9 DIY Raised Bed Garden Ideas

All you need to build a stylish raised bed for your garden this year are some basic skills and tools. Check out these raised bed garden DIY projects with step-by-step instructions.

By: Paul Cox

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Photo By: Mick Telkamp

Photo By: Susan Teare ©Susan Teare

Photo By: Photo by Van Chaplin courtesy of Bonnie Plants.

Photo By: Shain Rievley

Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Photo By: Photo by Sam Henderson

Photo By: Sam Henderson

Why DIY Raised Bed Gardens?

Store-bought raised garden beds come in a variety of sizes and styles, but can be pricey. For those interested in raised bed gardening without the expense, these DIY raised garden beds with step-by-step instructions can be build in a few hours and often for a fraction of the cost of store-bought kits.

The above designs are made from cedar boards, which are rot resistant, and each can be built in an afternoon with basic tools. See these step-by-step instructions, including a video tutorial.

Continue to see more ideas for DIY raised bed gardens that can take your gardening to a whole new level.

Build It: How to Build Raised Garden Beds From Cedar Boards

Cheap Raised Bed Garden DIY

DIY raised bed projects don't get easier than this one. All you need are a few wood planks, screws, a few basic tools and some good soil. The step-by-step instructions will walk you through this project, which can be done in just a few hours.

Build It: How to Build a Raised Garden Bed Step-by-Step

DIY Raised Bed Garden Made From Pallets

A garden on wheels can be moved throughout the growing season. Roll the garden into the direct sunlight in spring and then into the shade in hotter months. This mobile garden is made from pallets and some reclaimed shutters.

Build It: How to Build a Raised Garden Bed From Pallets

Inexpensive Straw Bale Raised Bed Garden DIY

Straw bales create the frame for this raised bed, which is filled with soil and planted. This method is a good option for gardeners looking for a temporary raised bed garden.

MAKE IT: A Raised Bed Twist: Straw Bale Gardening

Raised Bed Garden From an Upcycled Table

These raised planters are mounted atop table bases. Look for salvaged bases and feel free to experiment by mixing base materials and styles. Here's the best part: This project raises your mini gardens to a level that's comfortable to work in. Your back will thank you.

Build It: How to Turn an Old Table Into a Raised Planter

DIY Raised Garden Bed in a Galvanized Tub

What can you repurpose to make a raised garden bed? Better question: What can't you use? As long as its big enough and has good drainage, almost any container can be filled with soil and plants. In this example, a simple galvanized metal trough makes for a cool raised garden bed. And it only took 12 simple steps to create.

Build It: How to Turn a Galvanized Tub Into a Raised Garden Bed

Raised Bed and Trellis

Planning to grow some climbing veggies or vines? This raised bed and trellis combo uses rough-sawn cedar, which is weather- and insect-resistant, And it looks great, too.

Build It: Build a Raised Bed and Trellis

DIY Raised Bed Doubles as a Sandbox

Here's a idea for a DIY raised bed that pulls double duty. Build a simple sandbox, complete with corner seats, then repurpose it as a divided raised bed when the kids (or you) outgrow it for play time. See these step-by-step instructions.

Build It: DIY Sand Box Converts to Raised Bed