Raised garden beds are a popular choice for home gardeners, offering better soil quality, easier maintenance, and improved drainage when compared to in-ground garden beds. However, the cost of building raised beds can add up quickly if you are not careful when planning your garden. Fortunately, with some creativity and planning, you can build low cost cheap raised garden beds without sacrificing durability or functionality. This article will discuss how to create high-quality raised beds on a budget.
Why choose raised garden beds?
People may choose raised garden beds for various reasons: they allow you to control soil quality, reduce weeds, and make gardening more accessible by elevating planting areas. They’re particularly useful for urban gardeners with limited space or poor soil conditions. Whether in a small or large space, raised beds can add a modern aesthetic charm to any home.
Repurpose materials:
One of the easiest ways to save money on raised garden beds is by using repurposed or recycled materials. Consider these options:
Wooden pallets: Many businesses give away pallets for free or at a low cost. To avoid harmful chemicals, make sure to choose untreated pallets.
Cinder blocks: Sturdy and durable, cinder blocks are affordable and can be arranged to create a customizable garden bed.
Old furniture: Repurposed drawers, bookshelves, or even old bathtubs can be turned into unique raised beds.
Salvaged wood: Leftover wood from construction sites, old fences, or completed building projects can be used to make raised beds. Sand and seal the wood to make it safe for gardening.
Choose budget-friendly materials
If repurposed materials aren’t an option, consider low cost cheap raised garden beds made from affordable alternatives that still offer durability:
- Corrugated metal:Corrugated metal sheets are lightweight and long-lasting, making them perfect for raised bed walls. Pair them with wooden beds for an interesting, modern look.
- Pressure-treated lumber:Modern pressure-treated wood is safe for gardening and more affordable than cedar or redwood.
- Concrete mix:You can build durable raised beds by pouring your own concrete frames using inexpensive molds.
Optimize bed size and depth:
The size and depth of your raised bed can have a significant effect on costs:
Stick to standard sizes: Standard lumber sizes reduce the need for custom cuts, saving time and money.
Use less soil: Do research to find out how much soil your plants need. For shallow-rooted plants like lettuce or herbs, a depth of 6-8 inches is sufficient. Save deeper beds for crops like tomatoes or carrots.
Create affordable soil mixes:
Filling a raised bed with high-quality soil doesn’t have to be expensive. Below are some tips on how to save costs on soil:
Layer your bed: Start with a base layer of cardboard or newspaper to suppress weeds. Add a layer of branches, leaves, or grass clippings to reduce the needed soil.
Make your own compost: Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste is a free way to create nutrient-rich soil.
Mix in affordable amendments: Combine garden soil with peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite to create a balanced, cost-effective mix.
Incorporate vertical gardening:
Maximize your space and save on materials by incorporating vertical gardening elements into your raised beds:
- Use trellises from inexpensive bamboo stakes or PVC pipes to support climbing plants like beans and cucumbers.
- Install netting or old window frames to create vertical growing spaces for flowers or small vegetables.
DIY construction:
Building your raised garden bed can significantly reduce costs compared to purchasing pre-made kits. With basic tools and a little effort, you can customize your bed to fit your space and needs. Online tutorials and community workshops are great resources for learning DIY techniques.
Community resources:
Many communities offer free or low-cost materials for gardeners, which you can use for your creating your garden beds. Your community may have some of the following resources:
- Local “Buy Nothing” groups:These groups can be great for finding free materials, tools, and even plants for your garden.
- Recycling centers:Some offer discounted or free building materials and tools.
Community gardens: Collaborating with other gardeners to share resources and ideas can be a great way to enhance one’s enjoyment of gardening.