Raised garden beds have become increasingly popular over the last few years as a way to grow your own produce without having to deal with the soil in your garden.
They also make tending your crop easier because you don’t have to bend down or do any heavy digging.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your first raised bed or want some new ideas on how to expand your existing ones, we’ve got plenty of ideas that will take your gardening game up a notch.
Curved and square beds made from recycled steel
You can create raised garden beds from almost any type of material and using something that’s recycled means you’re rescuing materials from landfill and reusing them in a very constructive way. I love how the steel used to make these beds has been left to age.
Notice that the beds are all at waist height which makes it easy to tend to the vegetables, herbs and flowers that are grown within them. The beds are also designed in such a way that everything is within easy reach, even the plants in the centre.
Timber raised garden bed in front of a fence
This raised garden bed idea shows that there are plenty of areas around your garden that can be utilised for a raised garden bed.
Constructed from solid timber planks, this garden bed is just wide enough to accommodate a variety of plants but not too wide to make it difficult to care for them.
Timber and corrugated steel raised garden beds
I just love the clean, simple lines of these raised garden beds. The frames are made from sturdy timber and the sides incorporate corrugated steel.
The beds are at waist height which makes them easy to tend. Their size is also just right for placing anywhere in your garden. And, they would look equally as good in a front yard or the backyard.
Raised garden beds made from old railway sleepers
Old railway sleepers have been a popular choice for gardeners for many years as a way to build retaining walls on sloping blocks. They can also be utilised to build an attractive raised garden bed.
You’ll need some sturdy bolts to hold the sleepers together but if you’re handy, this type of raised bed shouldn’t take too long to put together.
Raised beds made from large plastic tubs on a timber frame
Here’s a clever idea that wouldn’t take too long to set up. Large plastic tubs are easy to come by and are great for growing a variety of different types of vegetables and herbs.
The tubs are kept off the ground and at waist height by placing them on a sturdy timber frame. These frames wouldn’t be difficult to make from recycled materials or you could even check out some local production nurseries that may have stands that they no longer need.
Gabion rock wall raised garden beds
This interesting design uses a double layer of wire mesh that is infilled with large rocks. These type of structures are incredibly strong and have been used for many years in different parts of the world as walls and fences for erosion control.
You can use the same basic engineering to create a raised garden bed that is both attractive and functional.
Timber raised garden bed with a hinged cover
Having a hinged cover over your raised garden bed is a great way to keep pests out of your crop. This is especially useful if you live in a regional area and have problems with rabbits eating your lovely tender vegetables.
You could also replace the chicken wire mesh with insect-resistant cloth. Then, when you’re growing fruiting crops that need pollinating, you can easily raise the cover to ensure that the bees can get to your plants.
Build a raised garden bed from besser blocks
Besser blocks are fantastic for building raised garden beds of all shapes and sizes. They are lightweight, sturdy and really easy to install.
If you build a raised bed from besser blocks, you can either leave it natural or even paint or render the blocks to suit your landscape.
Create a series of raised garden beds with old tractor tyres
Old tractor tyres make the perfect receptacle for a small raised garden bed.
Place a group of them together and you have a whole series of individual raised beds to grow your crops in.
Simple rendered besser block raised garden bed
Here’s another simple besser block raised garden bed. You could easily create this structure in weekend.
All it needs is some besser blocks and some cement render to finish it off.
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Tiered timber raised garden bed
This timber raised garden bed has two tiered levels and is finished off with a high trellis at the back for growing vertically.
This makes it ideal for growing tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and other vining crops.
Use those old bricks to create a stunning raised garden bed
If you’ve just had your home built, you’re sure to have some bricks left over. Put them to good use by building a stunning raised garden bed in your backyard.
You can also source second hand bricks from various places that sell used building materials.
A simple raised garden bed with an arbour
This simple raised garden bed on steel legs would be ideal for growing climbing or vining crops over the metal arbour. It’s such a simple idea but very effective.
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Use grow bags
Grow bags have become increasingly popular over recent years. I have a couple that I use to grow potatoes in.
The benefit of these is that they can be placed absolutely anywhere and all you have to do is fill them with potting mix or compost and plant your crops.
Utilise square foot gardening
These basic garden beds follow the principle of square foot gardening where each section measures one square foot and is used for planting just one crop.
Enjoy balcony gardening by using milk crates
Even people who only have a balcony to garden on can grow their own fresh produce using milk crates. Just be sure to line the crates with some landscape fabric to stop the soil from falling out.
Create a timber frame for a bucket garden
Using large plastic buckets is a great way to grow some crops. This design takes it one step further by creating a wooden frame to keep the bucket off the ground and at a more manageable height.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in gardening and raised garden beds, I have a deep understanding of the various concepts involved in creating and maintaining these innovative gardening structures. Raised garden beds have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their ability to provide a manageable and productive gardening experience, while also offering a solution for individuals who don't want to deal with the soil in their gardens.
One concept related to raised garden beds is the use of recycled materials, such as curved and square beds made from recycled steel. These beds not only rescue materials from landfills but also add a unique aesthetic to the garden by allowing the steel to age naturally. The waist-height design of these beds makes it easy to tend to the vegetables, herbs, and flowers grown within them, and their strategic layout ensures that everything is within easy reach.
Another concept is the utilization of various materials, such as timber and corrugated steel, to create raised garden beds. The clean and simple lines of these beds add a modern touch to any garden. Their waist-height design makes them easy to tend, and their size allows for flexible placement in both front yards and backyards.
Old railway sleepers are another popular choice for building raised garden beds, especially on sloping blocks. Although sturdy bolts are needed to hold the sleepers together, these raised beds can be an attractive addition to any garden and provide a practical solution for gardening on uneven terrain.
For those looking for a quick and easy setup, large plastic tubs placed on a timber frame offer a clever solution. These tubs are readily available and perfect for growing a variety of vegetables and herbs. Placing them at waist height ensures easy access and care.
An interesting design option is the use of gabion rock walls to create raised garden beds. This double-layered wire mesh structure filled with large rocks provides both strength and aesthetic appeal. This concept offers a unique and functional approach to raised bed gardening.
For individuals dealing with pests, a raised garden bed with a hinged cover can be a great solution. This cover helps keep pests out of the crop, especially for those living in regional areas with issues of rabbits damaging plants. The cover can easily be raised to allow pollination by bees when growing fruiting crops.
Besser blocks, lightweight and sturdy, are an excellent choice for building raised garden beds of various shapes and sizes. They can be left natural, painted, or rendered to suit the landscape.
Old tractor tires can also be repurposed as receptacles for small raised garden beds. Grouping them together creates a series of individual raised beds, providing ample space for growing crops.
A simple besser block raised garden bed can be easily constructed in a weekend. This structure requires just besser blocks and cement render to complete the project.
Tiered timber raised garden beds offer multiple levels for growing plants, with a high trellis at the back for vertical growth. This design is ideal for vining crops like tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers.
Leftover bricks from building projects can be used to create stunning raised garden beds. Second-hand bricks can also be sourced from places that sell used building materials.
A simple raised garden bed on steel legs with a metal arbour is perfect for growing climbing or vining crops. This straightforward yet effective design adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Grow bags have gained popularity for their versatility and portability. They can be filled with potting mix or compost and placed anywhere for easy gardening.
Square foot gardening is a concept that involves dividing the garden into sections, with each section measuring one square foot and dedicated to planting a specific crop. This approach maximizes space and ensures efficient use of resources.
Even individuals with limited space, such as those with balconies, can enjoy balcony gardening using milk crates. Lining the crates with landscape fabric prevents soil from falling out and allows for the cultivation of fresh produce.
Lastly, a timber frame can be created to elevate large plastic buckets for a more manageable height. This design provides a practical solution for growing crops and offers ease of access and care.
These concepts encompass the wide range of possibilities and innovative ideas that can be applied to raised garden beds, allowing individuals to personalize their gardening experience and enjoy the benefits of growing their own produce.
