Raised beds do a good job of growing vegetables and herbs, especially if you have poor soil or little space. But pre-made raised bed kits cost a decent amount of money.
You don’t need to spend a fortune, I assure you. With a little creativity and a love of upcycling, you can turn old, forgotten things into unique and stylish beds. And here are 15 unique raised garden bed ideas using recycled materials. Save money and reduce waste at the same time!
1. DIY Raised Garden Beds from Reclaimed Pallets – Free & Eco-Friendly!
I do not know about you, but I love to search and find free materials for the vegetable garden. And pallets are the most suitable thing for this. They can be obtained in almost any city for free in warehouses, construction sites, in stores. The main thing is to make sure that the pallet is safe: look for the marking “HT” (heat treatment) and avoid “MB” (chemical treatment).
How to make a bed of pallets
- Taking apart the pallets. Leave only whole and strong boards.
- Assemble the frame. Optimal size: 120×240 cm, but adjust to your plot.
- Strengthen the corners. We use metal corners or thick bars.
- Impregnate with antiseptic or linseed oil. This will protect the wood from rotting.
- Make a drainage layer. Pour expanded clay, gravel or broken bricks on the bottom to prevent stagnation of water
- Cover the bottom with agrofiber. It will help keep the soil inside, but will not interfere with drainage.
- Fill the bed with quality soil. Optimal mixture: 60% compost, 30% garden soil, 10% sand. You can add vermiculite or coconut substrate for a better structure.
- Choose plants. For such beds, greens, carrots, radishes, lettuces, garlic, onions, bush beans are excellent. If the bed is deep, you can plant potatoes and tomatoes.
You can see that pallet boards do not require complicated processing, and you can assemble a bed literally in a day. Plus, not only do you get a sturdy bed, but you give the tree a second life. It’s just really beautiful! The pallets give the garden a natural, rustic style that fits seamlessly into any plot.
Tip. To make the bed last longer, treat it with natural linseed oil. It will protect the wood from moisture without harming the plants.
2. How to Build a Raised Garden Bed from Old Doors – Vintage Style!
For lovers of unique and atmospheric things, a raised bed made from old doors is sure to please. Solid wood doors are durable and look incredibly beautiful in the garden.
Are you wondering where to get them? Look at flea markets, antique stores or just ask your acquaintances, I think many people have an old door stale in the garage, which is a pity to throw away.
How to make a bed of doors
- Choose a door. Suitable only wooden, preferably without paint, which can contain harmful substances.
- Saw into panels. We need 4 side walls, so saw the doors to the required dimensions (for example, 60×120 cm). And in general, the size of the bed is determined by the number and size of the found doors.
- Assemble the box. We fasten the boards with corners and self-tapping screws.
- We treat the wood. Cover with natural oil or impregnation to protect against rotting.
- Add drainage. Pour a layer of gravel on the bottom so that the roots do not rot.
- Fill with soil. It is best to use a mixture of compost, garden soil and peat (50/30/20).
Vintage beds are perfect for growing aromatic herbs (lavender, rosemary, basil), as well as flowers and decorative vegetables.
Tip. If the door has beautiful decor or carvings, leave it in pristine condition. Such a bed will become a real decoration of the site.
3. Recycled Plastic Containers for Raised Beds – Cheap & Effective!
Huge plastic containers are an easy and affordable way to make a raised bed. The main advantage is that they retain moisture, making them ideal for hot climates.
How to make a raised bed from a plastic container
- Choosing a container. Food plastic containers or old tanks are best suited.
- We make drainage holes. A simple step, but without it the roots will begin to rot. Drill holes in the bottom and sides.
- Add a layer of drainage. Pour gravel or expanded clay on the bottom.
- Fill with soil. It is best to use a mixture of coconut substrate, compost and garden soil (40/40/20).
What can be planted in containers? This is a great option for growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, salads and strawberries.
Tip. If the container is dark, wrap it in reflective tape to keep the roots from overheating.
4. Turn an Old Dresser into a Raised Garden Bed – Upcycle with Style!
An old dresser can easily be turned into a tiered raised bed. It’s beautiful and convenient as you can plant different plants at different levels.
How to make a bed from a chest of drawers
- Take an unnecessary dresser. Of course, it is better to have a wooden one (chipboard will quickly get wet).
- We remove the back wall. We leave only the frame and drawers.
- Make drainage. Drill holes in each box.
- Fill with soil. We use a mixture of garden soil, compost and vermiculite (50/40/10).
Such a dresser bed can be placed on the terrace or balcony. And in the center of the garden it will look like a real decorative element. To create a beautiful vertical area with flowers or greenery, place the bed near the house or the wall of a barn.
Strawberries, rosemary and basil can be planted in the upper dresser drawers. In the lower drawers you can plant parsley, dill, mint, cilantro and radishes.
5. Metal Tubs as Raised Beds – Durable, Stylish & Low Maintenance!
By the way, old metal tubs are also a great option for creating raised beds. They don’t rot, are easy to install and last for years.
How to make a bed from a tub
- Choose a tub. It is best to pick up a galvanized or enameled, without rust.
- We make drainage. Without it nowhere! Drill holes at the bottom (if there are none).
- Add a layer of stones. So that there is no stagnation of water.
- Fill with soil. Optimally use compost + garden soil (50/50).
In such a trough, tomatoes, basil, peppers, eggplants, flowers will grow perfectly.
Tip. The tubs is metal and very hot in the sun, so in hot climates it is better to put it in the shade.
6. How to Use Old Bricks for Raised Beds – A Long-Lasting Solution!
Brick is a great material for beds if you don’t feel like changing them every couple years. It’s durable, resistant to various weather conditions, and creates a beautiful, well-maintained look.
How to build a bed of bricks
- Choose a brick. Suitable red ceramic or concrete (not silicate!).
- Mark the place. To do this, draw the contour of the future bed.
- Lay the bricks. You can just put them on top of each other or fix them with mortar.
- Cover the bottom with geotextile. It is necessary in order that weeds do not break through.
- Fill with soil. Perfectly suitable compost + garden soil (60/40).
Such a bed is well suited for carrots, radishes, garlic, onions, cabbage.
Tip. If you want the bed to look decorative, use bricks of different colors or you can even create a patterned masonry.
7. Upcycle Concrete Blocks into Raised Garden Beds – Strong & Affordable!
Concrete blocks are one of the most durable materials for beds. They do not rot, do not require special care, withstand any weather conditions and last for decades. In addition, they are easy to find – at construction sites, at dismantling points, from acquaintances or even for free through advertisements.
How to make a bed from concrete blocks
- Marking the place. Define the boundaries of the future bed.
- Level the base. It is desirable to pour a sand cushion or a layer of crushed stone for stability.
- Lay the blocks. You can just put them on top of each other or fix them with mortar for greater strength. If the bed is higher than two rows, it is better to fix them.
- Cover the bottom with geotextile. This will protect the soil from weeds, but will not disturb the natural drainage.
- Fill the bed with soil. Optimal mixture: 60% compost, 30% garden soil, 10% sand.
- Fill the holes in the blocks. You can fill them with soil and plant spicy herbs, low-growing flowers or strawberries there.
Concrete bed is excellent for root vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes), herbs, onions, garlic, tomatoes, eggplants. Thanks to the solid walls, the soil holds heat longer, which speeds up plant growth.
Tip. To prevent the concrete from overheating in the sun, paint the blocks a light color. This will protect the roots of the plants from overheating.
8. DIY Raised Beds with Recycled Glass Bottles – A Unique Garden Idea!
Use glass bottles to create a unique bed. Such beds protect the soil from erosion and create a beautiful decorative border. Especially interesting looking beds from colored bottles, sunlight beautifully passes through the glass, creating a stained glass effect.
How to make a bed of bottles
- Collect glass bottles. Preferably the same size, so that the bed was even.
- Mark the contour. Determine where the bed will be, and dig a small trench.
- Dig in the bottles with the neck down. Compact the soil around them.
- Fill the space between the bottles with soil or sand. This will strengthen the structure.
- Fill the bed with soil. The optimal composition is 50% compost, 30% garden soil, 20% peat.
Ornamental flowers, salads, spicy herbs, low-growing vegetables are suitable for the bed.
Isn’t that a good idea? It’s free, because you can just save the bottles or collect them at the recycling center. Plus it is very beautiful – the bed gets a stylish and unusual look. And most importantly – it is environmentally friendly, because you create a useful and durable thing.
Tip. To make the construction stronger, bottles can be fastened together with mortar or concrete.
9. Transform Old Wooden Cabinets into Raised Beds – Creative & Functional!
If you’ve bought a new closet and don’t know where to put your old wooden cupboard, don’t rush to throw it away. You can adapt it for a deep raised bed, where you can grow root vegetables and even small shrubs.
How to make a bed out of a closet
- Take an old wooden cabinet. Chipboard is not suitable, as it will quickly get wet.
- Remove the doors. This will provide free access to plants and improve ventilation.
- Drill drainage holes at the bottom. Without this, water will stagnate and the soil will sour.
- Treat the wood with a protective coating. Linseed oil or a special moisture-resistant impregnation will extend the life of the cabinet.
- Layer the bottom with geotextile. This will prevent the soil from spilling and protect the cabinet from excess moisture.
- Fill the bed with soil. A mixture of 50% compost, 30% garden soil, 20% sand will provide plants with good growth.
In such a bed tomatoes, carrots, beets, bush beans, potatoes and herbs grow perfectly.
Here we are again giving a second life to old furniture, instead of throwing it into the landfill.
Tip. If the cabinet is tall, divide it into levels and create a vertical vegetable garden – convenient and beautiful!
10. Raised Beds from Recycled Tires – Strong, Cheap & Eco-Friendly!
Everyone has old tires, they are easy to find for free and can be used for decades. They protect plants from the wind, retain heat well and are ideal for tiered beds.
How to make a bed of tires
- Choose old tires. It is better without cord, so that there are no metal wires.
- Cut off the top part. This will increase the useful area.
- Make drainage holes. If the bed will stand on concrete.
- Lining the bottom with geotextile. In order to prevent the soil from washing out.
- Fill with soil. You can use compost + garden soil in the ratio (60/40).
Potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries will take root well on the beds of tires.
Tires are not afraid of moisture, frost and heat. They are convenient: you can make single beds or entire cascades for a vertical garden.
Tip. To keep the bed from overheating in the sun, paint the tires a light color.
11. Convert an Old Bathtub into a Raised Garden Bed – A Fun DIY!
If you have an old bathtub, it will make a great raised bed. It is a deep container in which you can grow tomatoes, eggplants and even shrubs.
How to make a bed from a bathtub
- Choose an old bathtub. Cast iron or acrylic.
- Check the drain hole. It must remain open for the water to drain.
- Add a layer of drainage. Spread expanded clay or gravel.
- Backfill with soil. It is best to use compost + garden soil (50/50).
In an old bathtub can grow well tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, herbs, berries. It looks unusual and beautiful, especially in a vintage garden.
Tip. To make the bed look stylish, set the tub on brick supports and decorate it with flowers.
12. How to Turn Old Bookshelves into Raised Beds – Easy & Stylish!
Old bookshelves can get a second life in the garden by becoming a convenient and stylish raised bed. They already have a ready-made frame, so they do not need to be assembled additionally.
How to make a bed of bookshelves
- Choose shelves. It is best to fit wooden ones, since chipboard will quickly get wet.
- Fix the design. If the shelves are narrow and high, it is better to fix them on the wall or dig support posts into the ground.
- Make drainage. Drill small holes in the bottom of each shelf so that water does not stagnate.
- Treat the wood. Coat it with natural oil or impregnation to protect it from moisture.
- Cover the front of the shelves. Nail wooden strips or stiff cloth to make drawers for the ground.
- Cover the bottom of each section with agrofiber or coconut matting to prevent the soil from washing out.
- Fill the shelves with soil. Optimal composition: 50% compost, 30% garden soil, 20% sand for good air permeability.
When watering, keep in mind that plants on the lower shelves will get moisture from the upper levels. On the upper shelves where there is more sun grow basil, thyme, strawberries. On the middle ones – spinach, lettuces, dill, parsley, and on the lower ones – mint, cilantro, radishes.
This bed will fit perfectly on the balcony, terrace or along the wall of the house. You can put it next to the kitchen and grow fresh herbs right at your fingertips.
13. Forget Expensive Raised Beds – Build One from Salvaged Materials!
If you don’t want to splurge, look around you! Construction debris, old boards, bricks, windows, bathtubs – all of these can be turned into unique, eco-friendly and free beds.
How to make a bed from handy materials
- Determine what you have. Boards, bricks, concrete blocks, an old closet? Anything will do!
- Construct a frame. Use old doors, wood paneling, or even metal pieces.
- Take care of the drainage system. Make holes or put down a layer of crushed stone.
- Protect the materials. Soak wood in linseed oil, paint metal, fix bricks with mortar.
- Fill with earth. The best option: compost + garden soil (50/50).
What to plant? It all depends on the depth of the bed:
- Shallow beds (15-20 cm) – great for greens (dill, parsley, salads), radishes, onions, cabbage.
- Medium (30-40 cm) – here you can plant tomatoes, eggplants, bush beans – they need more space for roots.
- Deep (50+ cm) – suitable for potatoes, carrots, beets and other root crops that need space to grow.
By giving materials a second life, you get space for creativity, make an unusual design and emphasize the style of your plot. And you don’t have to spend a fortune!
Tip. Use colorful materials (different bricks, boards, bottles) to create a unique design.
14. DIY Raised Bed from Recycled Fencing – Save Money & Go Green!
Old fence boards are great for beds because they are already cut, processed and ready to use. If you have leftover panels after repairing or dismantling your fence, don’t throw them away!
How to make a fence bed
Choosing fence boards. Wooden or metal ones will do.
Clean off the old paint. If there is toxic paint on the wood, it is better to remove it.
Assemble the frame. Fasten the boards with corners and self-tapping screws to make a box.
Treat against moisture. Wood is covered with linseed oil, metal is primed and painted.
Make drainage
- If the bed is on the ground. It is enough to loosen the soil beneath it so that the water drains away naturally.
- If the bed is on a hard surface (concrete, tiles). At the bottom we put 10 cm of drainage layer made of crushed stone, expanded clay or broken bricks.
Cover the bottom with geotextile. This will protect the soil from weeds and prevent soil leaching.
Fill the bed with soil. Optimal mixture: 60% compost, 40% garden soil.
A bed made of fence boards is perfect for tomatoes, cabbage, beans, herbs – it is convenient for plants to grow in a limited space, and the wood retains heat.
15. Use Old Windows as Covers for Raised Beds – Perfect for Frost Protection!
If you have early frosts in your region, old window frames come in handy. They can be used to make a greenhouse right on the bed, which retains heat and extends the planting season.
How to use old windows to protect beds
- Find old window frames. Wooden or plastic.
- Clean the glass. Check that it is without cracks.
- Place the frames over the bed. You can screw them on the hinges or just put them on top.
- Fix them for stability. If it is windy, put supports on the sides.
- Open in warm weather. So as not to overheat the plants.
What to cover? Such shelters are a great option for greens, tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, salads.
Thus, we have a bed turned into a mini-greenhouse, which is convenient for early and late plantings.
Tip. If the glass is too fragile, replace it with film or polycarbonate – it will not break, but will retain heat.
The second life of old things – and your garden will thank you!
As you can see, perfect materials for beds abound all around us – you just have to see them! Old doors, fences, bottles, bricks, even bathtubs and dressers can all be turned into unique, stylish and eco-friendly beds. And most importantly, you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money on bought structures that you’ll have to replace in a couple of years.
Why is it important? Obviously, it’s about saving money – the more we use recycled materials, the less we spend. Secondly, it’s caring for nature – you’re not just creating a bed, you’re saving materials from landfill. And the most important thing is creativity, because such beds make the garden unique and alive.
Which of these ideas do you already want to try? Share your thoughts – it’s always interesting to see what unusual beds will appear in new gardens!
