before filling it up with soil. It works particularly well with sheet mulching and hugelkultur methods.

Straw Bales: Easy and Seasonal

Straw bales are a unique and surprisingly effective option for building temporary raised garden beds. They’re inexpensive, readily available at agricultural supply stores, and offer a natural and rustic aesthetic. As straw decomposes it also provides nutrients for the soil. This option is ideal for one or two seasons.

Sourcing Straw

Purchase straw bales from your local feed store, farm supply shop, or online retailers. Avoid hay bales as hay contains seeds that can sprout in your garden. Straw bales usually are tied with string, so just be careful when moving them as they can break or unwrap easily. Check your local farmers market to see if any farmers sell straw.

Building Your Beds

Arrange the straw bales in a square, rectangle, or any other shape you desire. You can stack them if you desire higher beds. You’ll want to water the straw bales before filling them with soil, as this begins the decomposition process. Once this is done, simply add a layer of soil and begin planting. Straw bales will begin to decompose over time and might need to be replaced every year or two. While they are seasonal, this makes them a useful option for a temporary garden. This also makes them easy to move as they can become heavy once they begin decomposing and hold moisture.

Repurposed Tires: Upcycled and Durable

Repurposing old tires is an ingenious way to create raised garden beds, and it can be done at no cost. Tires are readily available, durable, and offer a unique, circular shape for growing plants. Using tires can also keep them from being added to landfills or left in parking lots. This is a great way to give tires a second life.

Sourcing Tires

Check with local tire shops, auto repair shops, and junkyards for old tires. Many are happy to give away old tires instead of paying to dispose of them. Make sure the tires are cleaned and are free of debris or oil residue. Be sure to wear gloves when handling them. You’ll want to wash them thoroughly with soapy water before using them in your garden.

Setting up Your Beds

Arrange the tires in your garden area, either singly or stacked to create higher beds. You can use them as they are or cut them in half with a utility knife or a reciprocating saw if you want a shorter profile. Ensure to use caution when cutting tires as it will take some effort and can be dangerous. Line the interior of the tires with landscape fabric to prevent soil from escaping through the drainage holes. Fill the tires with good quality soil, and you’re ready to plant. You can paint the tires to make them more appealing or hide them with mulch. Because tires retain heat, keep in mind what types of plants you put in them.

Reclaimed Bricks or Pavers: Classic and Long-lasting

Using reclaimed bricks or pavers is another excellent option for creating cheap and long-lasting raised garden beds. They offer a classic, timeless look to your garden, and they’re incredibly durable. You can often find reclaimed bricks and pavers at low cost, or even free if you’re lucky.

Sourcing Bricks and Pavers

Check online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for free or low-cost reclaimed bricks or pavers. Construction sites may also have leftover materials they’re willing to give away. Local demolition companies are another source to consider. These are often found for free as they are considered waste for them. GovDeals is an auction site to find various brick or paving options.

Building Your Beds

Arrange the bricks or pavers to form the desired shape of your raised bed. You can stack them to create higher beds, using mortar for a permanent structure or leaving them unmortared for a more flexible design. Make sure your bricks or pavers are level and stable before adding soil. Consider adding a layer of sand or gravel underneath to improve drainage. With bricks and pavers, you can make a variety of designs and patterns. This also is a very aesthetically pleasing option.

Building raised garden beds doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and the right materials, you can create beautiful and productive garden spaces on a budget. Whether you choose reclaimed wood pallets, concrete blocks, repurposed metal, or another cost-effective option, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of raised bed gardening without breaking the bank. So, get started today and watch your garden flourish!