Creating a raised garden bed can be a rewarding project, especially when you consider the vast array of upcycled options available. Repurposing everyday items not only saves money but also adds character and uniqueness to your gardening space.
This guide explores 20 innovative alternatives for your raised garden bed needs, using items that might be lying around your home or are easy to acquire. From rustic barrels to sleek bathtubs, these creative ideas will inspire you to cultivate a thriving container garden with style and sustainability.
1. Wine Barrels
Imagine transforming an old wine barrel into a charming garden feature. These barrels, when cut in half, make perfect containers for herbs and small plants. The wood’s natural insulation helps maintain soil temperature, benefiting your plants’ growth. With a little effort, you can repurpose these into an eye-catching garden centerpiece.
As you fill them with nutrient-rich soil, consider planting herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley. The round shape of the barrel adds a rustic appeal, making it an excellent choice for both decorative and practical gardening purposes.
2. Old Bathtubs
Consider giving an old bathtub a new lease of life by turning it into a raised garden bed. The depth and size are perfect for larger plants or a small vegetable garden. These bathtubs provide excellent drainage and can hold a significant amount of soil.
Positioning them in a sunny spot ensures that your plants receive the necessary light. Fill the tub with a mix of compost and topsoil to create a fertile environment. This not only recycles the tub but also adds an artistic flair to your garden space.
3. Tires
Container gardening can be both practical and creative with repurposed materials. Old tires, when stacked, create a multi-level raised bed ideal for flowers or vegetables. Adding a fresh coat of vibrant paint makes them even more eye-catching.
Besides being cost-effective, using tires helps reduce waste and repurpose materials that are otherwise difficult to dispose of. Fill each layer with soil, and you’ll have a unique and functional garden bed. Ensure to puncture holes for drainage and avoid using tires where edible plants might absorb toxins.
4. Wooden Pallets
A vertical garden can be both stylish and space-saving with the right materials. Wooden pallets, when stacked or arranged creatively, provide the perfect structure for growing a variety of plants. Their slatted design ensures great drainage, making them ideal for succulents or herbs.
Mounting them vertically also saves space, a perfect solution for smaller gardens or balconies. Secure the pallet to a sturdy support, fill it with soil, and plant your chosen greenery. This method not only saves space but also transforms unused vertical areas into lush, blooming gardens.
5. Metal Troughs
Durable and weather-resistant, these containers make excellent raised beds. Metal troughs, originally used for livestock, offer ample depth for deep-rooted plants and bring a sleek, modern touch to any garden.
Place them in a well-lit area and fill with a nutrient-rich soil mix. The galvanised metal provides a modern industrial look that contrasts beautifully with vibrant plants. Regular watering and occasional fertilizing will keep your plants thriving in this unconventional yet effective garden bed alternative.
6. Shipping Crates
Sturdy and spacious, these containers are perfect for raised garden beds. Shipping crates provide ample room for growing vegetables and flowers while adding a rustic touch to your garden.
To prepare a crate, line the bottom with landscape fabric to prevent soil loss. Fill it with a suitable soil mixture and start planting. They can be stacked or placed side by side, creating a modular garden design. This eco-friendly option not only utilizes reclaimed wood but also allows for easy customization in your gardening setup.
7. Concrete Blocks
A sturdy and customizable option for raised garden beds, these materials allow for flexible designs. Concrete blocks can be arranged into rectangles or squares to create strong borders, while their hollow centers offer extra planting space.
Fill the holes with soil and plant smaller flowers or herbs for a unique display. Their durability ensures a long-lasting structure, and you can adjust the size easily by adding or removing blocks. This method is particularly suitable for urban gardens, where space might be limited but creativity isn’t.
8. Old Canoes
An unexpected yet practical choice for a raised garden bed, this repurposed item offers plenty of planting space. Old canoes, with their length and depth, accommodate a variety of flowers or vegetables. Just place them in a sunny spot and start planting.
Filling it with soil creates a distinctive garden feature that becomes a conversation starter. The canoe’s unique shape can be used to create visual interest in larger garden spaces, offering both an aesthetic and functional gardening solution. This is perfect for gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy to their landscape.
9. Wicker Baskets
A rustic and charming option for garden containers, these pieces offer both style and function. Large wicker baskets provide excellent air circulation and drainage, making them perfect for flowering plants.
Line the inside with a plastic liner to prevent soil from escaping and fill with a quality compost mix. Place them around your garden to add texture and interest. These baskets are easily moved, allowing you to rearrange your garden layout as needed. This approach not only repurposes old baskets but also introduces a natural, rustic element to your garden.
10. Gutters
A space-saving solution for small plants, these repurposed materials work perfectly for vertical gardening. Old rain gutters, when mounted on a wall or fence, create an efficient and stylish way to grow herbs and greenery.
Their length allows for multiple plantings, and proper drainage can be ensured by drilling small holes. Fill them with soil and plant shallow-rooted species. This arrangement is perfect for maximizing small spaces, turning unused vertical areas into productive green strips. It’s a creative way to reuse materials and add a green touch to your outdoor decor.
11. Plastic Storage Bins
A lightweight and durable option for container gardening, these repurposed items are easy to move and manage. Plastic storage bins provide ample space for growing a variety of plants while offering convenience with built-in handles.
Drill drainage holes at the bottom, fill with a potting soil mix, and plant your favorite herbs or flowers. Their flexibility allows you to experiment with different plant arrangements and easily reposition them to follow the sun’s path. This budget-friendly solution is ideal for urban gardeners who need adaptable and efficient gardening containers.
12. Old Drawers
A quirky and creative choice for garden planters, these repurposed items add charm to any space. Old drawers, with their flat surfaces and moderate depth, are perfect for flowers or small herbs. A fresh coat of paint makes them even more eye-catching.
Line the bottom with a plastic sheet to retain moisture and fill with soil. Arrange them in a cascading fashion or stack for a tiered effect. This project not only repurposes furniture but also adds a distinct character to your garden, inviting curiosity and delight from visitors.
13. Galvanized Buckets
A classic and durable option for rustic garden planters, these containers withstand the elements with ease. Galvanized buckets are perfect for growing flowers, herbs, or small vegetables while adding a vintage touch to your garden.
Drill drainage holes at the bottom and fill with a mixture of soil and compost. These buckets are easy to move around, allowing you to change your garden layout as desired. Their metallic shine adds a quaint charm, blending well with both modern and traditional garden designs. This method offers a simple yet effective way to enhance your gardening experience.
14. Laundry Baskets
A unique and practical choice for container gardening, these repurposed items offer great airflow. Laundry baskets, with their woven design, ensure excellent drainage and support healthy plant growth.
Line the interior with a fabric liner to hold the soil and plant shallow-rooted vegetables or flowers. These baskets are lightweight and easily movable, making them suitable for seasonal repositioning. Utilizing old baskets not only reduces waste but also adds an unconventional element to your garden space, proving that almost any household item can serve a new purpose with a bit of creativity.
15. Old Birdbaths
A charming way to repurpose garden decor, these containers make perfect miniature gardens. Old birdbaths, with their shallow basins, are ideal for mosses, small flowers, or succulents, adding a whimsical touch to any space.
Fill the basin with a light soil mix and arrange your plants to mimic a miniature landscape. Adding small decorative elements like pebbles or figurines enhances the magical appearance. This repurposing not only breathes new life into unused garden ornaments but also creates a charming focal point for visitors to admire. It’s a delightful way to get creative with limited space.
16. Wooden Wine Crates
A rustic and charming alternative to traditional planters, these sturdy containers are perfect for small herbs and flowers. Wooden wine crates come in various sizes and add a vintage touch to any garden.
To prepare your crate for planting, line it with a burlap sack to retain soil while allowing excess water to drain. Fill it with a suitable potting mix, and you’re ready to plant. This setup not only adds a touch of elegance to your gardening space but also promotes recycling.
17. Railroad Ties
A durable and long-lasting option for garden bed borders, these materials provide structure and definition. Old railroad ties help create sturdy garden areas, but it’s best to use untreated ones to avoid chemical leaching into the soil.
These ties can be stacked or arranged to form any shape, providing a rustic charm to your garden. They are particularly useful for creating raised beds and pathways, adding both function and style. This repurposing offers a sustainable way to build a garden framework that supports vigorous plant growth.
18. Old Sinks
A creative and functional choice for garden planters, these repurposed items offer excellent drainage. Old sinks, when placed on a sturdy base and filled with rich soil, make unique containers for a variety of plants.
Plant flowers or herbs for a colorful display. This unexpected use of an everyday item adds a quirky and artistic touch to your garden. It’s an excellent way to recycle outdated fixtures, creating a memorable garden piece that visitors will admire. The sink’s unique structure allows for creative planting arrangements, enhancing your garden’s visual appeal.
19. Milk Crates
A practical and modular option for gardening, these stackable containers offer versatility. Milk crates are perfect for growing herbs, small vegetables, or flowers while allowing for easy customization and airflow.
Line the inside with fabric to contain the soil and ensure proper drainage. This setup is particularly beneficial for urban gardens, where space is at a premium. The crates’ lightweight and movable design make them a practical option for those looking to create a dynamic and changeable garden layout. Their structured form offers both functionality and creative potential in limited spaces.
20. Old Boats
Transforming old boats into garden beds creates a stunning and nautical-themed garden feature. Their large size and capacity make them perfect for a variety of plantings.
Position the boat in a sunny location and fill it with nutrient-rich soil. You can plant flowers, herbs, or even small shrubs, creating a diverse garden display. This imaginative use not only repurposes old vessels but also adds a unique thematic element to your garden, capturing the imagination of all who see it. It’s an adventurous way to expand your gardening options.