Last year was our first foray into making a raised bed garden. We learned a lot. This year we made a longer bed and obviously improved upon last year’s design.
Here we show you how to make raised garden beds if you are on a budget.
A Quick History and Science Lesson
If there is one thing we have learned worldwide this year, it’s that we might want to try and provide some food for our family on our own. Back during World War I and II, people planted ‘Victory Gardens’ to reduce the demand on the food supply. As a result, it helped produce 41 percent of the consumed vegetable produce in the nation! People felt empowered that they created their own garden and produce. Gardening does just that! It makes you feel accomplished. Getting your hands in the dirt is a great way to help improve your mental health as well. As you dig in your garden, you stir up microbes. These microbes in the air stimulate serotonin production which makes you feel happier and more relaxed. You probably have a lot of time on your hands right now. Why not construct your own garden.
The Materials and Design
I wanted my garden to be artistic, but practical and easy on my body. Raised beds are great for alleviating crouching, bending, etc. Also, I wanted to save money building my garden beds. We decided since we had FREE pallets available to us we would go that route. I chose not to use pressure treated lumber, just to be on the safe side. My husband just needed to use his sawzall to take them apart and then cut them down to size. The first ones we designed were somewhat in an L – shape and each one faced each other open like Pac Man or Tetris blocks. I think this design was more for practicality of space. This year I decided to do another one but longer. Next year, I’d like to add one last bed, possibly for watermelon and pumpkins.
The Construction
Bear with us as we are learning the techniques of making videos. I should have filmed it in ‘landscape’. My apologies. Here is a video of my husband explaining how he went about constructed our latest raised bed this Spring.
The Bottom Line
So you might be asking yourself, ok, how much is this going to end up costing me? Well, it depends if you can get your pallets free. Most pallets are free in my area. The screws are about $10 a box. If you have the bigger tools and chalkline you are ready to go. If not, check around to see if any of your friends do or are willing to help you.
Cheers to Summer and gardening season!
Do you have a garden? Have you constructed your own raised garden beds? Let me know down in the comments!
Have a great week,
My humble beginnings…
