15 DIY Raised Bed Garden Ideas

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 built 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What can you repurpose to make a raised garden bed? Better question: What can't you use? As long as it's 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.

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.

Here's an 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.

Get these step-by-step instructions on how to build a planter box with a built-in bench seat. It's perfect for framing a porch or patio.

Create this eye-catching spiral-shaped garden bed in an afternoon — no special equipment needed. Not only do spiral gardens look great, the design allows for multiple microclimates within one bed. Since water drains from the top of the bed to the bottom, drought-tolerant plants will thrive in the higher middle section, while moisture-loving plants will prefer the lower areas. Different parts of the garden also receive more or less sunlight to accommodate plants with varying needs.

Think outside the traditional square or rectangular garden beds with these DIY metal raised beds. Twenty-gauge stainless steel sheets can be molded into curving, organic shapes, allowing for flexibility in your garden design.

This DIY mobile planter box includes a built-in trellis that’s perfect for climbing plants. As the plants grow tall, they can serve as a privacy screen for a deck or patio.

Add interest to your outdoor space with this easy-to-build three-tiered garden. The varying heights of the three levels can accommodate plants with different root depths.

Give old toys new life by turning them into fun raised beds that’ll help your little ones learn about gardening. Here, we filled a water play table with colorful flowers, but you can also use a sandbox, a wagon or even toy trucks as smaller planters.