Raised Garden beds are a popular installation in most gardens. They not only look neat and beautiful but also reduce the workload of maintaining the traditional ground beds. DIY Raised Garden Beds are a cheap, quick, and convenient way of making your backyard organized and appealing.
These ideas are an excellent alternative to the super costly garden beds and look extremely stunning! With some basic tools and the materials of your choice, you can easily DIY these ideas for your home garden!
If you are looking for other ideas to organize your garden, check out these posts –
DIY Trellis Ideas
DIY Planter Box Ideas
Small Backyard Ideas
Benefits of a DIY Raised Bed
If you are not sure whether your backyard needs a raised garden bed, here is a list of benefits to convince you to make one today!
- Comfort for your Back
Taking care of your tiny, in-ground plants requires a lot of bending, kneeling, and stooping. Thus, a raised garden reduces the toll on your joints and back, making gardening less stressful and more fun! - Require less maintenance
Yes! You don’t have to plow and till as often in raised beds as traditional gardening. Instead of yearly maintenance, all you have to do is add compost or other fertilizers to the top of your raised garden and let it seep in over the season. This practice benefits both the plants and the soil! - Drains out excess water
Raised garden beds effortlessly allow the excess water to drain out of the soil as they are lifted above the ground level. So, you don’t have to worry about your plants’ breath after the heavy rains! - Keeps weeds and critters away
Raised garden beds also prevent critters like rabbits or dogs from feeding or uprooting your plants. The raised bed also allows easy installation of other deterrents like a copper slug fence or a weed barrier, etc. - Deeper the raised bed, fertile the Soil
Due to the improved drainage and elevation from the cold ground, raised garden beds are full of organic, nutrient-rich soil, which warms faster in spring. So, the deeper the bed, the longer your plants grow! - Pretty to Look at
Whether in your backyard or your front yard, raised garden beds are a beautiful, neat, and attractive way of keeping your garden organized all year round!
Read – 25 Easy DIY Garden Fence Ideas That You Will Love
How to Build your Raised Garden Bed the Right way?
Even though garden beds are not permanent, you would not want to move them once they are set on the ground with your sown plants. So, you must consider these four things before you begin building your DIY raised garden bed.
- Choosing the Location: Deciding where you want to set up your garden bed is a careful choice. Generally, you would want an area that receives the most sunlight. However, the location entirely depends on the type of plants you’ll sow in the garden bed!
- Deciding the Number of Beds: Depending on the number of plants you have, decide how many beds you need. Remember that one big bed costs cheaper than several small ones. Also, it is usually best to group similar plants or the “best companions” together in a bed.
- Size the beds: Try not to build a bed larger than three feet wide as it is easier to manage. However, the length is completely your choice. If you are planting tiny plants like succulents or herbs, go for smaller raised beds.
- Choosing the Material: This step depends on your budget and the quality you want. For example, most raised gardens are made of wood. For an even cheaper alternative, you can opt for recycled pallet wood. Finally, for a more durable option, you can choose concrete!
Here is a video tutorial to get you started!
Video Source: Epic Gardening
DIY Raised Garden Bed Ideas
Here is a list of 40 amazing, unique, and super easy DIY garden bed ideas for your inspiration. Each of the ideas are made using different materials, costs, and techniques. So, find the one that suits you and get constructing!
1. Cedar Raised Garden Bed
Source: dengarden.com
This beautiful and simple raised bed leaves a lot of space at the bottom for your veggies to grow freely and provides better grips to the roots. The box is made using cedar wood, and you can customize the size according to your garden area. This is a pocket-friendly option perfect for growing different types of plants.
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 4’ x 8’ x 1’
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $-$
Read – 25 Beautiful And Mesmerizing Cut Flower Garden Ideas
2. Tall & Sturdy DIY Raised Garden
Source: DIY Pete
I love how stunning and sturdy this raised bed looks. The bed is pretty high so you won’t have to bend over. You can make the raised garden using redwood or cedar. It is a lovely option for your front yard due to its appealing look. You can grow flowers or any other plants in this easy DIY raised garden.
- Material: Redwood/Cedar
- Dimensions: 28” x 54” x 22”
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $
Read – 25 Beautiful Perennial Garden Plans For A Dreamy Oasis
3. Deer Proof Raised Bed Garden
Source: thehouseonsilverado.com
If you have some woodworking skills and a weekend to spare, this DIY raised garden is perfect for you! This idea is a great option to keep deers and other critters away. The sturdy structure of the wired raised bed will allow your plants to grow in peace. However, you’ll need a lot of tools and supplies to make this one, so read the instructions closely!
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 8’ x 12’ x 1.7’
- Difficulty: Hard
- Cost: $-$
4. No Tools DIY Raised Garden
Source: graceinmyspace.com
This raised bed is the most beginner-friendly idea out there! This raised garden requires almost no tools and is perfect if you are not good at building. You can set up this DIY in under an hour. The use of raised bed corners makes this idea free from screws and drills! You can easily customize the size of the bed to suit your garden. This idea uses treated lumber; however, you can opt for other chemical-free options as well!
- Material: Treated Lumber
- Dimensions: 3’ x 10’ x 0.8’
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $-$
5. Landscaping Timbers Raised Bed
Source: removeandreplace.com
Wooden boards and pallets are the go-to materials for building raised beds. However, this lovely idea uses landscaping timbers. If you want to add a stylish and modern look to your garden, try adding these garden beds to your DIY list. The guide is easy to follow, and your bed will be ready in a few easy-to-follow steps.
- Material: Landscaping Timbers
- Dimensions: 4’ x 8’ x 12”
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $
6. Corrugated Metal Raised Garden Bed
Source: mycrazygoodlife.com
Yet another unusual material for a raised garden is corrugated metal. Yes! You can use a combination of metal and pressure-treated wood to recreate this DIY. Follow the steps carefully, and you will end up with a stunning raised bed in your garden. You can make a couple of small-sized beds depending on the area and the number of plants.
- Material: Corrugated Metal, Redwood
- Dimensions: 4’ x 4’ x 1.8’
- Difficulty: Hard
- Cost: $$
7. DIY Tiered Raised Garden Bed
Source: Anika Gandhi
Tiered garden beds are a great option if you have a constraint of space. This DIY raised garden bed is a beautiful and functional idea. It is perfect for growing multiple vegetables. You can make the design three-tiered as well! Finally, the trellis at the back is perfect for supporting your plants as they grow.
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 26.5” x 53” x 48” (each tier 7.5” deep)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
8. Recycled Rustic DIY Raised Bed
Source: SPVLiving.com
What better way than to build your raised garden in just five easy steps? This idea has a long and narrow structure that is super sturdy. The use of thick lumber allows the raised bed to hold a lot of weight. You can grow plants, veggies, herbs, flowers, etc., in this rustic-looking garden bed. Finally, you can also use old wooden boards to DIY this bed frame.
- Material: Treated Lumber
- Dimensions: 3’ x 7’ x 1’
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $-$$
9. Modern Raised Garden with Trellis
Source: LeeValley.com
This attractive and functional raised garden box has an attached trellis that allows the plants to climb as well as provides privacy. The design is made using cedarwood and some basic tools. You can build the bed as deep as you want, depending on the growth of your plants. The trellis’ height is also adjustable according to your plants’ height. Following the step-by-step instructions would make this DIY easy to recreate!
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 2’ x 8’ x 1.3’ (8’ including trellis)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $
10. Simple Veggie Elevated Garden Bed
Source: bhg.com
Elevated planters are the easiest options for growing plants, and this idea is an excellent and simple idea for the same. You can recreate this DIY raised bed in just six straightforward steps. From the cuts to the measurements and the soil, the instructions are detailed and easy to follow. I love how minimal yet stylish this raised garden looks. You can use it to grow herbs and veggies as well!
- Material: Wood
- Dimensions: 4’ x 4’ x 1’
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $-$
11. Modern & Elegant Raised Bed
Source: Harry Sawyers
Here is an elegant and beautiful DIY raised bed that is an excellent option for your floral plants. The bed is quiet high and allows easy access to the plants. The size of the bed is customizable to suit the size of your garden. Once built, this garden bed will look super attractive in your back or front yard. The project looks sophisticated and modern and is a must-try.
- Material: Lumber
- Dimensions: not specified, variable
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $$
12. Upcycled Tires Raised Garden
Source: apieceofrainbow
If you have a bunch of old tires lying around, here is an excellent way to upcycle them! Try out this idea to put those pieces to attractive and productive use. You can also buy some old tires for super cheap prices and different sizes. Upcycle them in a few simple steps and paint them in any bright colors of your choice!
- Material: Old tires
- Dimensions: Variable, depends on the size of tires
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
13. DIY Tiered Herb Garden
Source: decorandthedog.net
Prevent your plants from getting mowed down by deers and other critters using this raised bed idea. This idea has a bed built on the deck where the animals cannot reach. Also, the raised garden is tiered which is perfect for growing a variety of plants. The design covers a tiny area making it perfect for even the smallest places.
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 3’ x 3’ x 2.5’
- Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
- Cost: $$
14. Raised Bed with Built-In Benches
Source: bonnieplants.com
This raised bed is a multi-purpose DIY project. It is higher than an average garden bed and has attached benches. You can comfortably sit as you water, plant, or harvest in your garden. Also, if you have some woodworking experience the project will only take half a day to finish. This project is an excellent gift for elderly gardeners as well!
- Material: Lumber
- Dimensions: 3’8” x 4’ x 18.25” (67.5” x 67.5” w/ benches)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Cost: $
15. A Square Foot Garden
Source: removeandreplace.com
This raised garden uses a square foot gardening technique. The plan is simple, carve out a square shape and create one-foot squares, line these up and get planting! It’s the perfect way of planting many plants and ensuring each gets enough space to grow. This guide provides detailed information from choosing the location to all the other finishing touches.
- Material: wood, weed-blocking material
- Dimensions: 4’ x 4’ x 6”
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
16. DIY Covered Greenhouse Garden
Source: Stephanie Strickland
If you live in regions with harsh weather conditions this DIY raised bed is the solution for you. This greenhouse garden has a removable cover that keeps the plants safe. It also allows you to conveniently access the garden for watering, etc. The bed provides your plants with sufficient sunlight and enough room to grow and breathe.
- Material: Redwood, PVC
- Dimensions: 4’ x 6’ x 1’ box (variable)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $$
17. Cap-Railing Raised Garden Beds
Source: Joe Lindsey & Fiona Gilsenan
With a length of 6 feet and a 3 feet width, this garden bed has a lot of space for veggies and other sprawling plants. Additionally, the bed is narrow enough for you to access the center from each side. The cap railings add a stylish and more finished look and give space to rest your tools.
- Material: Redwood
- Dimensions: 3’ x 6’ x 2’ (variable)
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Cost: $
18. DIY Keyhole Garden
Source: growrealfood.com
This DIY raised garden has a lot of advantages over the traditional designs. The design has a composting basket at the core along with multiple layers for preserving moisture. Overall, this idea results in a highly productive garden. Also, since the structure is built using stone, your plants will remain protected against harsh weather.
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: 6’ circle
- Difficulty: easy
- Cost: $
19. Mini-Elevated Raised Garden
Source: PaleoDan
Here is another excellent idea to protect your plants from tiny critters and pets. Also, if you have a hard time bending over for watering or plucking weed out, this mini-raised garden bed is the solution. To make it more convenient, you can add a sprinkler or a DIY drip irrigation system.
- Material: Lumber
- Dimensions: 4’ x 4’ x 3’
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
20. DIY Waist High Planter Box
Source: ownerbuildernetwork.co
This inexpensive and easy DIY waist-high planter box is an excellent addition to your garden. One of the most obvious benefits is that your plants are not directly in the ground. This keeps your plants away from critters. Being 5 feet long, this raised bed is perfect for growing plants, herbs, or veggies. The height of the bed is also helpful for gardeners with back problems.
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 3’ x 5’ x 2’
- Difficulty: Hard
- Cost: $-$$
21. Counter Height Garden Boxes
Source: ana-white.com
This raised bed idea is the perfect solution for your back problems and is even a wonderful present for older gardeners. The design of the waist-high beds is simple and will add a rustic look to your garden. Given its small size, you can make multiple beds for different categories of plants. You can easily create three beds for the price of one, so do add this pocket-friendly idea to your DIY list!
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 24″ x 48″ x 32″
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $
22. Two-Level Raised Garden Bed
Source: mikesbackyardnursery.com
If you want to maximize your garden space or create twice the planting area than a usual garden bed, this idea is perfect for you! It has two levels, one set in the ground and the other at waist height. The space between the two beds is sufficient for the lower plants to grow tall. You can use each bed for growing different types of plants or herbs. The use of pine wood makes the structure sturdy, affordable, and naturally appealing!
- Material: Pine Wood
- Dimensions: 34” x 60” x 11.25”
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $
23. Scrap Wood DIY Raised Bed
Source: remodelaholic.com
Here is a sturdy, simple raised garden bed DIY that is yet another aid for your back pains. It is waist high and gives easy access to the plants. The size of the raised bed is customizable. This neat design will elegantly suit any location from your backyard to your entrance. The combination of dark and light wood makes this bed even more appealing. And the best part is, you can build it with scrap wood pieces too!
- Material: Scrap Wood
- Dimensions: 24” x 48” x 35.75”
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $-$
24. Long Modern Raised Garden Bed Idea
Source: instructables.com
Grow your own fresh veggies this season by recreating this beautiful raised garden bed DIY. The veggie box is made using cedarwood and is supported by a pine frame making it super sturdy. Cedar has outdoor rot resistance and is untreated that makes it a perfect choice for planter boxes. The bed is strong enough to last you a couple of years.
- Material: Cedar, Pine
- Dimensions: 21.75” x 72” x 11.25
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $$
25. Self-Watering Veggie Table
Source: instructables.com
If you love growing your own fresh veggies but are not a fan of tilling and removing sod, this idea is perfect for you! This DIY salad table lifts your greens to a height and protects them from pests. Also, the self-watering system drips water from the container to the roots. While building, it would require some effort. But once it’s built, you are all set and worry-free.
- Material: Wood, plastic bins, PVC
- Dimensions: 5’3” x 2’3” x 3’
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: $-$$
26. Customizable Cedar Raised Garden
Source: diynetwork.com
This basic yet classy wooden raised bed is designed to hold around 400lbs, which is more than enough for wet soil and plants. You can easily customize the size of this bed to create a smaller or larger size. The elevated nature of this box has its own benefits. Made using cedar, this raised garden is a beautiful and sturdy option.
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 26” x 73.5” x 14.5”
- Difficulty: Hard
- Cost: $-$$
27. Apartment-Friendly Raised Garden
Source: addicted2decorating.com
You will love this raised garden bed DIY, especially if you live in a condo, an apartment, or do not own an in-ground garden. This garden bed is an excellent and charming addition to any deck or patio, especially when the organic veggies start growing. This bed occupies one square foot of area, you can increase or decrease the size to grow more or less.
- Material: Wood
- Dimensions: 4’4” x 3’4” x 3’
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $-$
28. Affordable Weed-Blocking Raised Bed
Source: woodlogger.com
This affordable raised bed idea is a great DIY project for gardeners or homeowners with unused patches of land in their gardens. These 8-feet long garden beds have tons of space for a variety of plants and keep them protected from weeds and pests. You can follow the step-by-step instructions to easily create this design in your yard.
- Material: Wood, weed-blocking material
- Dimensions: 4’ x 8’ x 1’
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
29. Raised Herb Garden Planter
Source: thisoldhouse.com
If you are a herb lover, then you’ll definitely want to recreate this herb planter. It does not require a lot to build—some basic supplies, beginner carpentry skills, and a free evening. This raised herb garden is compact and can easily withstand harsh weather conditions. The hooks on the sides allow you to hang your gardening tools as well!
- Material: Lumber
- Dimensions: 2’ x 3’ x 1’
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $$
30. Cinder Blocks Raised Garden Bed
Source: isavea2z.com
Not everyone is an expert and woodworking, but lifting and placing stuff sounds comparatively easier right? Well, this raised garden bed is the perfect alternative for you! This raised bed idea uses cinder blocks instead of wood and you don’t have to measure, cut, or use any power tools. All you have to do is find the perfect location, level the ground, set the blocks, and get ready to grow those yummy veggies!
- Material: Cinder Block
- Dimensions: 4’8” x 4’8” x 8”
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
31. Natural Wood Raised Garden
Source: instructables.com
This DIY raised bed idea takes repurposing to a whole new level. Using all-natural materials like branches, straight timber, and thick logs, you can easily recreate this lovely raised garden. The guide helps you recreate this idea in a few simple steps with strategized placements. This bed is a natural and earthy home for your plants to grow in a habitual environment. So, do try out this pocket-friendly design!
- Material: Old Branches, Scrap Lumber
- Dimensions: Variable depending on what you need
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $
32. Repurposed Dresser Garden
Source: shelterness.com
Repurposing is a great way to save money as well as giving a new twist to an old item is extremely satisfying. If you have an old dresser or chest of drawers lying around, this idea will help you turn it into a fresh raised garden. And guess what? You won’t have to dismantle or cut the dresser! Once you fill-up the drawers with soil, you will have a vintage-looking, tiered bed perfect for growing multiple plants.
- Material: Old dresser
- Dimensions: Depends on the size of dresser used
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
33. Farmhouse-Style Corner Raised Bed
Source: gardenersworld.com
This DIY raised garden bed is an amazing way to decorate your garden/deck corners in a natural way. The light stain of the timber makes this garden very attractive and modern. Also, the different tiers not only look stylish but also allow you to grow different plants at the same time. You can adjust the size of the raised garden and can even build it in cedar.
- Material: Timber
- Dimensions: 15.7” x 39.3” x 7.8”
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $
34. Low Squared Elevated Garden Beds
Source: onelittleproject.com
Here is a super simple and organized idea for growing your favorite seasonal veggies at home! These raised garden beds are tiny and easy to build! You can make as many or as few depending on the number of plants. The height of the beds is kept low, but you can make them as high by adding a few layers. It is made using cedar which is super sturdy and the top lip gives it a neat finish.
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 3’ x 5’ x 1’
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
35. Corner Raised Bed Idea
Source: gardenersworld.com
I love how stunning and appealing this DIY raised garden looks. It is a curved corner bed that is large enough to grow multiple plants, while the curve allows easy access. The sides of the bed are thick and it is deep enough to grow fruits and veggies. However, if you are planning to place the bed as a decor piece—growing bright, colorful flowers is the way to go!
- Material: Hardcore, Sand, Cement, Breeze Block
- Dimensions: Variable
- Difficulty: Hard
- Cost: $$
Read – 20 Best DIY Cement Planters You Should Try In 2023
36. 4-Step Easy Garden Bed
Source: abeautifulmess.com
That’s right! You can recreate this amazing DIY raised garden in just four easy steps. The design is simple but is super sturdy and will last long. It is built using cedar and has a rectangular shape. This design also follows the square foot gardening technique. It is an easy, affordable, and organized way to grow your plants and give them sufficient space to expand.
- Material: Cedar
- Dimensions: 4’ x 8’ x 1’
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
37. DIY Pallet Raised Garden Bed
Source: gardengatemagazine.com
Grab some used or store-bought wooden pallets to recreate this unique, easy, and convenient raised garden. All you have to do is create a wooden frame (square or rectangular) and add vertical wooden sections across it. These sections act as dividers for your plants to have their own space. You can also add four legs below to give the bed some height.
- Material: Wood Pallets
- Dimensions: Variable
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
38. Repurposed Bed Frame Garden Bed
Source: ponderedprimedperfected.blogspot.com
Use your imagination and you can easily repurpose just about anything. Here is an amazing example that has transformed a bed base into a raised garden bed. This garden bed has four equal sections to categorize different plants. It also comes with a wired frame for the vines to grow and is perfect for tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas.
- Material: Old bed Frame
- Dimensions: Variable
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $
Read – 26 DIY Cucumber Trellis Ideas For Your Vegetable Garden
39. Pallet Container Garden Beds
Source: foxyfolksy.com
If you have little to no garden space, this container gardening method is perfect for you! These pallet containers are great for growing fruits, veggies, herbs, etc. You can grab scrap pallet pieces or purchase them for super cheap. The pallets can be connected in different ways like a flat rectangle or even a triangular cone. You can get as creative as you want and customize this idea to suit your space.
- Material: Wood Pallets
- Dimensions: Variable
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $-$
40. Fish Pond Raised Garden Bed
Source: empressofdirt.net
This unique idea is a diverse design that gives you a fish pond built inside a raised garden. If you don’t wanna dig into the ground and want better accessibility, this idea is perfect for you. The idea is simple, a pond form is installed and is surrounded by a wooden frame filled with soil and plants. It is a lovely home for your fish and an appealing piece for your garden.
- Material: Pond Liners, Rocks, wood
- Dimensions: 4’ x 8’ x 16”
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $
Read – 15+ DIY Pond Ideas for your Backyard
41. Large and Spacious Raised Garden Beds
Source: fletchercreekcottage.com
If you have tons of garden space and a long list of plants, this raised garden bed idea is the way to go. She has designed twelve large and deep garden beds that are great for growing literally any plant. The sturdy pine structure will protect your plants against harsh weather. Also, the added triangular corners are a creative touch and great for sitting as you access your plants.
- Material: Pine
- Dimensions: 4’ x 8’ x 16”
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $-$$
We hope these detailed ideas and plans will inspire you to create your own raised garden beds! Don’t forget to add a personal touch to your DIY project and make it as creative as you can. You can also install other preventative measures in each of these designs like weed-protecting material, or self-irrigation systems, etc.
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