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Read More June 16, 2016 | Blain's Farm & FleetHow to Make a Pallet Raised Garden Bed
Thinking about starting your own garden? A pallet raised garden bed is an excellent choice for new or experienced gardeners, especially if you’re short on space. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a great way to repurpose old wooden pallets. Plus, it’s simple to build and will add a little rustic charm to your yard!
This step-by-step guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet will walk you through the entire process to create your own DIY pallet raised garden bed. We’d like to give a special shoutout to our first Be an Original Giveaway winner for this great idea!
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials and tools:
- Wooden pallets (avoid chemical-treated wood)
- Hammer or pry bar
- Saw
- Power sander or sandpaper
- Landscape fabric
- Drill or screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Potting soil
- Screws or nails
- Plants or seeds of your choice
Shop Supplies
Tip: Check with local businesses or warehouses for free pallets. Make sure to inspect them for structural integrity and any signs of pests or contamination before using.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Decide on a Size and Location
Decide on the dimensions of your garden bed based on the available space in your yard. Measure your pallets, and sketch out how you’ll arrange them. A standard pallet can work as a base, but you can also cut pallets to fit a unique size.
Choose a sunny spot with flat ground for your garden bed. Most vegetables and flowers need at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pallets
Pick pallets that are sturdy and heat-treated. They should be marked with an “HT” stamp, meaning they are safe to use and haven’t been treated with harmful chemicals. Avoid pallets with “MB” stamps, as they’ve been treated with harmful chemicals.
Once you’ve chosen your pallets, sand down any rough edges to prevent splinters, and remove any old nails or staples.
Step 3: Build the Frame
Using whole pallets or pieces, assemble your garden bed. If you’ve opted to create custom-sized pieces of wood, you’ll need to break down the pallets first. Wearing safety gloves and glasses, use a claw hammer or pry bar to carefully disassemble the slats. Once separated, cut the wood to match your planned sizes for your garden bed’s sides and base.
Arrange your wood in a rectangle or square shape, and secure each corner with screws and a drill. If you’d like taller sides, stack pallets.
Step 4: Line the Bottom
Place a layer of landscape fabric at the base of the garden bed. This prevents weeds from growing up into your garden while keeping soil in place. If you’d like, you can lay gravel or stones beneath the liner to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Step 5: Add Soil and Plants
Fill the bed with nutrient-rich soil, leaving about two inches of space from the top edge. Then, plant your seeds or seedlings according to the instructions provided for each plant type. Water them thoroughly.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your pallet raised garden bed thriving, regular maintenance is key. Here’s how to care for it:
- Water Regularly: Raised beds dry out faster than traditional gardens. Check the soil frequently, especially during hot weather.
- Replenish Soil Nutrients: Add compost or organic fertilizer every season to enrich your soil.
- Weed Control: While the landscape fabric helps, weeds can still appear. Remove them as soon as they sprout.
- Inspect for Damage: Periodically check the wooden pallets for signs of wear or rotting, and replace any damaged pieces. Also tighten any screws or nails that might have loosened.
Building a pallet raised garden bed is a simple, rewarding project that gives back for years to come. Once it’s done, not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of building something with your own hands. But you’ll also reap the benefits of homegrown food or flowers.
Shop Gardening Essentials
For more how-to guides like this one, check out our other Gardening articles.
