How to build raised garden beds on a budget using no tools

Fall/early spring is the great time to set up your garden space and build new raised garden beds whether to expand your garden or start a new one. In this short video I will share with you an easy way to build raised garden beds using no tools and doing it on the budget.
Used 3 untreated wood boards that are 2x12×16 (2 boards cut in half and 1 cut into 4 equal pieces. All boards were cut at the store). And used 16 tan planter wall blocks. This will give you 2 raised garden beds that are 4x8 and 12 inches tall.
The plastic was completely removed before installation of the raised beds. Landscape fabric was installed around the raised beds and in between them. There is no landscape fabric on the bottom of the raised beds. I cut it out. I put cardboard on the bottom of the raised beds right on top of the soil, then filled the beds with a blend of compost and landscape soil. The cardboard will keep the weeds from growing through in case there were some that may have not died when I had the whole area under plastic. The cardboard will break down over time and will enrich the soil in the beds.
***This project was done in the fall of 2020 and the prices shown in this video were current for Raleigh, NC area during that time. The prices for wood boards went up since then, unfortunately. However, generally speaking, this still remains to be the budget friendly option.
#raisedgardenbeds #diyraisedgardenbeds #diyraisedbeds #howtobuildraisedgardenbeds, #easyraisedgardenbeds, #cheapraisedgardenbeds
Music: Accra
Musician: Jeff Kaale

[@judgejudyrocks1]

Well now, isn't that the smartest idea I have seen ages!! And I have to admit that your voice could melt butter. Thank you for this video.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Building the beds this way allowed me to expand my growing area. The new gardening season is in full swing over here. Thank you so much for your comment!

[@livelybreads]

U

[@diamond-mr9pn]

Oh i see s love connection

[@LuckyTown77]

I am baking bread...

[@SoCalKevin]

I built raised beds with those planter blocks 2 years ago and everything is still holding up great.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Love your profile picture! And thank you so much for your comment 👍

[@denisesmith3656]

what type of wood did you use and has it rotted at all?

[@americanajooma4457]

I was also curious if these have rotted out already.

[@SoCalKevin]

@@denisesmith3656 @American Ajooma I actually removed my raised beds last Fall so I can give you specific details. The wood used was untreated Douglas Fir 2x12’s from Home Depot, and any part of it that was touching the soil or under the soil was half-rotted through. My backyard is sloped, so to keep the beds level, I had to bury half of the lumber on one side of each of my raised beds. Raised beds in my area last about 5 years before they need to be replaced due to rot. Things like insects and fungus naturally break down wood in the soil, so it’s all normal. It lasts longer if you seal the lumber with boiled linseed oil, but I didn’t bother because I wanted to see how it would do without it. I had already pre-planned to change the layout of garden within a few years. Right now I wish I had sealed the wood, but only because of the ridiculous price of lumber these days due to supply chain problems caused by covid. Normally it wouldn’t be such a big deal to go get new lumber.

[@SoCalKevin]

Just to give you an idea of the current lumber prices, a 2x12x8 here in CA right now is more expensive than what was shown in this vid for a 16’ board, and I think it was even higher at this time last year. And the planter blocks I bought were 33% more expensive than what was shown in this vid, and that was about 4 yrs ago!! I wish we had N Carolina prices! 😂

[@Awakenthemasses2016_thetruth]

I know this is an older video but I just had to let you know how much I appreciated this video. You ma'am are a genius! We just bought a house and I love raised beds and you gave me a way to do this on my own while my husband does other projects! God bless you. Thank you so much.

[@MrKingjason2]

Have you ever though of doing audiobook voice overs? You absolutely should! Your voice is very soothing. Love the idea of these beds 🤙

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you! Audiobooks?! You might be on to something 😄

[@kaitlinjohnson2915]

@@GardenLifeChannel I agree. You have a lovely voice!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

@@kaitlinjohnson2915 thank you so much!

[@marionbwete7764]

So true her voice is amazing !!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

@@marionbwete7764 thank you so much! Never thought of my voice being anything special 😊

[@colette8694]

What a great example of “Work smart not hard” 👏👏👏

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you!

[@crazysquirrel9425]

Work smart? LOL. She did. She had a kid do the work for her!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

@@crazysquirrel9425 there was plenty of work for both me and Noah 😁

[@crazysquirrel9425]

@@GardenLifeChannel Now now, You jest! Takes NO effort to be that pretty!

[@gippywhite]

OMG!!! Thank you SOOOOOOO much!!! I have wanted raised garden beds for several years now, but the actual building of them, even though some designs are pretty simple, still had me a bit intimidated. But this… I CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

You are so welcome and thank you very much for your comment! As long as your area is level the rest for building these is easy. Growing a garden in raised beds is very efficient.

[@lawolfe2707]

Best way to construct raised beds that I have every seen. It would be easy to remove the board when it starts to rot.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you for watching!

[@t.wilder8403]

I made mine today and absolutely love it.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Yay! Growing a garden is awesome!

[@kevinfarrell5357]

A,wonderful video ! 😃 You have taken the "trepidation" out of the equation and instead instilled "confidence" for first time gardeners. Your "oratory tone" delivers a fulfillment to us watchers. "Continued personal success. 😊

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much 💚

[@melissab8500]

What a great idea! I wish I had seen this 2 weeks ago, my algorithm needs to catch up :D love your style

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you!

[@bubbamell50]

Last year was our first year in our community garden. It was a lot of work and we had not a lot of knowledge of what we were doing. This year we’re going to do the raised garden beds and I love the cement block idea. Yours look so good and you made it look easy to do. Gardening can be fun and you feel so good after you see your hard work come to life and so much better for you.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Absolutely! Gardening is very rewarding. Learning how to do it and seeing the results makes it even more enjoyable. Making these raised beds is really not too difficult. I already have 8 of them and getting ready to put in 2 more. Keep finding more things I absolutely have to grow in my garden 🤦🏻‍♀️😄

[@westleyjay]

This is brilliant!! You have such a soothing voice. Thank you for making this video!!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@powermovement247]

Easy, cheap and saves a lot of time. I will give it a try this spring. Great video! Thank you.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Yes! Easy to do.

[@eutimiochavez415]

Just to let u know I built my beds this weekend was easy and they look and work great thank you again

[@matthewadams1003]

Thank you so much for that corner block tip! It made my life so much easier

[@paulettemayfield8171]

This one of the best corners ideas I've seen! Thanks for sharing.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 😊

[@SMIG007]

👍🏻 great video you just saves me a ton of money

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cecilmontano8674]

Shared your video on our area gardening Facebook group, lots of likes! Thanks for posting video.

[@jephthahjunor2815]

I love the way you set your beds I plan to do the same thing too, I look to you for inspiration Thank you

[@airkatmama4]

Looks great I want to make one for my back yard , thanks for sharing

[@GardenLifeChannel]

You are welcome!

[@jessicamurano9673]

Oh my God! Thank you. I've been waiting and looking and hoping forever for a video like this. Everyone says they have an easy way but it never really is. This is awesome!!!!! Thank you so much. You just changed my life! 🙏

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 💚

[@ashleycaputo8896]

That’s awesome and so much easier than what we did! It is crazy that your lumber was $29 and that same size is now $59!!!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you! The price change since the fall of 2020 is insane. Wonder if it will ever go back down?

[@theghostofteddyperkins3687]

I can't wait to try this method when I build my 1st raised garden bed next week! Thanks for the great video and helpful information!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much for your comment! You will love gardening in raised beds. There are so many benefits of growing in raised beds

[@mmarioescareno]

Great video! For twenty years now pressure treated wood no longer contains the same toxic chemicals. There’s quite a bit of information out there about it claiming it’s safe.

[@timfremstad3434]

Like every one else here, Thank You!!!!......I didn't know such an animal as a planter wall block existed........this will make building raised beds soooo much cheaper and easier....... I've been fretting about how to build a few of them inexpensively.......you're my hero!!!!!!!, .Thank You again!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you for watching 💚

[@cindyfrance4348]

This is the best idea ever

[@shell1469]

Thank you so much! I just built my first garden bed thanks to you sharing your knowledge with us! Just as a warning to people some Lowe's stores don't cut wood anymore. They told me they only cut interior white wood and I bought severe weather type wood/outdoor use wood.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you! The cutting option availability at Lowe's may vary depending on the location but it might be changing everywhere soon.

[@dillbiscuit1]

Thank you for this video! I got my lumber and corner pieces delivered yesterday, and I'm so excited to put it all together :)

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Yay! Hope it all goes well and happy gardening to you!

[@rhondacollier5790]

Amazing video! I’m so excited about getting started. I had been watching videos on using all wood but this is so much easier! Awesome instructions as well! I love how your video gets straight to the point.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 💚 Hope you enjoy gardening!

[@razingcanez717]

This is, by far the best idea i've seen in building raised beds. Wow!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much! There are many options and versions of these types of beds out there but this was something I could do by myself with some help to fill the beds.

[@lisaterrazas7442]

How adorable you are! Can't wait to make mine now

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@joycecypress9672]

That’s a wonderful idea, you’re a smart lady

[@khiathompson33]

What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@Shepfc1]

He did a fantastic job that looks good

[@GardenLifeChannel]

There are actually several videos and versions of how to build these types of raised garden beds out there and Home Depot and Lowe's stores occasionally set these up to show how the planter blocks can be used. I made this short video briefly highlighting important details such as how to set up the area around the garden beds and using a garden safe sealant to prolong life of the untreated wood. When gardening we spend so much effort fighting weeds and preventing them from growing into the garden space, so I find using edging, landscape fabric and cardboard is helpful in weed pressure prevention.

[@dinarad93]

Great job!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thanks!

[@catscoffeeandk-drama2201]

Thank you so much. I am starting my garden as soon as our weather allows, am excited to get going!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

You are very welcome!

[@nty1980]

Thank you so so much! This is answer my problems right away about budget! Bless you dear! Thank you so much!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you very much! Hope all goes well and you get a huge harvest 💚

[@innerjon]

Brilliant! No excuses now!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Go for it! You would be happy you made raised garden beds 🌱

[@mindfulnae4904]

Omg this is just what I needed! Can’t wait to make mine

[@BostonBorn]

I love smart people 😍

[@GardenLifeChannel]

💚❤💚 same here!

[@darlaballenger2357]

I like how you made your beds. They look really nice.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 💚

[@NancyLeigh]

Best raised bed I’ve ever seen! Great idea and job!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much! There are many options out there. This worked for me well so far.

[@NancyLeigh]

Mine is built and planted - 4 ft x 8 ft cost me $24 for blocks and $90 for lumber - I love it!!! Thanks so much for idea!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

@@NancyLeigh thank you for the feedback! Happy growing 💚

[@alexismorgan883]

Aww why didn't I see this earlier? 😅 Once we finish moving, imma definitely have to do this with our new neighbors (family) in the spring so we have something to grow and eat with our little children

[@askmamalouise7605]

Fantastic! Thanks a million!

[@nathanking4234]

This is smart! Plain and simple. You just got a subscriber! Thank you.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 💚

[@LucyJ1900]

I love this video! I have revisited so many times! So smart! Thank you!

[@monimgarden]

I was just looking for an easy way to add some raised beds to my garden, this idea is perfect, i don't like to have to use nails and srews for the frame, excellent!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you!

[@strongereveryday1891]

Love this! No tools!

[@Mimiatlifeandfood]

This is perfect. Love the layout. Love the tips. Easy to follow instructions.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@Mimiatlifeandfood]

@@GardenLifeChannel absolutely

[@mymommyandwifelife8652]

Thank you so much! I want to build some easier beds and this looks so easy!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you! These are so quick to put together. The price of wood boards went up here in the last couple of months, which is a bummer.

[@dasledogg64]

Thank you for the video. You have a beautiful yard.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much. It looks a little different now, a bit messy coming out of the winter 😄

[@dasledogg64]

That's just part of the joy, the transformation into beauty.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

So true!

[@blackfeatherstill348]

Nice video! Simple and creative.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 💚

[@myfuturepuglife]

Those beds are really nice!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 😊

[@danyam8423]

Your voice is just sooo lovely 🌹

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 💚

[@virginiajorda4226]

I did this two years ago. Holding up great. However...I do not recommend using 2x6 boards. My water runs right out!! Will upgrade to 12 inch boards someday!

[@cheriejohnson9445]

Thank you for sharing! Great idea!

[@mikefrench3800]

Easiest idea yet!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thanks!

[@409CJ]

I came across this too late! Started building two 4 x 10 raised w treated wood. I'll use these this spring/summer, and will probably make two of the ones you made next year. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

It's going to be a busy but hopefully rewarding gardening season!

[@409CJ]

@@GardenLifeChannel looking forward to it!

[@meemeezong1827]

Great ideas. I love it. Thanks for sharing.

[@juliosdiy3206]

The rocks makes things look nice.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

I agree! And your shoes stay somewhat clean 😄

[@BrittneyM7777]

Bought everything from this video so we are attempting today! Thank you for this video

[@GardenLifeChannel]

You are very welcome. Hope everything goes well.

[@BrittneyM7777]

@@GardenLifeChannel Update! We built 2 raised beds and they are AWESOME!! Thank you so much for this video!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

@@BrittneyM7777 yay! Enjoy gardening in raised beds!

[@iartistdotme]

Great info with lots of info! Thanks for sharing this. I would need a substitute for the untreated wood as I did a similar project using boards and they lasted 6 months - Florida maybe the sunshine state but it's also the rainy state. LOL I'm thinking I'll price some of the 'hardy boards' that are part concrete already and supposedly cheaper than wood. Thanks for the good ideas.

[@mnik8501]

This is a great idea! Thank you so much!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you for watching and happy gardening!

[@tinkalinks]

5 rounds of applause to you! 🎉🎉🎉🔥🔥🔥

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much for your comment 💚😊💚

[@TeddyCrochet]

absolutely LOVE your setup! looks amazing!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you! Looks quite different now that the entire garden has been planted and growing like crazy 🤪

[@memere8877]

Thank you so much for sharing this information it was extremely helpful!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

So glad it's helpful. Happy gardening 💚

[@ikaterpillar]

Wow such brilliant idea, awesome!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you very much 💚

[@KarinaKaplunPhD]

Супер видео и грядки! Очень приятно вас слушать! 🌷

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Спасибо большое!

[@bethanyvillero6900]

Omg - you're brilliant!! I'm going to try this.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

The idea comes from Lowe's and Home Depot but setting up the garden area is important too. Makes gardening much easier down the road. Thank you for your comment!

[@Braedenfish]

Very nice but definitely cut a large whole in center of landscape fabric and throw in 3or 4 layers of cardboard...line sides with cardboard too or fill boxes with soil as you fill bed. You have just sent an invitation to all the local worms. Good gardening to all!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

That is exactly what I did! Love inviting local worms 😄

[@bettygentry9672]

Excellent!

[@anwarabuhassan4052]

Easy & smart idea, thanks for video

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you for watching 💚

[@isartoraplatz]

Thanks you beautiful lady I was planning to purchase Ready made beds this Will be easy...

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you for your comment!

[@ralpc57]

Your eyes made me click on your video Nice raised beds by the way

[@donucha]

So easy even a novice like myself could do it. I Had planned to do this last spring but then all hell broke loose. Now it’s so expensive! 😩

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you! I put 3 more of these beds in the last 2 weeks and the price of lumber is higher now 😳

[@positivelybeautiful1]

Wow, so clever. My bf and I built 6, and it was so much work, compared to this. Thank you.

[@ashleytaccone5298]

Beautiful! Great idea thanks 😊

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you for watching 💚

[@Hoodratz_lives_matter]

That is just brilliant

[@mpineyro77]

I purchased all that yesterday, at Home Depot with my wood cut ready, then I’ll just connect two more to make another one connected together different size. I did get the pressure treated wood so I’m gonna cover it with something. I was told regular wood untreated, won’t last a year

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Happy gardening! Sounds like you are going to be busy gardening this season. I applied a coat of sealant to the regular wood. It's been 2 years now and they are holding up well.

[@deliahayward1541]

Thank you love this and can’t wait to make one this week

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you and good luck! You will love growing in raised beds 💚

[@bananaboat7863]

I love this idea !!!!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much 💓

[@bestcrossroad]

Wow! Such creativeness! Thank you for making it easy & using a readily available source (i.eLowe’s😃). Liked & subscribed. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@rochb446]

She stole this from the "Grow Family, check them out

[@GardenLifeChannel]

@@rochb446 I got the concept and the idea from Lowe's.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

I checked out Grow family, they are a great channel! Epic gardening did a version of this too and so did many others but everyone has their input on this concept from Lowe's and HomeDepot. So there is no stealing. As a woman what I do in a garden has to be done in a way that I can handle myself. Building raised beds this way allowed me to increase my garden space.

[@ArtbyLysa]

This is helpful! Thank you!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you for watching!

[@lambylambcurly]

Thank you for the amazing video, going to do this 🙏

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you!

[@lambylambcurly]

@@GardenLifeChannel one question is do I need to put the plastic before I put soil inside the bed? Thank you

[@GardenLifeChannel]

@@lambylambcurlyI laid 6 mil thick black plastic on the ground to kill the grass and weeds the new garden area where I was going to install the raised beds. It needs to stay there for a couple of months then should be removed before installing the raised beds. Then I laid landscape fabric around the raised beds so that there is no weeds growing between and around the raised beds. There is no plastic on the bottom of raised beds and no landscape fabric either. I put cardboard on the bottom of raised beds right on top of the bare ground. Then filled the beds with blend of compost and landscape soil. Hope this makes sense 😄

[@GardenLifeChannel]

@@lambylambcurly you don't have to use black plastic to kill grass and weeds. You can just install the raised beds and put cardboard and mulch around the raised beds and in between to suppress the weeds.

[@lambylambcurly]

@@GardenLifeChannel thanks a lot , that helps so much🙏🙏

[@planttasticcookinggardenin1561]

WOW this is brilliant!! New Sub...

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@victoriajohnson5304]

AWESOME VIDEO!🌻 ❤FROM DALLAS TEXAS

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you so much! Greetings from NC!

[@GardeningWithGoody]

Thanks for this information this is great, new sub here!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you 💚

[@diamondwhite2884]

So happy i came across this been wanting to start a garden for a while now i can .also could you do this with metal siding ,i have dogs.

[@letsmakeamesstoday]

Love this idea! Thanks!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you ❤

[@julietauscher5963]

We made beds this weekend

[@jaimiehuffling7100]

Thank you so much for this idea! I’m going to do it!! What kind of untreated wood did you use?

[@mioangel1227]

Great idea! TFS! 💚🙏

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Love the green 💚

[@KatyaGorbacheva]

Such useful info!

[@tacticalllama9211]

Boiled linseed oil is exceptional for protecting wood

[@ionianatlas7037]

What a great idea. But lumber is extremely expensive right now.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Unfortunately, it went up in price 😕

[@michaelworley7517]

Hey love the Teal color themed but also consider building a treehouse over just a house that tears down the forest. Trees should be building blocks no tearing blocks. It can be funky and swirlyio just needs a bit of adjusting imagination and blueprinting and there we go and inventive you might get more followers because your not just helping humanity but your helping the World. We are not only making channels grow but It inspire others to experiment and KZbin Channels will grow when we choose to help the world 2 ways in one stone. Building a tree house and putting gardens in it. It can maybe make new species

[@lucybellescott7531]

Why did you place them on the gravel? It won't make everything too hot? Thanks for allowing us to see how you did the cardboard.

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Thank you for watching! The gravel (used river rock) is only in between the raised beds, in walkways on top of the landscape fabric to keep weeds down. It doesn't make anything too hot at all. I also like how it looks.

[@judingdan9132]

Very smart!

[@songsheep]

Thank you for sharing this amazing idea. Can I know how long will this garden bed last? Thank you!

[@GardenLifeChannel]

I read some people reported 7 to 10 years. Applying sealant helps prolong the life of the boards. I personally have had them for one year so far and plan on using them for many years. Thank you for watching the video 💚

[@clairehill2390]

I like this!! Thank you. Could you post in your comments what you purchased?

[@GardenLifeChannel]

Used 3 untreated wood boards that are 2x12×16 (2 boards cut in half and 1 cut into 4 equal pieces. All boards were cut at the store). And used 16 tan planter wall blocks. This will give you 2 raised garden beds that are 4x8 and 12 inches tall.