How To Build a Raised Garden Bed Using Fence Pickets | Really Easy and Cost Effective!

In this video I show you how we build our raised garden beds using cedar fence pickets. It is really quick, easy, and cost effective! Feel free to ask any questions you might have in the comments!
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[@paula817]

I went to Home Depot yesterday & was looking at the cedar fence wood!! Wanted a day to search KZbin, and here you are!! Woo hoo!! This is the fam’s Memorial Day Weekend project 🇺🇸 Thank youuuu!! Update: They look Beautiful!!!

[@anthonycotts2451]

Have to give this a try. Looks simple enough. Thanks for the explanation!

[@studiotozo]

I have fence sections I plan to use for building raised beds. So glad I stumbled on this video. Thank you.

[@mickeymousessrabbit6265]

Thank you I feel confident I can build it too

[@kevina1084]

Such a great idea. I was at the big box store the other day asking for the landscape timber. On the way there I noticed cedar fence panels on the way and stopped to think about this. The worker suggested I buy a raised bed kit from the front of the garden center. I laughed.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am sure that would cost an arm and a leg haha. Glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Kevin!

[@andrewskokan6372]

Genius. Thank you!

[@harrycarruth2806]

Glad I found this video, I’ve built a few raised bed gardens in the past,some more elaborate than others. I’m now building one almost identical to yours except I’m using 4x4 (3.5 x 3.5) ground use posts for the corners and midpoints. I never thought about digging footers for more support though, thanks for the ideas!!

[@joycelynbuatsie6286]

thank you brother so much. i was looking for less cost for my beds.

[@LowDrives]

I'm glad I ran into this video because my planter would've had straight dirt .lol. thank u

[@virginianalangan6786]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@debbiebailey5950]

Being a new subscriber, I wanted to let you know you have a very good ,informative,and REAL channel. Thank you!

[@kleinkourtney]

Thank you so much for this. I'm going to build these this weekend

[@upliftlife11]

What a money saver! Such a great idea

[@pnowikow]

That's a very economic way to build those. Adding this to my list 😊

[@manushak_and_tanya]

Love this idea!!!

[@paulsccna2964]

Simple build. Like how simple design. Easy to make. cool

[@bennyfreeman7705]

Great ideas! I'm definitely going to use those ideas for our garden. We'll be building our first one soon, I'm getting excited for it. Your suggestions will definitely help save some money 💰. I'll probably need to add some fencing or chicken wire to keep out the deer and rabbits around here though. Awesome job! Thanks again.

[@BrassPeace]

I'm totally gonna do this! I have a small area near the house next to a shed where I can harvest rainwater from to water the beds. Can't wait to get started!

[@user-vt3dm4xh8n]

Extremely well done video. Simple, direct and had the details needed. I used 1 5/8" exterior screws and the materials for 1 bed today at Lowes cost me about $75 in the Central PA region. I just finished building one and my wife is overjoyed. Thank you very much.

[@lindseyreyes983]

I have been watching a few of your videos today. I can see a metal roofing raised bed with pressure-treated 2x4's as the external support and the cedar fence pickets as the rim along the top. Thanks for your great ideas!

[@flyty2134]

I love your videos you do a very nice job with them I have a few Raised beds and I do like them a lot I just watched a video on the sheet metal and that will be my next race bed that I build thanks for sharing God bless you and yours.

[@teknotech]

This is a very nice video, thanks for sharing!

[@TheShutterbug1968]

Great job, I am currently building with 2x8 stacked double high. I do like your thinner fenceboard option. Next time I might do a few like yours. Cheaper and they look nice. thanks for your videos.

[@phillipmorey1405]

Was wanting to make one for the wife. Thank you for the video enjoy watching them

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Phillip, I am sure your wife will really appreciate that! Thank you very much for the feedback, I am really glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@izzysgardeninglife7948]

Very nice ! I just finished up about 7 small raised beds using the cedar pickets for my garden. They were easy to make and the cedar should last a long time. Mine are just 6 ft x 12 inches deep x 13 inches wide. First year to try them out. I do have a video up on them on my channel. I subscribed !

[@rickinnepa9008]

Hey. Like your plans. We have built 2 raised gardens so far. Also currently are building a 3rd unit. My beds are 8 x 4, 16 inches high. Unlike yours mine are made with a combo of 2 x 6 and 2 x 4 boards with a frame on the outside which allows for a ledge on which to sit. My wife and I are both in our 60s and wanted garden beds which would provide more comfort and accessibility for the future. My beds are made with pine, however I treated them with natural preservative and lined the inside with 9 mil plastic. So far we are very satisfied.

[@JKlein504]

I really appreciate your videos. Look forward to learning more 👍

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Jason, really glad to hear that you are liking them. Thank you very much for the feedback!

[@galecooney2337]

Love your videos...and NOW I know what to do with all the dead branches I have from cutting trees down on property. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It is definitely nice to have somewhere to put all of the branches and they actually serve a purpose! Thank you very much for the feedback! I am glad you liked it.

[@Mary10538]

Thank you so much for your step by step on how to build a raised bed. I've been wanting to build one for a while now. I'm going to home depot tomorrow

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Good luck and have fun with the build! They make for some great little beds!

[@maileevyne5000]

Thank you. I needed this video. 😁

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are so welcome!

[@andybracken9261]

I’ve been building my raised beds for customers using this method for the past few years! Great to see somebody else doing it as well!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Oh nice! Glad to hear someone in the trade is doing this! Thanks a lot for the feedback Andy!

[@auntygogo9810]

How much?

[@DongusKong]

I love this design and plan to build one this coming weekend. Thanks for the idea

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Enjoy the build!

[@jimjr4432]

Well done and a great idea. Thanks so much. Jim

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Jim, I really appreciate it!

[@faymiller5392]

Good video. When I get my house this fall, I'm going to do this. My friend has a ton of wood chips and leaves. One lady did actually recommended wetting the dry leaves and pressing them down in several layers.

[@driverman8615]

What a great idea magnet on wrist to hold screws!!

[@CCoburn3]

Looks good.

[@tystallard]

Well done, my wife and I are going to try this out. This is more economical then other alternatives. Thank you, when we are finished, we can send you a pic.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad to hear you liked it. It is still the cheapest way I have found to make them that aren't just butting some boards up together. Good luck to you both on the project. Thanks a lot for the feedback Ty!

[@mikeb5793]

Great idea placing branches, twigs leaves at bottom. Will compost over time and fills in the garden. Saves $$.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yup, saves a ton of money. I just built another different and much larger bed this weekend and the logs and branches saved me a ton!

[@danielboles6837]

I used plastic deck boards for my last 2 beds, but I like your way much better. The cedar is a better way to go. Thanks, great and to the point. I'm subscribed.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

We really like the cedar. I have seen the plastic deck boards used with success too. Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback and look forward to seeing you around the channel!

[@cdburgess75]

I like it, very simple approach.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Super simple. And I can say they look the same as the day I made this video. Great little beds.

[@karlortiz2056]

I have never built a raised bed and neither am I a carpenter. Now that I’m retired and have the time, thanks to your videos I’m gonna be able to save me money by building my own raised beds!

[@Franciso-so1bg]

I like your magnetic wrist catcher with your screws. Neat idea.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thanks! It really does come in handy on builds like this. I was actually just using it today on a new raised garden bed I am building.

[@MrVeeBlog]

That was very helpful dude. I think I'll give this a go. Thanks.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am really glad to hear it was helpful. Really can't beat what you get for the price. Have fun with the build and thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@NanettePatterson302]

Seems like a pretty simple build. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It is! You are very welcome!

[@glenchatelain3067]

Nicely presented. I'm not real handy but you made this look easy and I think I'll give it a try. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It has been a while since you wrote this, have you had a chance to put it together? If not, good luck with the project!

[@sandrahankins8488]

I'm gonna have to try this thankyou.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome Sandra! They have worked out great for us. Thank you for the feedback!

[@lindalee8267]

Great video. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome!

[@deidrerichardson2842]

love it

[@vlahks86]

Thank you so much for your video.... will try it out.... lumber has gone crazy with prices !! 🙂🙃🙂

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! The prices have gotten out of hand. I was building a much larger raised garden bed today and trying to use materials to cut costs but it is still expensive! Good luck with the build. It is a fun project. Thanks for the feedback!

[@patriciakeys4873]

I plan on building six 3'x10'x12" raised beds only I'm not going to have and posts in the ground. For the fir posts, I'm planning on giving them a coat of linseed oil. Thank you for the idea of using cedar fence pickets for the sides instead of 2x12's, much more affordable. I can always replace any wood that seems to be rotting but I don't anticipate that happening for a while. Previously, in a much smaller garden, I used the 2x12x8' boards and 6 years later when I moved they showed no signs of rot or need to be replaced and they were just pine. I think the cedar will also hold up very well. Thank you so much for your design. Just what I was looking for.

[@marina2345]

Thank you for such a straight forward and easy tutorial!! I am heading to the store now to buy the materials and make my beds. Much appreciated.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. Really glad to hear that you liked it! Good luck on the project! They are fun to build!

[@nilaferguson6778]

great and economical ...

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

[@rachelboyd281]

Nice video.

[@dangiovanelli1900]

Thank you. I built 2 of them and used 1 5/8 ext screws. They are perfect.

[@fishticles5]

hey what did you use for the posts I'm wanting to build this but there's not enough clips of them so its a bit hard to eyeball it

[@HFVidShotz]

Nice! Eventually would like to build 3-4 of these in my city back yard. Only concern is the critters getting into them. Thanks!!!!

[@crespo1965]

Till Valhalla...brother...i like your channel.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thanks a lot Rick! I am really glad to hear that. Thanks for the feedback and hope to see you again around the channel sir!

[@mbricette]

I loved what you did that you put the sides together first and then did the long side. Mine is raised bed but it’s very high off the ground because I cannot bend over. But I think when I put the next bed together I will use your format I like it it looks very good and I think it’ll work very well with me I hadn’t yet put a support inside I didn’t think I needed one but listening to your reasoning I might put one in thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Sounds good! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback and good luck with the build Maria!

[@mbricette]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thank you so very much it was your video that helped me to understand how to put mine together although I ran into a problem because the dirt made a little heavy so I put some supports under the side but my garden looks beautiful. Everyone likes the bed and I told them I got it from you. I put all kinds of sticks and wood pieces in the bottom and then doing a whole bunch of dead leaves and then a whole bunch of compost vegetables and stuff that I have in buckets and then the dirt thank you so very much for teaching me

[@holeshotrob]

Nice work! I'm going to make a couple but raise them up to waist height and make my son a sandbox this way and make a nice hinged top for it to keep the neighborhood cats out. I'll do that in the spring and if I document it, I'll reach out to you.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I like that idea! I would be interested to see it. My kids current sandbox is cedar but it’s one of those kits you buy online. It’s ok but seems a little cheap. So yeah if you end up doing it, definitely let me know how it went! Thanks for the feedback Rob.

[@lujitsu1251]

I built 4. I like them. They are a little flimsier than I like because of the thin walls but for the price, it’s definitely the way to go.

[@jamespennington5499]

I did the same thing with an old redwood fence. First I planned the boards down with a 10 inch table saw then Dodo cut the boards. I sealed them with silicone and put linseed inside and a good stain outside. I built it 3.5 ft high to allow for 3 layers of compost mulch and dirt.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

That sounds like they will last for a very long time doing what you did. Thank you for all of the tips James!

[@jamespennington5499]

I am working on a second project for a larger planter made of reclaimed redwood 2×6. It should be finished today. I will try to document the next one.

[@NoMoreHeroesAnymore1334]

Thank you! Subbed and gonna have a go at this. I am a scavenger pack rat so my woodpile probably has enough bits to make one that would hold up awhile without me buying much. Now to afford that much dirt, lol....

[@tonycosta3302]

I made planters from deck boards and railing balusters that we salvaged from rebuilding our deck. I made half a dozen of them for next to zero cost - just needed some exterior screws.

[@thekaylornator]

Adding a crossmember between the two middle posts would add additional strength.

[@carbar3936]

Thank you for the economical version. Great idea! How much you pay total for soil?

[@Cookefan59]

Nice job! Im looking to do one of these and then a raised bed at about 3-4 feet high so that I can move it as the sun moves and also a few “storage container” pots on wheels. Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos. Im just too lazy to do all the editing and retakes lm sure you go through.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

That is a good idea! Thank you for the feedback!

[@sylvien.1688]

Great idea! Hubby and I will build some this weekend. What type of screws did you use?

[@MiguelY22]

Hey i just remembered that we have some old 4x4 boards outside. Cedar fence pickets are cheap, i can make these!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Perfect! They are some really nice boxes. Can't beat how strong they are for the price! Have fun!

[@staceymarkum3873]

That layering is actually a system called hugleculture or mound farming!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yup, it is a great technique! Thanks for the input!

[@DrumPeearl]

Thanks for this great video! Could you please confirm how many soil bags you have thrown in the bed with the quantity/weight for each of them ? Thanks!

[@benlyons7752]

Fantastic content. I’ve been wanting to do a raised bed. The cedar was a nice choice.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thanks Ben! Glad you like it! I always like working with cedar. Gives off a really nice smell. Is it weird to take cedar cutoffs and use them as car air fresheners? Asking for a friend. 😂

[@TheGreatYatesby]

How many bags of top soil?

[@theharsh2005]

what is your opinion on now having the legs in the ground, and straight on the grass?

[@user-wz7xu4gh5l]

What screws do you use for your planter boxes?

[@BuddyBearCreator]

Truth spoken here! My home grown tomatoes are waaaay better tasting than any store bought !

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes, way better! Thanks for the feedback!

[@roccod1018]

Nice. I'm not sure where you are located but here in the northeast cedar pickets are hard to come by. Any links you can give as to where you buy them?

[@bigcricket4677]

As long as your 2x4's hold up, you can indefinitely just replace the fence posts one at a time as they start decaying, this seems like a great starter bed design. Also seems like it could be pryed up out of the ground in order to change locations pretty easy with only a small amount of digging out the sides, I like it man, good video.

[@RebeccaGarcia-us5vr]

We have several stained cedar fence panels. I wonder if the chemicals in the stain will leach into the soil? I'm also concerned of the support boards leaching copper or boron? It wouldn't be as aesthetically pleasing but could be attached to the outside.

[@Garrett_Brown]

I just bought my pockets today but I went with treated 11/16 x 5.5 x 6’ and a treated 4x4. Plan on doing sliding dovetails with the router and titebond III wood glue. I was going to make a couple cedar beds next and see how each stands up to test of time. The treated pickets have an advantage with being twice as thick as the cedar pickets. Just happened to see this video on Pinterest as I scrolled before bed and all I can say is well done sir. I couldn’t tell the screws you used but I hope you went with stainless steel screws. Who knows which would last longer, those pickets or regular deck screws 😂

[@BMine1111]

Be prepared for the chemicals they use in treated wood to seep into your garden soil and therefore your veggies. Not a good choice of wood.

[@markcrowe4049]

Like your video & ideas, just wondering how long your lumber will last being so thin?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

So cedar fence pickets are estimated to last 15-30 years. But that’s basically as a fence with no ground contact. I am expecting to get around 10 years out of them give or take. Cedar is an extremely durable wood and not susceptible to many things that other wood species are. You can add a sealer to them to help them last longer as well. I hope this was helpful. Thanks for the feedback Mark.

[@isaachurtado-contreras1808]

Hey man how many bags of top soil did you use?

[@edb3877]

Looks good but we have a lot of moles in our area, so a 1/2" wire mesh stapled to the uprights would be needed to keep those varmints out. Failing that, additional fence boards nailed across the narrow side bottom of the bed with 1/2" gaps between the boards should be good.

[@ccole1255]

Try using a soil mix of ⅓ compost ⅓ vermiculite and ⅓ peat moss. Your baby plants will really take off!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thanks for the tip! We have been using some compost from out in one of our cow fields and it has really made the plants shoot up!

[@AJ-fw6pn]

Roughly how many bags of topsoil and blackcow did you end up using? We are looking to price out buying bags vs ordering a truck delivery of top soil.

[@anni.7214]

I would love to do that but where can i find the fence pickets that are "untreated" cedar

[@stacybrownson-jarreau6140]

My local hardware store doesn’t have cedar 2x4. I’m what is the next best thing to use?

[@Interstellar83516]

Nice video thank you. I have a question about the legs - are they necessary with all the weight of the soil and compost I would guess the structure isnt going anywherw?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

That is up to you. I personally prefer the legs going in the ground because it helps support the wall from being pushed out from the dirt. The fence pickets are not super rigid.

[@rachelboyd281]

Can pine needles be used in a raised bed?

[@tressastanton1300]

Do you remember how many bags of black cow you used for one bed!?

[@wileyt8423]

Add about a 1/3 peat moss to that soil mix= '-~pro-mix

[@mekamoo1719]

Sir you ARE NOT LYING THE TASTE IS SO DIFFERENT

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It really is. So many people I have talked to just don't believe it because they buy "organic" at the store. Knowing the taste difference, if organic in the store doesn't taste nearly as good as out of my garden then how bad is the stuff that isn't "organic?"

[@Steve-rj7hk]

Nice job. The only question I have is if I want to use small bed for one or two flower, can I cut the corner posts the same height as of the raise bed so I don't have to dig for extra length of the posts ? I have heavy roots in my dirt and I can't dig. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You can. It just isn’t going to have as much reinforcement.

[@buckeye25osu]

Hey great video. Do you not dig out the grass before? What about a barrier on the bottom, is that needed? Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I don't and I don't put a barrier. The amount of soil that is on top is too thick for anything to grow from that far down all the way to the top as there won't be any sun rays getting down there. What I went over will all die not terribly long after install. I am glad you liked the video. Thanks a lot for the feedback Davis!

[@buckeye25osu]

@@HowToHomeDIY Hey, do your beds bow out from the weight of the soil, especially once soaked with water? I've built the beds and have filled 2 of 4 with soil but considering adding a little more structure as i'm worried about the thin cedar (only 5/8"). Thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Nope, none of the beds are bowing. But if you want to add a little more for peace of mind, then nothing wrong with that either!

[@glinnisbaines]

@@HowToHomeDIY this makes me happy I have been telling ppl that I’m going to but my bed directly on the grass without a barrier except for hardwire cloth. They think I’m crazy. I just assumed the weight from the bed and soil would suppress most of the weeds. So do you use hardwire cloth?

[@tryan368]

Can you please give me the total number of pickets and 2x4 I’ll need to build this? Also what size screws? Thank you.

[@gaskinshomestead22]

How many per box do you use?

[@rhondariley9667]

Did you use cedar for the support posts? What size?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yup. 2X4s.

[@carolinepowley8258]

where do i find list of supplies

[@crapple]

curious how long the cedar pickets will last

[@russelljohansen9338]

I did this 3 years ago. It was still going strong. Use screws and replace the boards when needed.

[@Jean-tt6on]

They last about ten years, exposed to the elements like this. I'm growing veggies so it's worth it to me knowing that there won't be pressure treated chemicals leaching into my veggies.

[@brianhunter5354]

where did you buy the cedar fence pickets?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

At the time at Lowe’s. They have been a little harder to find now for some reason though.

[@shontagrice2326]

what size are the post that use for support

[@HowToHomeDIY]

2X4 cedars.

[@free2binnh]

I have been using pressure treated fence boards to build tables and benches. Am thinking of using PT Fence boards for my raised beds. Also want to paint the raised beds with Thomsons Water Seal or fence paint. Thomsons Water Seal on the outside and fence paint on the inside areas. 6' PT Fence Boards cost $3.48 each, so for a 6' x 3' box 2 boards high, about 11 inches high will cost about $21 before taxes, 2x4 support boards will be what I have on hand. I will use quality container soil to fill the box, I will reuse soil from previous container grow cycles.

[@teutatezify]

Pressure treated boards should not be used for gardening containers. The chemicals leach into the soil. Do a quick google.

[@free2binnh]

@@teutatezify I can't afford to pay 3 times the price, sealing the boards is the best I can do

[@Luckingsworth]

@Steve Allen You will litteraly be poisoning yourself sealing or user pressure treated. At that point just dig into the ground to grow. Raised beds are a luxury item.

[@jamespennington5499]

@@teutatezify it's great to repupose old wood for tables and such. But I respectfully suggest that you don't use them for anything but the frame of the base. The chemicals in pressure treated wood are not good for gardening.