8 Genius DIY Raised Garden Bed Ideas

Lobster Trap Vertical Garden

For gardeners seeking a fun and unique vertical planter with a coastal twist, Melissa Keyser, content and creative specialist at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, recommends looking no further than a lobster trap. “Ubiquitous to Maine, these rectangular cages arranged vertically make ideal containers for easy tending and harvesting in both sitting and standing positions, allowing people of all abilities to enjoy gardening and connect with plants.”

Keyser notes that at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, they select various beautiful plants and arrange them in eye-catching patterns. Try to adopt a similar approach when creating your vertical bed, as a vertical garden serves as a focal point in your garden. “To ensure these gardens thrive, we place sun-loving plants like succulents and herbs on the south-facing side, while the back side is planted with plants that thrive best in part shade, like begonias,” she says. 

Rough Cut Hemlock Raised Bed

Wooden raised beds are a popular and affordable choice for gardening. Mary Turner, a master gardener and owner of Salt Farm Flowers, recommends using rough-cut hemlock as a cost-effective material that can be sourced from a local mill or lumberyard. Although it is not as rot-resistant as cedar, hemlock is known for its durability and can last several years.

To keep her garden simple, Turner focuses on the essentials. She uses trellising materials for climbing crops, such as snap peas, pole beans, and cucumbers. Additionally, she plants parsley in the corners of her raised beds to fill them out and add variety.

Wine Bottle Garden Bed

A wine bottle raised bed is a creative and sustainable way to garden that requires no digging. To start, gather enough bottles to form the shape of the bed you want. Next, stack the bottles evenly to achieve your desired height. You can fill the bottles with water to give the bed additional stability. Finally, fill the raised bed with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and begin planting.

Galvanized Trough

You can find galvanized troughs at various retailers that specialize in farm, ranch, and livestock supplies. Facebook Marketplace and local consignment shops are also excellent places to look. Emily Scott, the owner of Scott Farm in Maine, advises that holes should be drilled into the bottom of the troughs to ensure proper drainage. Due to the size of the trough, Scott recommends starting with a layer of rocks at the bottom, followed by a layer of manure, and then adding soil on top.

Rock Garden Bed

Creating a raised garden bed from rocks adds a beautiful touch to your yard while providing an excellent space for growing plants. This easy DIY project allows for creativity, as you can design the bed to enjoy full sun or shade based on your plant choices. If you have rocks on your property, gather and arrange them to form your bed; alternatively, you can purchase them from a local landscaping store. Once your rocks are set in the shape and size you like, clear the area of grass and amend the soil. Now, you’re ready to cultivate a low-maintenance, aesthetic garden.

Cut Flower Rasied Bed

Christina Koether, a flower farmer and garden designer, prepares raised beds for her clients using untreated cedar or Douglas fir. She typically constructs beds that measure 4 feet by 12 feet, but for shorter individuals, she sometimes recommends a size of 3 feet by 12 feet. This smaller size makes it easier to reach the middle of the bed. To grow tulips in the spring, as Koether did here, plant the bulbs in the fall and cover the bed with straw. Seed the bed in the spring or early summer.

Tire Garden Bed

Transform an old car tire into a beautiful garden bed. Choose a sunny spot, fill the tire with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, and plant your favorite flowers or vegetables. To prevent weeds, lay down cardboard before adding soil. This movable garden bed is ideal for adding character to your growing space. If you don’t have a spare tire to use, check local scrap yards or tire stores.

Terraced Garden Bed

If your property features a sloped landscape, creating a terrace garden can transform it into a beautiful and functional outdoor space. The process is relatively simple: start by building retaining walls using materials such as wood, stone, or brick. Next, backfill behind the retaining walls with soil, and you’ll be ready to plant. These terraces can be used to grow shrubs, vegetables, and flowers. A terraced garden bed allows you to easily stroll through your garden and enjoy the fruits of your labor.