Learn How to Build Raised Garden Beds from Wood Pallets on a budget with our step by step tutorial for fresh homegrown vegetables!
Creating raised garden beds can be easy and less expensive than you think by using wooden pallets. I was on a mission to create a garden in my backyard to have fresh herbs and veggies again but when I added up the total amount in supplies I needed it was way above my budget. After trying to figure a way to cut costs I was able to find someone online giving away a bunch of free wooden pallets in good condition.
This was the answer to my solution and the best part was it was free. The hard part was probably cutting the wood pallets apart but with a few cuts and assembling the boxes were complete and seeds were planted. Now just wait for everything to grow so we can eat and enjoy!
If you are new to raised bed gardening I would suggest reading this Raised Bed Gardening Tutorial first so you know how to care for them and such. And if you’re short on space try this idea of growing tomatoes in 5 gallon buckets. It’s a great space saving solution with a delicious outcome!
Supplies Needed
Wooden pallets in good condition
Reciprocating saw
Plastic big enough for inside the garden bed
Potting soil
Nail gun
Nails for nail gun
Live plants or seeds
Garden shovel
Garden markers
How to Build a Raised Garden from Wood Pallets
Don’t try to pry apart the pallets and it can damage or crack the wood making it unable to use. Instead break down the pallets by using a reciprocating saw to cut through the nails to make them into planks.
Build side panels with the full length boards using the 2×4’s to connect corners staggering to more rigid.
Cut 2 of the 4 foot length boards for the ends and attach ends completing the rectangle.
Put plastic liner inside the box to keep grass and weeds from coming through and fill with potting soil. We used Barnyard Cafe compost from a local supplier that has manure & bedding from a hog barn, coffee grounds, yard trimmings & paper. It’s great for flowers, vegetables and anything else that grows. It was a lot less expensive at only $35 per cubic yard compared to buying bags of potting soil which would of cost us $80-$90.
Plant seeds or live plants using a garden shovel and place a garden marker in front of each one so you know what they are and watch them grow!
How to Build Raised Garden Beds from Wood Pallets
Equipment
- Reciprocating saw
- Nail gun
- Garden shovel
Materials
- Wooden pallets in good condition
- Plastic big enough for inside the garden bed
- Potting soil
- Nails for nail gun
- Live plants or seeds
- Garden markers
Instructions
- Don't try to pry apart the pallets and it can damage or crack the wood making it unable to use. Instead break down the pallets by using a reciprocating saw to cut through the nails to make them into planks.
- Build side panels with the full length boards using the 2x4's to connect corners staggering to more rigid. Cut 2 of the 4 foot length boards for the ends and attach ends completing the rectangle.
- Put plastic liner inside the box to keep grass and weeds from coming through and fill with potting soil. We used Barnyard Cafe compost from a local supplier that has manure & bedding from a hog barn, coffee grounds, yard trimmings & paper. It's great for flowers, vegetables and anything else that grows. It was a lot less expensive at only $35 per cubic yard compared to buying bags of potting soil which would of cost us $80-$90.
- Plant seeds or live plants using a garden shovel and place a garden marker in front of each one so you know what they are and watch them grow!
If you’re looking for more gardening articles, check them out here!
KC
How many pallets did you use per bed?
Alison
One pallet per bed