13 Unique DIY Raised Garden Beds (2024)

FAQs

13 Unique DIY Raised Garden Beds? ›

Cinder or concrete blocks are an inexpensive and popular material used to build a foundation for a raised garden bed.

Cinder or concrete blocks are an inexpensive and popular material used to build a foundation for a raised garden bed.

On average, a DIY raised bed constructed from wood will cost $25 to $50 per square foot. To have a wooden raised bed constructed and installed for you, budget for at least $100 per square foot. (Find a kitchen garden company in your area.)

Best Soil for Raised Garden Beds

We recommend buying high-quality, nutrient-rich soil in bulk. Or, you can make a soil mix with equal parts topsoil, organic materials (leaves, composted manure, ground bark), and coarse sand.

Stone Is the Most Durable Raised Bed Material.

Raised beds made of cinder blocks or concrete blocks

Cinder blocks and concrete blocks are very inexpensive (typically $2 to $3 a piece at home improvement centers), and they make it really easy to build the outline of a raised garden bed.

For a 4x8-foot raised bed with a 6” height, using Mel's Mix: about 5 cubic feet each of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite is needed. It usually takes about two to three bags of purchased fertile mix (1.5 cubic feet each) to cover the bed surface to a depth of 2 inches.

The cons of raised beds

The soil mix also can be a significant, albeit one-time, expense. Raised beds need water more often since the soil is more exposed to air and dries quicker. Similar to growing in containers, the extra watering can leach nutrients out of the soil quicker than in-ground gardens.

Raised garden beds can help extend the growing season by providing warmer soil temperatures earlier in the spring and later into the fall. The elevated position allows the soil to warm up more quickly in the spring, enabling gardeners to start planting earlier and prolonging the harvest season for cold-sensitive crops.

Metal garden beds are better than wooden raised garden beds in terms of durability, longevity and pest prevention. However, wooden raised garden beds are more affordable and easier to customize.

What are three mistakes to avoid when gardening with raised beds? ›

Gardening with raised beds can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it's important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to disappointing results. By avoiding overcrowding plants, using high-quality soil, and paying attention to watering and drainage, you can ensure a healthy and productive garden.

Landscape fabric is beneficial for raised garden beds, here are just a few of the many reasons why you should use landscape fabric for raised bed gardening: Prevents soil erosion in a raised bed: As a liner, landscape fabric lets water drain away from the soil while leaving the soil intact.

It acts as a physical barrier to block out pernicious weeds. Usually, 2 – 3 layers of cardboard will suffice, though you may want layers in more weed-prone areas. The damp environment created by the cardboard is conducive to earthworms and other beneficial soil microorganisms.

Avoid using older types of wood treatments such as CCA, creosote, and Penta-treated lumber. Research from Oregon State University showed that pressure-treated lumber does increase soil copper concentrations by a minor amount, but only within 1 inch of the raised-bed edge.

Raised Garden Beds Can Last a Couple Years to a Lifetime

Here's the short answer based on the type of material used for the raised bed: WOOD RAISED BED: 5-10 years. METAL RAISED BED: 30 years. STONE RAISED BED: lifetime.

Untreated wood: Untreated wood such as cedar, redwood, and oak are excellent choices for garden beds. These types of wood are naturally resistant to rot and pests, which makes them great for long-term use outdoors.

Pine is a cheaper alternative to more expensive types of wood and easy to find in most hardware stores. Keep in mind, however, that pine will have a much shorter life expectancy in your garden than cedar and redwood. Even within wood types, know that there can be some variation.

Cardboard or newspaper: Cardboard is a great option if you are on a budget. You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to deter pests and weeds.