Gardeners in Australia love raised garden beds. Over the years, they have become extremely popular. I was a little hesitant to add a raised bed to my garden, but I am so glad I did.
My plants are bigger and healthier. If you are interested in learning more about raised garden beds, you have come to the right place. Below is helpful information for planning your bed as well as 21 raised garden bed ideas.
What is a Raised Garden Bed?
A raised garden bed is a type of garden structure where the soil is raised above ground level. The garden bed is contained within a frame. The frame can be made of various materials such as wood, stone, concrete, and even recycled plastic.
Raised beds are typically several inches to 30 cm or more above the surrounding soil. They can be constructed in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any space and style.
Raised garden beds are a favourite among gardeners because they allow for improved drainage and easier access. They can be used for growing a wide variety of plants, including flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs.
There are several advantages of raised garden beds over traditional in-ground gardens. Raised beds provide better soil drainage, improved soil quality, reduced weed growth, and easier access for gardeners with physical limitations.
They also have a tendency to warm up faster in the spring, allowing for earlier planting.
Check out our buying guide for the best raised garden beds in Australia for 2023.
Benefits of Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds are a popular and effective way to grow plants and beautify your yard. The structures offer many benefits that traditional gardens do not. Below are a few facts about raised garden beds that make them a great choice.
Improved Soil Quality
One of the most important benefits of raised garden beds is improved soil quality. You get to choose what type of soil is placed in the bed. Fill them with a custom blend, compost, and other organic materials. Customise the soil to create the ideal growing environment for your plants.
Better Drainage
Since raised garden beds are elevated above the ground, they have better drainage. By being raised, excess water can drain away more easily, preventing waterlogged soil. Soil that is too wet can harm plants' roots.
Using a well-draining soil mix will allow water to flow freely while keeping enough moisture to maintain your plants’ health.Fewer Weeds
We all hate weeding. With a raised garden bed, you will not have to weed as often. The elevated soil level and contained space make it harder for weeds to take root and grow. With a raised bed, weeds are also easier to spot and remove before they take over.
A Longer Growing Season
In the Spring, raised garden beds can warm up faster than traditional in-ground gardens. This allows for earlier planting of cool-season crops. They also extend the growing season into the fall since the raised soil can retain heat.
Accessibility
There are many gardeners that have a hard time bending over or getting up off the ground. For gardeners with physical limitations, raised garden beds can make gardening more accessible.
Since the soil level is raised, there's less bending required. There are many raised garden bed ideas that are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.Pest Control
Raised garden beds can make it easier to monitor your plants and control pests. You can add natural pesticides to the soil and protective barriers like netting if needed.
Planning for Your Raised Garden Bed
Planning is an essential step when it comes to creating your raised garden bed. Below are some important things you must consider when planning a successful garden.
1. Choose a Location
Where do you want to put the raised garden bed? The first step in deciding where you want to put the bed. You will want to choose a suitable location. Find a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. You will also want an area that has easy access to water. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding.
2. Determine the Size
How much space do you need? Consider how many plants you want to grow and the amount of space you have available.
3. What Shape Do You Want
Raised garden beds can be any shape. The most common raised garden bed shapes are rectangular and square shapes. However, there are many raised garden ideas that have other shapes.
4. Materials Available
Raised garden bed ideas use a wide variety of materials. Of course, you should choose a material that you like. But you also need to use a material that is readily available. Raised garden beds can be constructed of wood, stone, brick, or plastic. When choosing the material, take into consideration the aesthetics, durability, and cost of each option.
5. Choose the Right Soil
Before you fill the raised garden bed up, know what you will be planting. Choose a soil that will help your plants thrive. Ideally, you will want well-draining soil that still holds moisture. A combination of two-parts topsoil to one-part compost is often recommended. Commercial potting soil may also be a good choice for you.
6. Look at Garden Bed Ideas
Are you having a hard time deciding exactly what you want? Look at garden bed ideas. There are so many different garden bed ideas to get inspired by. Once you have an idea, create your own design or copy some of the garden bed ideas you found. There is nothing wrong with replicating someone else’s design.
21 Wonderful Garden Bed Ideas
Raised garden beds are a popular choice for gardeners in Australia. They are perfect for those who want to grow plants in a limited space. Or for those who want better soil quality and drainage. Here are 21 raised garden bed ideas to inspire you.
1. Make a Garden Box
Do you enjoy woodworking? If so, you can make a raised garden box in a single afternoon. Garden boxes are easy to build, and they look neat and tidy. All you need is some wood, screws, a tape measure, and a mitre saw.
2. Corrugated Metal and Wood Frame
Follow along with this step-by-step guide to learn how to build a raised flower. The designer recommends using corrugated metal and untreated cedar wood, These materials make the raised bed durable, rust resistant, and rot resistant. The size and shape of the bed can be customised to fit your available space and needs.
3. DIY Wagon Wheel Raised Flower Bed
Source: homebnc.com
Use a wagon wheel to create a unique raised garden bed. This is one of the most inventive and unique garden bed ideas I have seen. The wagon wheel will add a rustic design to your garden. It is a fun choice for farmhouses and ranches. If you do not have an old wagon wheel lying around, you can often find them at a farm supply store.
4. Create a Spiral Raised Garden Bed
Spiral raised garden bed ideas are a space-saving solution for gardeners with limited space. They are visually appealing and practical. You can construct spiral beds from a variety of materials, such as wood, stones, and bricks. The spiral shape allows for good drainage, which helps prevent water pooling and promotes healthy root growth.
5. Install it Along Your Fence
Building your raised garden beds along the length of your fence can add visual interest and create a structured look. The beds will also maximise your growing space by using an area of your yard that would have gone unused. The fence can also help protect the plants from pets and wind.
6. Recycle Those Old Pallets
In Australia, wood pallets are often readily available. You can frequently find them for free or at a low cost. Pallets are a great choice for raised beds because they are durable and are designed to withstand weight.
They can also withstand nature’s elements and will last for several growing seasons.
Also read: Pallet Recycling Ideas for the Garden
7. Add Legs to a Raised Garden Bed
Raised garden bed on legs have many benefits for gardeners. They are convenient and more comfortable to use. And since the bed does not extend all the way to the ground, you will not use as much soil. Being on legs also makes gardening easier and more enjoyable. Furthermore, adding legs to a raised garden bed makes gardening more accessible and manageable for individuals who use wheelchairs.
8. Build a Concrete Raised Garden Bed
Do you work with concrete? If you know the basics of forming and pouring concrete, you can create permanent walls. Using poured concrete walls for a raised garden bed will provide a strong, stable, and durable structure that requires minimal maintenance. They are also more visually appealing than some of the other garden bed ideas.
9. Make a U-Shaped Raised Bed
U-shapes are often considered to be one of the best shapes for raised garden bed ideas. The design allows you to access all parts of the garden without having to step inside. They are also visually appealing and can be placed against a fence to save space. This free tutorial will take you through making a safe and sturdy bed.
10. Cinder Block Raised Garden Bed
Using cinder blocks for raised garden beds can be a great option for gardeners looking for a durable and customisable option. Cinder blocks are designed to withstand the elements, are readily available, and will stay in place. Cinder blocks are also less likely to attract pests than wooded garden beds.
11. DIY Raised Garden Bed with Landscaping Timbers
Landscaping timbers make great raised garden bed walls. They are durable, easy to work with, cost-effective, and versatile. They can be a wonderful choice for gardeners looking to create a natural, rustic look to a garden bed. Landscaping timbers are made from durable materials such as cedar or pressure-treated pine. They will last for years because they are resistant to rot and decay.
12. Upcycle a Wooden Wine Box
Using a wine box for a raised flower bed is a creative and eco-friendly way to repurpose an old wine box. It is one of my favourite garden bed ideas for patios. It is unique, charming, and perfect for anyone that likes to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine.
13. Whisky and Wine Barrel as Raised Flower Beds
Using a wine box for a raised flower bed is a creative and eco-friendly way to repurpose an old wine box. It is one of my favourite garden bed ideas for patios. It is unique, charming, and perfect for anyone that likes to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine.
14. Raised Bed Garden with Landscape Blocks
Creating raised garden beds using landscape blocks is a straightforward and cost-effective option. The raised garden beds will not only make gardening easier, but it will improve the look of your outdoor space. Retaining wall blocks are made from durable materials, such as concrete or stone. They are designed to be durable and withstand nature’s elements.
15. Covered Garden Bed
You can turn your covered garden into a greenhouse. By utilizing a detachable covering, you can extend your growing season, giving you greater flexibility in your growing season. Additionally, the cover can serve as a protective barrier, shielding your plants from Australia's inclement weather. When the weather is favorable, the cover can be easily removed.
16. Tire Flower Beds
Source: jigidi.com
Create a colourful, stacked garden bed using old, discarded tires. Instead of disposing of tires in landfills, put them to use. To create a tire flower bed, start by collecting old tires and cleaning them. Next, paint them using fun, bright colours. Then fill them with your growing medium of choice.
17. Attach Garden Bed to Your Deck
Attaching your raised garden bed to your deck can be a convenient, space-saving, and visually appealing option. It will also help you make the most of your outdoor space. Having your garden attached to your deck will also make it more convenient to access and tend to your plants.
18. Portable Raised Garden Bed
Portable raised garden bed ideas are practical and versatile. They are ideal for people who have limited space or live in rented or temporary accommodation. Portable beds can be placed almost anywhere, including decks and patios. During cold spells, the beds can also be taken inside.
19. Vintage Bathtub Garden Bed
Raised garden beds in vintage bathtubs are a fun, artistic choice for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts. The bathtubs have a unique look that creates a conversation piece. Using an old tub is also a practical way to repurpose old materials and add a touch of whimsy to your space.
20. Use a Kiddie Pool
Younger children love kiddie pools, but they grow out of them quickly. So, what can you do with an old kiddie pool? Here is another one of the out-of-the-box garden bed ideas. Simply poke several holes in the base for drainage, fill it up with good soil, and add your plants. You can also install a wire fence to help keep out critters.
21. Garden Enclosure
Protect your plants and raised garden with a garden enclosure. A garden enclosure can help you maximise your gardening efforts. It will give you the ability to control growing conditions and protect your plants from pests and weather. This can lead to increased yields and healthier plants.
Related article: How to Build a Keyhole Garden
Use these Raised Garden Bed Ideas to Take Your Garden To A New Height
Gardeners love raised garden beds because they offer numerous advantages over traditional in-ground gardens. With a raised bed you can improve oil quality while having better drainage, reduce weed growth, and extend growing seasons.
Raised garden beds can offer a versatile and rewarding gardening experience. They can be appreciated by both experienced gardeners and beginners alike. No matter which of the garden bed ideas you choose, you can expect to have an easier and more productive gardening experience.
Published on December 11, 2023 by Maisie Blevins
Last Updated on December 16, 2023
