Should You Build Your Own Garden Bed, or Buy a Kit?

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Garden Bed on the edge of the water

Last Updated on April 27, 2017

Want to get outside this summer and enjoy your garden?

Looking for a way to make your garden look nice, neat and organised?

Don’t want to bend down and get your knees dirty when gardening?

If you have answered yes to any or all of these questions then it’s time to raise your garden up with a raised bed. But what is the best way to go about it?

Should you build your own, or buy a kit?

There are some obvious differences like sizes, generally… what is the best bang for your garden?

Why Use a Ready-to- Go Kit?

Garden Bed herbs growing

Image product link: https://www.amazon.com/Greenes-Tiered-Cedar-Raised-Garden/dp/B00C3MJMO8

Although you still do build them yourself, raised bed garden kits offer quite a few advantages when starting your garden over building one from scratch.

Certainty

Buying a kit comes with some certainty. Everything you need is in the box. There’s also a sense that you’re buying something that works (although this isn’t always the case).

Less Hassle

There’s no doubt that kits also save time and some hassle because construction has already been figured out for you.

Look Smart

Typically the quality of kits is pretty good, and they look quite smart.

What to Do Next

Using a raised garden bed kit is a good idea if you can afford it. If you are sold on the idea, kits can be anywhere from $50 – $100 for typical sized ones and get larger as your desired garden space gets larger.

https://www.amazon.com/Gardeners-Supply-Elevated-Planter-Standing/dp/B00EOW8FHU/

The Case for Building it Yourself

Img: Hand made raised garden bed in Germany.jpg

Building a raised garden bed is a great place to start your home improvement/DIY hobby (or retire it successfully after one build 🙂

Satisfaction

If you have ever dreamed of building something before, or want to know what it’s like to build things. From someone who does it all the time I can recommend it at least once. Just for the satisfaction of being able to look at something you have created.

Clear Some Space

One of the best things about building a garden bed yourself is that it’s a great way to reuse materials. If you have some stuff lying around the home, a raised garden bed is a great project to use those materials on, and get a result.

Exactly What You Want

This point is what gets me every time. I’d love to have the convenience of a kit, but when i want something, i want it just the way i like. If you’re like me then you know it takes longer, but it’s worth it in the end

What to Do Next

Although you may not need help with plans (try google i’m sure they have some), here are some pointers when making a raised garden bed yourself.

  • If seal the inside with plastic it will help your lumber last longer (cut up plastic bags and a staple gun is great at this
  • Use zinc plated screws and/or nails. They will last longer
  • Leave the nicest looking side of your lumber on the outside (that is the part you will see)
  • Better to over fasten, than under fasten.

In Summary…

Thanks for reading, i hope this has given you some food for thought. If you like this article then share it with your friends and start a conversation about buying vs building your garden beds.

Bio:

Zac Spade Photo Thumb

Hi, my name is Zac

When my wife told me i needed a new shed it sparked an obsession with everything project related outdoors. From building sheds to starting gardens, keeping chickens and more. You can find out how to do it for yourself and get the most out of your outdoor space at ZacsGarden.com