How to Build a Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

How to build a raised vegetable garden bed

Create a user-friendly organic victory garden and save money at the grocery store. Raised bed vegetable gardens are great for small areas and are easy to maintain.

Why take the leap into vegetable gardening this year? Several things. First, with the tough economic times, it’s important to cut corners on high food prices whenever possible while still keeping high nutritional standards.

Try to grow expensive food items that you enjoy to make the best use of the space. Why not plant asparagus crowns? An asparagus garden will produce faithfully for 15 years!

Secondly, organic vegetables are increasing in popularity. The jury is still out as to whether the nutritional value is any higher, but one thing is certain; pesticides won’t do the body any good. This is an opportunity to ensure first hand that organic farming principles are embraced, one household at a time.

Even Michelle Obama, the first lady, is getting in on the action with her White House kitchen garden located on the South Lawn.


best raised vegetable garden bed ideas 4

But Why Raised Bed Gardening?

First, it doesn’t take up much space. Raised beds are generally narrow enough to be worked on both sides. They can be configured according to available space. Secondly, maintenance is minimal. Since the gardening area is effectively separated from the surrounding yard, weeds are less of a problem.

Finally, since by definition the garden bed is raised, it’s easier for those with physical disabilities to take care of. The actual height is completely up to the urban or suburban farmer.

Garden Bed Container Materials

  • The bed must be built so as to hold the soil in. The range of materials that can be used is wide indeed. Cedar boards are a good choice since they hold up well to the elements. Cedar also is reputed to be an insect repellent.
  • Concrete blocks are popular. They’re affordable, durable, and heavy enough so that they don’t need to be secured down, making for an easy vegetable garden to construct. Downside? Concrete will raise the Ph of the soil over time and will need soil monitoring and adjustment periodically.
  • Pine boards may be used. They are inexpensive and non-toxic, but will have to be replaced every two to three growing seasons.
  • Any Internet search will find sites that suggest that landscape timbers may be used. The chemicals pressured into this type of lumber used to be highly toxic. Supposedly, the newer chemicals are non-toxic. But the bottom line is, why take a chance when there are so many other safer alternatives available?
  • Old tires? Yes, a quick Google will find a few of these advocates, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid them for the same reasons as pressure treated wood.

Designing the Raised Bed

This really depends on the real estate available. It will need to be placed in a spot where the vegetable plants get enough light for the crops being grown. Then the configuration of the garden should be considered.

One option is a straight run, long and narrow. Since it will be worked from both sides, anywhere from 20” to 3′ wide is optimal.

Another option is a single or multiple square beds, which works well in an open area. This will allow the grower to walk between the individual beds while working them.

Construct the Raised Bed Garden

This is fairly straightforward. For wooden boxes, assemble them in place and stake the sides to strengthen against the pressure of the soil.

If using concrete blocks, simply place them in position. In areas with gopher problems, it’s beneficial to add wire mesh at the ground level.

Next line the bottom with 2 to 10 layers of newspaper. This will discourage any weeds from trying to germinate from below. Next fill within two inches of the top with the appropriate garden soil and amendments. The soil and soil amendments used is dependent upon location, crop type, weather, and many other factors.

Finally, use a quality, organic mulch on top to hold moisture in the soil. Raised beds tend to dry out faster than in-ground gardens.

Related25+ Waist High Raised Garden Bed Plans

39+ Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas

How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.com

1. Small Vegetable Raised Bed

Small Vegetable Raised Bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.com

Source

2. Water through garden bed

Water through garden bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

3. Trellis garden bed

Trellis garden bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

4. U Shaped Garden Bed

U Shaped Garden Bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

5. Wooden raised bed a long the yard

Wooden raised bed a long the yard | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

6. Stone garden bed

Stone garden bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

7. U shaped garden bed

U-shaped garden bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

8. Checkerboard herb garden

Checkerboard herb garden | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

9. DIY Pallet garden

DIY Pallet garden | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

10. Raised Beds with gravel between

Raised Beds with gravel between | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.com

11. Timber Raised Bed

Timber Raised Bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

12. Raised bed with 4×4 posts

Raised bed with 4×4 posts | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

13. Raised beds with cap

Raised beds with cap | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

14. Raised Beds with benches

Raised Beds with benches | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

15. 6×6 timber raised beds

6x6 timber raised beds | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

16. Raised Beds with PVC pipes

Raised Beds with PVC pipes | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

17. Raised Bed Cucumber Trellis

Raised Bed Cucumber Trellis | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.com

18. Build Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening

Build Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

19. Galvanized tubs

Galvanized tubs | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

20. Wood log raised Bed

Wood log raised Bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

21. Raised Bed with amenities

Raised Bed with amenities | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

22. Raised Bed assemble

Raised Bed assemble | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

23. Raised Garden Beds

Raised Garden Beds | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.com

24. How to build simple garden beds

How to build simple garden beds | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

25. Raised Bed with $10

Raised Bed with $10 | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

26. Brick Raised Bed

Brick Raised Bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

27. No irrigation raised bed gardening system

No irrigation raised bed gardening system | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

28. Building a hugelkultur

Building a hugelkultur | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

29. Keyhole garden

Keyhole garden | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

30. DIY Raised herb planter

DIY Raised herb planter | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

31. Sweet potatoes in raised bed

Sweet potatoes in raised bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

32. Raised Bed for under $50

Raised Bed for under $50 | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

33. Small Raised Beds for suburban garden

Small Raised Beds for suburban garden | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

34. Raised Bed Kitchen Garden

Raised Bed Kitchen GardenSource

35. Intensive gardening

Intensive gardening | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

36. Raised Bed Soaker System

Raised Bed Soaker System | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

37. Raised Garden Bed With Logs

Raised Garden Bed With Logs | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

38. Hugelkultur Raised Garden Bed Start to Finish

Hugelkultur Raised Garden Bed Start to Finish | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

39. DIY Cinder Block Raised Garden Bed

DIY Cinder Block Raised Garden Bed | How to Build a Raised Vegetable Garden Bed | 39+ Simple & Cheap Raised Vegetable Garden Bed Ideas - farmfoodfamily.comSource

40. Stone Raised Beds

40 vegetable raised bed ideasSource

41. Gabion garden beds

41 vegetable raised bed ideasSource

 

More gabion garden ideas

42. Log raised beds

42 vegetable raised bed ideas

43. Bale of wheat raised beds

43 vegetable raised bed ideas

44. Wooden pallet

44 vegetable raised bed ideasSource

45. Pallet Raised Planter Bed

45 vegetable raised bed ideasSource

46. Raised Planter Stand

46 vegetable raised bed ideasSourcebest raised vegetable garden bed ideas 3

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