If you’re looking for a creative, budget-friendly way to upcycle used tires, you’re in the right place.
We’ve found a simple yet sturdy method to repurpose them into raised garden beds—and as a bonus, you can make a tree ring too. Let’s dig in and turn waste into beauty.
Why This Plan Works
- No tilling or digging required
- Saves money on raised bed materials
- Keeps tires out of landfills
- Ideal for retaining moisture in soil
- Provides bonus use as tree rings
- Resistant to wind, weather, and wear
What You Will Need
- Used tires (from your own vehicle or friends)
- Sharp knife (one you’re okay using in the garden)
- Jigsaw (for cutting sidewalls)
- Dual saw (for splitting through steel wire)
- Landscape fabric or newspaper
- Garden soil or compost
Step 1: Prepare the Tire and Tools
Gather your materials and ensure your tools are in good working order. Choose a well-ventilated and stable work surface, especially when handling saws.
Step 2: Make a Starter Hole
Use a sharp knife to make a small cut in the tire sidewall. This hole is where you’ll insert the jigsaw blade. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just enough to start your cut.
Step 3: Cut Away One Sidewall
Insert your jigsaw blade into the starter hole and begin cutting along the inner edge of the tire. A general-purpose blade is sufficient.
Tip: Only cut away one sidewall. This makes the tire more stable and helps retain water like a built-in reservoir.
Step 4: Position and Line the Tire
Choose the exact spot where you want your raised bed to be—it will be too heavy to move once filled. Line the bottom with landscape fabric or several layers of newspaper to block weeds and grass.
Step 5: Fill with Soil and Plant
Add garden soil or compost to fill the tire. Smooth the surface and plant your veggies, herbs, or flowers right into your new raised bed.
Note: Always wear gloves and eye protection while cutting tires. Watch out for steel wires in the sidewall and keep your hands away from the cutting path.
Step 6: Split the Tire
To fit the tire around a tree or shrub, you may need to split it. Use a dual saw to cut through the steel belting inside the sidewall. The curve is the trickiest part, so take your time and cut on a surface you don’t mind damaging.
Step 7: Place Around Tree
Once the ring is split, wrap it around your tree or shrub. For smaller plants, this may not be necessary.
Tip: No need to pin or stake it down—it stays put well. But if you prefer added security, drill holes and use DIY stakes.
Other Details Display
- Cutting Tools Used: Jigsaw and dual saw
- Tire Prep: Only one sidewall removed for better water retention
- Positioning Tip: Place tire before adding soil
- Liner Options: Landscape fabric or newspaper
- Bonus Use: Tree rings for shrubs
- Staking Suggestion: Use old wire hangers as stakes
- Safety Reminder: Watch fingers and electrical cords during cuts
Summary
Transforming old tires into raised garden beds and tree rings is a smart and sustainable way to boost your gardening game.
This plan is a contribution by [auntwrenny]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here. If you have a plan to share, we welcome your submissions!
