15 Easy Design Ideas & DIY Plans For Raised Garden Bed

DIY Plans For Raised Garden Beds

DIY Plans For Raised Garden Beds

Updated on 12/3/2023
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
Learn More about Emma Downey

There are several reasons why raised garden beds are beneficial. They prevent pests from entering the garden, make gardening easier on your back, and are visually appealing. One of the things that we like most about them is that it is so simple to make them yourself. As the name indicates, this kind of gardening is setting up a flower bed within a wooden frame or another form of container. A planter differs from this method since a bottom is used, which is elevated from the ground. This kind of planting has a great many advantageous sides to it. Because the earth in raised bed gardening heats more quickly than in a typical garden, gardeners with a green thumb may extend the planting season by starting seeds earlier in the year.

Raised Garden Bed

Raised Garden Bed

Additionally, you can begin growing vegetables such as peas and brussels sprouts somewhat earlier in the spring. In addition to this, you are not limited to only gardening in areas of your yard with naturally conducive soil; instead, you are free to do it everywhere. Continue reading this article if you are interested in beginning your garden bed and experiencing its advantages.
Below you will find a collection of some of our favorite ideas for garden beds that we have handpicked just for you.

Ideas For Raised Garden Beds To Design

The owners of some of our most favored raised garden beds have infused their creations with hints of their ingenuity and personality in various places. You may customize the look by painting the outside, decorating the interior with miniature garden ornaments, or experimenting with different materials to get a one-of-a-kind look. Therefore, if you are thinking about building your garden bed, you should consider the creative suggestions shown before. They will be able to assist you in getting started.

Raised Garden Bed Design Ideas

Raised Garden Bed Design Ideas

Keep in mind that the design of your garden is entirely dependent on you at all times. Make an original take on these patterns rather than merely copying someone else's work.

1. Simple Raised Garden Bed

Simple Raised Garden Bed

Simple Raised Garden Bed

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. With this raised vegetable bed measuring two by 2, space constraints in the backyard are no longer a concern. It is suitable for use in flower gardens as well as herb gardens. This simple wooden bed is all you need to get started with the style of gardening you have chosen. As you go, you will be able to expand your garden by adding additional boxes.

Instead of starting from scratch, you may consider purchasing a starter kit if you are unsure of where to begin. It will arrive as a kit with all the necessary elements already included.

2. Hexagonal Garden Bed That Is Elevated

Raised Hexagonal Garden Bed

Raised Hexagonal Garden Bed

I have a suggestion for you if you are looking for something more exciting to do if that is the case. Using geometric shapes, this concept for a vertical raised garden bed may lend personality to your backyard. With this layout, the garden bed is divided into six equal portions. On a single bed located in the center of the room, you can cultivate many green things, and it works well for herbs and other tiny plants.

3. Raised Herb Garden Bed

Wooden Raised Garden Bed with Storage

Wooden Raised Garden Bed with Storage

Those who have a passion for herbs will undoubtedly adore this garden bed. It can be moved around easily and may be positioned in virtually any part of your yard or garden. It is even possible to keep gardening supplies just beneath the bed itself. If you wish to begin a tiny herb garden, this concept is very inspirational for you to consider. Herbs may be grown with very little soil and do not require a significant area.

4. Multi-Level Garden Planter

Wooden Raised Garden on Three Levels

Wooden Raised Garden on Three Levels

You can prevent animals, including domestic pets and strays, from accessing the precious plants you have by using a planter with many levels. Additionally, it enables the plants that thrive during the summer months to take advantage of the sun's warmth while shading the plants that thrive during the cooler months. Plants may "grow up" instead of out when you use planters with many levels. In small spaces, this can be especially helpful, and they can hold an enormous amount of herbs and other plants in a place that is no more than one square foot in size.

These garden beds look fantastic when placed against a wall. Because they are considered "planters," they are suitable for usage both inside and outside the home.

5. Pyramid Raised Garden Bed

Pyramid Raised Garden Bed

Pyramid Raised Garden Bed

Harvesting may be done quickly and easily from a pyramid-shaped raised garden bed. In addition to this, the design is simple and easy to follow. You may use planter boxes of varying sizes among the advantages of a pyramidal arrangement. A holder designed like a pyramid will simplify you to cultivate more of one crop while acquiring less of another.

6. Corner Tiered Raised Garden Bed

Corner Tiered Raised Garden Bed

Corner Tiered Raised Garden Bed

On your balcony or deck, you should choose this corner-tiered raised garden bed instead of a traditional one. You have the option of developing a variety of plants in it, which will allow for a beautiful interplay of colors and textures. Although it is comparable to a pyramid-raised bed, it varies in that it may easily fit in the corner of the space where it will work. It would look great in a patio garden or any other area between two walls.

Additionally, it has a stylish appearance and has the potential to turn an uninteresting nook into an intriguing one.

7. A Raised Garden Bed That Comes Equipped With Its Stools

Raised Garden Bed with Built-in Stools

Raised Garden Bed with Built-in Stools

If you enjoy gardening but don't enjoy squatting on the ground or bending over for lengthy periods, a raised garden bed equipped with built-in chairs is the ideal solution for you. In terms of its usefulness and aesthetic appeal, this one is a winner. Even though it can appear to be a complex design to try, at first sight, all you need are a few different boards and nails.

First, construct a raised garden bed in the shape of a typical square, and then add the chairs afterward.

8. Raised Wooden Planter Of Medium Size

Medium Raised Wood Planter

Medium Raised Wood Planter

Do you not have that much space available for gardening? Try out this concept for a raised garden bed made of medium-sized wood. Although it seems like a little raised bed, this is more of a planter than anything else. This straightforward bed can prove successful for you if you plant annual crops at the tail end of the growing season.

Position your raised bed so that the plants it contains receive the most sunshine possible. When it comes to this situation, aesthetic concerns take a back seat!

9. Square Foot Raised Garden Bed In Grid Format

Raised Garden Square Foot Grid Bed

Raised Garden Square Foot Grid Bed

Do you want to cultivate a wide variety of plants, but you don't have a lot of room to do so? A raised bed with square grids is one option. The layout is essential, yet it still has plenty of room for intensive planting. In the example shown above, you can see that it is possible to make divisions in the bed by using garden wire. It will assist you in planting everything at the appropriate distance from one another, making it easier for you to handle them.

10. Cinder Blocks Raised Garden Bed

 Cinder Blocks Raised Garden Bed

Cinder Blocks Raised Garden Bed

All of the raised beds that we have displayed up to this point have been constructed out of wood. However, this is not the only choice available to you. You can use blocks in place of cinder walls to avoid activities such as cutting, measuring, and operating power tools. Because cinder blocks are typically available for a meager price, constructing raised vegetable beds can be an inexpensive alternative. The only things you would need to purchase after that would be the soil and the seeds or plants.

It is essential to keep in mind that most plants and vegetables will require a minimum of six hours of sunshine each day. Therefore, location is of utmost significance.

11. Medium 4×4 Raised Bed Garden

Medium 4×4 Raised Bed Garden

Medium 4×4 Raised Bed Garden

This raised bed is medium-sized and 4 feet by 4 feet, so the roots have plenty of opportunities to spread and acquire a better hold on the soil. Because of its size, you can be sure that the dirt will remain in its position, and it can also withstand being bumped against by children or animals. If you cannot grow anything in the ground due to thick clay or irrigation concerns, these beds that require no upkeep are perfect for you.

12. U Shaped Raised Garden Bed Plans 

U-Shaped Large Raised Garden Bed

U-Shaped Large Raised Garden Bed

Look at those u shaped raised garden bed plans if you want to get serious about cultivating a prosperous organic garden. It offers a substantial amount of gardening area, which is easily accessible. It is advantageous that when a gardener kneels or sits on either side of the U, they can reach every plant.

13. Enclosed Garden Bed On A Raised Platform

Enclosed Raised Garden Bed

Enclosed Raised Garden Bed

Are pests a problem? Anyone looking for solid and long-lasting needs to go no farther than this enclosed garden bed. Walls constructed around your plants will prevent naughty pets and other creatures from damaging them. If you choose to cover some of the bed with an additional layer, your plants will be more protected, but you will also have an easier time gardening in the shadow.

You may have to spend more money on the wood and the wire mesh, but it will be an excellent investment in the long run.

14. A Garden Bed Made From Recycled Tires

Used Tire Raised Garden Bed

Used Tire Raised Garden Bed

Do you happen to have a large number of tires lying around? Make productive use of them by constructing a raised vegetable bed of recycled tires. Plants may make excellent use of tires as a barrier. You can paint them and position them in whatever location you see fit. Because tires are so commonly discarded, it is possible to construct a raised bed garden with minimal effort and at a low cost. Going through a few trash cans is all that is required. Tire businesses frequently have extra tires in stock that they would want to unload.

15. Greenhouse Raised Garden Bed

Greenhouse Raised Garden Bed

Greenhouse Raised Garden Bed

Thanks to the raised bed hoop house design, you can protect your plants from the weather regardless of the season. It is a good option for places with a lot of wind or direct sunlight, both of which may be harmful to plants, and it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing choice. Still, if you need to block off the wind and water, this is an excellent option, especially considering how useful it is for gardening throughout the winter.

How to Construct A Garden Bed That Raises In Height

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed

If you have the necessary tools and supplies, you can construct your own raised garden bed in hours rather than days.
The following items are required to construct a traditional raised bed with wooden frames:

  • An electric drill that is cordless and comes with predrilling bits
  • Two boards measuring two by eight by 8 feet, made of a rot-resistant species of wood such as pine, cedar, or redwood
  • For your garden bed, you will need four pieces of wood cut from a 2x4 to the board's width.
  • Wood screws for outdoor use that are at least 6.5 cm long (longer is fine)
  • The optimal combination of soil components.
  • plants of your choosing (optional)
Build a Raised Garden Bed

Build a Raised Garden Bed

You won't believe it, but you can do everything without breaking the bank. It is possible to construct an inexpensive raised garden bed for less than twenty dollars!

The most significant component of the entire procedure is locating acceptable materials for use. The good news is that you presumably already own at least some of them in your arsenal. Even if you don't have them, acquiring them shouldn't be too difficult.

Instructions For Constructing A Raised Garden Bed

Follow these instructions to construct a raised garden bed in your yard or garden straightforwardly while minimizing the money spent on the necessary building supplies.

Step1: Determine Which Type Of Soil To Use

Determine Which Type Of Soil To Use

Determine Which Type Of Soil To Use

There is an argument that selecting the appropriate soil for your raised garden bed is half the fight. In the end, the goal is to maintain the vitality of your garden, isn't that right? Compared to traditional row gardening, this kind of gardening results in a larger yield. Proper spacing and consistent fertilization are the reasons for this.

As a result of all of our research and experimentation, we have determined that the optimal soil combination consists of sixty percent topsoil, thirty percent compost, and ten percent potting soil.

Step 2: Is To Determine What You Will Be Planting In It.

Know What You’ll Be Planting in It

Know What You’ll Be Planting in It

If you are aware of the plants' needs, you will be able to locate the raised bed in the appropriate location in your garden or yard, or you will be able to make room for it. For instance, if you want to cultivate plants and vegetables that thrive in the shadow, you may get away with constructing a raised bed in the shade of a wall or behind the house, which is because the plants and vegetables will thrive in the shade.

Create a list of the plants you intend to cultivate in it before you begin.

Step 3: Make Sure Everything Is Within Reach

raised-garden-bed

raised-garden-bed

Aside from the needs of the plants, the raised bed must be conveniently accessible so that you may deliver water to it. You should also have no trouble getting to any part of it which might play a role in determining how you design it. The most suitable types of raised garden beds are often square, rectangular, or U-shaped.

Step 4: Assemble The Main Structure

Build the Frame

Build the Frame

The foundation for the plants you grow inside your raised garden bed is established by the frame surrounding it. If you construct a too weak structure, all of your hard work may be undone by the first significant amount of precipitation.

The first time you build a raised bed, choose a straightforward square or rectangular frame that you can assemble simply screwing the wooden boards and chunks of wood that we described in the previous paragraph into position. The depth of the raised garden bed ought to be at least 6 inches, and ideally, it ought to be longer.

It is essential to keep in mind that you may also use used tires or other containers of a similar kind in place of a traditional frame.

Step 5: Plants And Water

plant and water

plant and water

It is unnecessary to fill the frame with dirt, but you should ensure good soil to enclose the plant roots. Plant the veggies or flowers of your choice while ensuring sufficient space between them (check our growing tips). It is essential to remember that raised garden beds require more regular watering than traditional gardens. The water in raised garden beds frequently drains quicker than in conventional gardens.

It is time to water your garden if you inspect the soil and find it is dry one inch below the surface. If this is the case, you should get your watering can ready. You may need to water your plant numerous times throughout the summer, but this will depend on the stage it is in and the variety of plants you have.

If this is not possible due to the constraints of your schedule, then it is recommended that you deep water your plants a couple of times a week rather than shallow water them.

Kits For Raised Garden Beds Available For Purchase

Raised Garden Bed Kits for Sale

Raised Garden Bed Kits for Sale

What are your options if you don't have the time or energy to construct a raised garden bed? You can purchase one that has already been built and built out of wood or any other material. You can get your hands on a wide variety of raised garden bed kits on the internet, with options ranging from simple and affordable to chic and elaborate. Check out some of the most unusual items available online.

You'll Raise That Garden Bed, Won't You?

Building a raised garden bed is an excellent method to take advantage of the beneficial effects gardening has on one's health and provide an additional area for planting. The good news is that you won't need to spend an excessive amount of money or time on it, and you won't even have to travel out of your way to construct it. In gardening, raised beds are an old idea, and the fact that they still exist indicates that they are effective.

Raise That Garden Bed

Raise That Garden Bed

Therefore, if you are still debating whether or not to proceed with something, take it! You probably won't come to regret your decision! We would be very interested in what you accomplished with your raised garden bed design. Please send us a comment and fill us in on the details of the situation.

We hope you enjoyed this post, and we'll see you again soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Deep Should A Garden Bed That Is Elevated Above The Ground Be?

At a minimum, a raised garden bed needs to have a depth of six inches. Objects planted should be measured by how deep their roots reach the ground. In most cases, a width of twelve inches is adequate. Check out our guide on building raised garden beds for more information.

Are There Any Bottoms To The Elevated Garden Beds?

No. Garden planters with a base of their own are distinct from raised garden beds. A raised garden bed is constructed at the soil level and working its way up. Because of this, plant roots can extend further and, if necessary, obtain extra nutrients from the soil beneath.

Should I Line The Bottom Of The Raised Garden Bed With Rocks To Prevent Weeds?

Because an excessive amount of moisture might cause the soil to deteriorate, you should consider placing rocks at the base of your raised garden bed if you want to grow plants that need room for drainage. Gardeners can use rocks to prevent root rot and other issues. Always keep perishable foods and plants in mind.

Where Would You Recommend Placing Raised Garden Beds?

A sunny location is required for the installation of raised vegetable beds. It doesn't have to happen in a backyard, even though this is the most common setting. You will need to devise a method for draining the dirt if the location does not have good drainage.