A building project for your own raised garden bed DIY is probably the best solution for some very important reasons:
- You can save a lot of money
- You can make it look just the way you want
- You can make it any size
- You can build it yourself of hire a local contractor
- You can make it match your surroundings
- You can make it portable
And I'm sure after watching this video and reading the article there will be even more things that come to mind. After all, what better way to impress family, friends and neighbors than to show off a unique garden bed project.
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Raised Garden Construction
With some ideas from here and what's in your mind about the end result, you are ready to begin construction of your own raised garden containers. One of the most important details of your unique project is what materials you will use to build with. Here's some choices to consider:
- Pine or cedar wood fence planks could work well, and the pine are especially cheap. But remember that pine will rot in just a few seasons, and cedar is quite a bit more expensive. Also these fence planks are thin, so they could be a bit flimsy.
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There is no end to the types of raised garden bed ideas you can create. Just match your space and the way you want it to work. Don't forget to make it comfortable to use. 
Deck lumber is a favorite construction material of mine because the 5/4 thickness gives some real strength. It used to be taboo for garden projects because pressure treated lumber was treated with arsenic. Due to concerns the processes have changed. Tags listing appropriate end-use categories are now stapled to the ends of the boards. For instance, wood labeled “Decking” is treated to a lower (and consequently less expensive) level of protection than wood labeled simply “For Above Ground Use.” The type of preservative is also listed on the tag.
- Plywood can work well but is also pretty expensive if you get something that will last. The same treated lumber is available in plywood as is in dimensional lumber, so ask the sales clerk about the chemicals in the wood before deciding.
- Corrugated tin looks pretty cool and lasts a long time. Also you may be able to find some used tin from a demolished building that will work fine for this project.
- Decking material now comes in synthetic plastic type products. You can screw it together with deck screws and it will probably last a lifetime and hold it's color well. It is really expensive to use, though.
No matter what materials you settle on the general construction will be the same. Just make sure the lumber and fasteners are compatible, since screws or nails can corrode quickly by electrolysis if improperly matched. Just ask your sales rep at purchase.
Raised Garden Design Ideas
Although the above video shows the U-Shaped raised garden bed planter, it's popularity doesn't mean it's the only good design. The only real consideration in my opinion is that you can work it easily and reach every area for weeding and harvest.
This garden will be built for you, so consider whether you are short or tall and adjust the height accordingly. If you are short and decide to make it at a taller height, you can always use a platform to work comfortably. If you are tall you won't be wanting to bend over all the time and suffer from a sore back.
Raised garden bed on wheels is a popular design because you can move your plants around easily when they need sun, shade or protection from weather and wind. Wheelbarrows, wagons and carts can easily be retrofitted to work well. There are also quite a few pre-fab designs to choose from.
Raised garden containers can also be made from things you already have around, or even junk. Think old washing machines, stock tanks, washtubs, boats or canoes, and wooden packing crates. Keep an eye out at auctions for cool things to make a garden out of.
Raised garden drainage and your ability to keep it watered are real considerations. Soil and plants can dry out quickly without regular watering, and the holes for drainage can plug up leaving your garden drowning after a big rain. Just keep your eye on what's happening with your raised bed garden and be ready to fix the problem quickly.
Raised garden construction plans are available online, but honestly if you just watch these videos and talk it over with your handyman, you'll probably be able to build this project with no problems.
