When it comes to raised beds, you might think of a simple wooden box filled with soil. However, there are actually many different types of raised beds available.
From wooden varieties to those made from metal, concrete, stone, or repurposed objects, the diversity is surprising. Talented gardeners and makers are constantly coming up with new designs, making raised beds a versatile option for any garden.
Concrete Panels Raised Bed
If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting solution for your raised bed, concrete might be the way to go. Unlike wooden planters, concrete is moldable and won’t rot over time. In this DIY tutorial, you’ll learn how to create custom-sized molded panels for your raised bed.
Keyhole Raised Bed From Reclaimed Building Materials
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to build a raised bed, keyhole raised beds are an excellent option. Unlike completely round raised beds, keyhole raised beds provide easy access to all parts of the bed. In this project, you can use reclaimed building materials like concrete blocks and old chimney bricks to create a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing raised bed.
Pyramid Raised Bed
If you’re looking to maximize your planting space in a limited area, a pyramid raised bed might be the solution for you. This design allows for more plants than a traditional raised bed, without sacrificing sunlight. The screwless design of this particular pyramid bed makes it easy to build, adding to its appeal.
Stacked Up “Advanced” Old Tire Raised Bed
This project is an “advanced” version of the simplest tire raised bed idea, but only in the sense that it gives you more volume because it uses multiple tires. It is still a simple project to build, and the materials are easily available.
Modern Raised Indoor Planter Box
With sleek modern lines, this planter box is designed to enhance the aesthetic of any room.
Despite its half-metal appearance, this planter box is actually an all-wood project that can be made with hand tools and some additional effort. However, it’s important to note that this planter box is designed for indoor use only. It features a plastic pot inside the planter, and the wood used in its construction is not water-resistant.
Hugelkultur – No Irrigation Raised Bed
This technique involves burying wood at the bottom of the bed to reduce or eliminate the need for additional watering. While the effectiveness of this method is debated, it’s worth doing some research to see if it makes sense for you.
To create a Hugelkultur raised bed, you’ll need a DIY wooden frame, roofing sheets (various types are considered), and a plastic liner in the form of a Bagster dumpster. The use of these basic materials makes it a great scrap/recycling project.
“Stone” Blocks Planter
If you want to build a stone planter but don’t have the budget for real stone, cast-concrete blocks can be a great alternative. Though not real stone, they are easy to work with and can be modified to fit your needs.
This tutorial will guide you through the process of building a raised bed wall using cast-concrete blocks. The author uses masonry construction adhesive to secure the wall, which is a simpler solution than traditional masonry..
Planter Wall Blocks Raised Bed
If you are looking for an easy and customizable way to build a raised bed, planter wall blocks might be the solution for you. These blocks can be used as cornerstones for your bed and chemical-free wooden boards can be inserted into the designated spaces. Once the blocks are fixed into place, your raised bed is ready to use.
One of the great advantages of this method is its simplicity. You don’t need any special skills or tools to assemble the bed. Additionally, the blocks can be stacked on top of each other and secured with a rod to create higher raised beds.
Octagonal Raised Beds
This shape allows for more soil volume while still remaining stable and easy to move around before filling. Furthermore, creating several of these beds can result in an interesting path pattern between them.
Upcycled Wheelbarrow Raised Bed
Transforming your old garden wheelbarrow into a raised bed is a simple and sustainable option. Just add some holes in the bottom and fill it with soil according to the instructions. For added protection against rust and leaching metal and paint components, consider using a pond liner.
Modern Outdoor Planter Box
If you’re looking for a stylish and voluminous planting bed for your outdoor space, the Modern Outdoor Planter Box might be just what you need. These boxes are similar in style and color to the previous project, but are closer to the ground and have more volume, making them perfect for planting.
No-Nails Raised Plant Bed
This classic design relies on notches instead of screws and nails, making assembly a breeze. Plus, its large size means that you can prepare the materials anywhere and then assemble it at its final destination.
Dry-Stone Raised Bed
Unlike other materials, natural stone offers a timeless aesthetic that blends perfectly with any outdoor setting. In this Australian tutorial, you will learn how to build a dry-stone raised bed that will age nicely and fit with any vegetation.
To build a dry-stone raised bed, you will need to use mortar to secure the stones in place. While some people choose to simply stack the stones, this method has its risks and may not be as secure.
45-minute Potato Raised Bed
This project is perfect for those who want to use recycled or repurposed materials, as it uses old jeans fabric and repurposed trellises.
One of the advantages of this raised bed is that it can be easily taken apart, making it easy to pour out all the soil and potatoes instead of digging through the entire bed. Additionally, it’s an ideal option for those who want to grow potatoes but don’t have a lot of space.
However, keep in mind that this bed is not designed to last more than one growing season. If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, you may want to consider a more durable option.
Reclaimed Cedar Planter Bench/Raised Bed
Made entirely of reclaimed cedar wood, this project features a spacious bench, two smaller planter boxes on the sides, and two large raised beds behind the seat. The pond liner used in the construction of this project ensures that moisture is well taken care of.
The Reclaimed Cedar Planter Bench/Raised Bed is not only a beautiful addition to any garden, but it’s also environmentally friendly. The use of reclaimed materials means that you’re reducing waste and helping to preserve the environment. Plus, the raised beds are perfect for creating an environment-friendly garden filled with pollinator-friendly flowers.
Barrel Raised Bed
Rain barrel plastic is usually food grade, which means no harmful chemicals will leach into your soil. To make a raised grow bed, you can put the barrel halves on an easy-to-build wooden base.
Barrel raised beds are practical to use and safe for growing food. They are easy to make and require minimal effort. However, they might not be the most decorative option available.
Neat Classic Raised Bed Planting Box
This small, neat board raised bed is both stylish and practical, and can fit into any garden. It is also environmentally friendly, as it is made entirely from recycled wood.
The instructions for building this raised bed are detailed and easy to follow, making it a great project for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels. However, it should be noted that the size of the bed might be a limitation for growing larger plants or crops. But, you can always adjust the measurements to suit your needs.
Wooden Stick Raised Bed
This design utilizes natural wood and big branches to create the most prominent part of the bed, similar to a primitive fence. Despite its basic appearance, the design is well thought out, with precise instructions to ensure stability, durability, and water-resistance.
Pallet Board Raised Bed
If you’re looking to save some money while creating a tall planter box for outdoor use, consider building a pallet board raised bed. This classic design, created by Instructables user elco_chan, utilizes a steep/triangular cross-section to increase stability and reduce the risk of pallet boards cracking under pressure.
However, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the pallets being used. Elco_chan recommends using heat-treated wood and avoiding pallets that have been chemically treated with toxic methyl-bromide. Look for a mark on the pallets to confirm the treatment method.
Cold Frame Raised Bed
This bed utilizes screen door closers to make it easy to ventilate and water your plants.
One major advantage of this bed is its easy construction, making it a practical addition to any garden. However, the plastic cover used in this design is lighter and safer but less transparent and aesthetically pleasing than other options such as old windows.
Old Automobile Tire Raised Bed
This method is popular among gardeners who want to upcycle and make use of materials that might otherwise be thrown away. One of the simplest ways to create a tire raised bed is to fill the tire with soil after laying it on the ground. You can even paint the tire to give it a more polished look.
Concrete Pavers Raised Bed
This material is durable and won’t decay like wood. However, creating a concrete paver raised bed requires heavy lifting and additional work to secure the pavers in place.
One advantage of using concrete pavers is that they can help prevent tree roots from growing into your bed. This is particularly useful if you have a problem with tree roots in your garden.
It’s important to note that concrete holds more heat than wood, especially when exposed to the sun. This can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the plants you are growing. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to use concrete pavers for your raised bed.
Old Windows Cold Frame Raised Bed
Repurposing old windows is a great way to create a cold frame raised bed for your garden. This project is easy to construct and offers a building plan and detailed instructions, along with suggestions for improvement such as using automatic vent openers.
The cold frame functions like a glasshouse, allowing you to grow winter vegetables or start seedlings early. However, it’s important to note that the wood is not isolated from soil moisture, so choosing a durable type of timber or adding an appropriate plastic liner can help make the bed more lasting.
Summary
When planning to build a raised garden bed, it’s important to consider the size and location of the bed, the materials you will use, and the plants you will grow.
You can use wood, stone, or bricks to build the bed, and fill it with soil and compost. Consider the amount of sunlight the bed will receive and the types of plants that will thrive in that environment.
With proper planning and construction, a raised garden bed can provide a beautiful and productive addition to your yard.
