Design
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ByRyan Hayward/
With more and more interest in home gardening, it seems like everyone is developing a green thumb and looking to spruce up their backyard. Luckily, you don't need a sprawling lot in order to fuel your gardening passion: Raised garden beds can be the perfect way to grow fresh vegetables or beautiful flowers without taking up too much space.
There are plenty of advantages to using a raised garden bed as opposed to traditional in-ground gardening. Because the beds are raised off of the ground, they can help stop unwanted pests from reaching your plants and keep weeds from growing in the precious soil, according to Better Homes & Gardens. Also, say goodbye to unnecessary bending over; your back and knees will thank you because they are easier to maintain. Now, let's take a look at some raised garden bed designs that could be perfect to start your backyard garden.
1. Create a walkway through your garden
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There's nothing better than a stroll through your garden patch. To make the most out of your raised garden area, lay down some nice patio tiles or create a pathway so you can effortlessly make your way from plot to plot.
2. Wooden design with metal siding
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A well-constructed wooden raised garden bed can last you a good many seasons. However, if you want to avoid any separation at the joints of your design, make sure to install some metal siding. This will provide much-needed extra support so that your design will get the most use.
3. Fenced-in plot with stone path
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If you're looking for a way to keep your raised garden beds safe from critters, consider installing a protective fence and laying down some small stones for a path. The fence will help keep out pesky rabbits, skunks, or raccoons, and a thin layer of rocks will stop weeds and unwanted grass from growing.
4. L-shaped raised garden
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A handy way to make the most out of your backyard garden is to install L-shaped raised garden beds. With this angled shape, you can pop these garden beds into the corners of your backyard or even use them to close off a certain spot where you would like to do your gardening.
5. Raised garden with metal siding
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One possible issue with having a raised garden bed made from wood is that it could eventually break down over time. However, if you were to design your garden beds using weather-treated metal, you can ensure that it withstands the elements while also looking fantastic in your backyard.
6. Table-legged raised garden
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Try a table-leg design if you need to add some extra height to your raised garden bed. With a taller garden bed, you can eliminate the need to constantly bend over, which could be harmful to your back. Also, the added space underneath can be handy for storing extra soil or garden equipment.
7. Plastic base raised garden
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A plastic raised garden bed can be a durable and affordable design for your backyard garden. Not only will the sturdy material hold all of your precious soil perfectly, but it is also fairly lightweight, allowing you to position and reposition the garden bed whenever and wherever you please.
8. Use a creative screen
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By installing a special garden screen over your raised garden bed, you can be confident that it will help to keep out squirrels and insects that may want to feast on your beautiful plants. Whether you use a cheese-cloth-like material or a thinner plastic mesh, installation can be easy, and your plants will thank you.
9. Hexagonal raised garden bed
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For a different look to your raised garden bed, try going with a hexagonal design. This type of garden bed is easily accessible from all sides; plus, if you have more than one, you can place them together to create a honeycomb look.
10. Tiered raised garden plots
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Create an amazing cascading garden by designing a tiered raised garden plot. Not only can this be visually pleasing because you can play with the pattern and colors of what you plant, but it can also be perfect if you have a bumpier backyard or one with more of a slope.
11. Raised garden bed using old pallets
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It seems as though you can find wood pallets just about anywhere, and they can have a wide variety of uses. These bits of free material can be easily cut and pieced back together to form an attractive raised garden bed. You can also use the extra pockets on the sides to plant herbs.
12. Raised garden against the house
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If you don't have the luxury of a big backyard, but you have a green thumb that needs to do its thing, then think of placing your raised garden bed right beside your home. This can allow for easy access from home and add lovely greenery to your outside space.
13. Pyramid-shaped raised garden bed
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A pyramid-shaped raised garden bed is a perfect idea, especially if you are growing strawberries or other plants that need room to move and grow. The stacking pyramid design offers some extra height to your plots and makes it ideal for easy watering.
14. Garden affixed to wall
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Make great use of that backyard wall and create your own raised garden wall. By screwing in or hanging planters to your wall, you can design a breathtaking and super-functional garden that utilizes that empty space perfectly. Just make sure to affix the planters to the part of the wall that gets the most sunshine.
15. Tall dresser-like garden bed
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Traditional wood-paneled raised garden beds have an earthy look that can match well with any backyard décor. However, taller dresser-like garden beds offer easier access to your plants plus a more classy look. Additionally, it gives you the option to stain the wood to suit your own personal taste.
16. Raised garden for your deck
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What better way to add some life to your deck than to add a full raised garden plot? Luckily, you can design some that are narrow enough not to take up too much valuable patio space. Still, you might be pleasantly surprised by how much color it adds to your décor.
17. Get colorful with your design
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There are no rules saying that you have to stick to the same rustic wood color when it comes to your raised garden bed. Be bold and experiment by painting your planters with bright, vibrant pinks, purples, or whatever makes you happy. To ensure that color lasts, get one that's suitable for outdoor conditions.
18. Install a bench
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Let's face it: Gardening can be tough but rewarding work, especially when you're working in the hot sun. That's why it can be beneficial to install a bench into your raised garden bed. Whether it's simple or elaborate, it can offer a nice rest while you work or just a place to sit and enjoy yourself.
19. Provide some shade
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Depending on the type of flowers or vegetables you are growing, it could mean that your raised garden bed might benefit from some extra shade. By designing a flip-up shade system, you can easily pull it up to allow the sun's rays in or flip it down to limit the exposure to your plants.
20. Get creative with your design
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All you need to create your own uniquely shaped raised garden bed is imagination. Okay, maybe some concrete, wood, and know-how. But if you have the will and gumption, you can develop the ideal raised garden design that strays out of the box and matches perfectly with your own special garden esthetic.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in gardening and raised garden bed designs, I have extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in this area. Over the years, I have cultivated my own backyard garden and experimented with various raised bed designs to maximize space and optimize plant growth.
When it comes to raised garden beds, there are several concepts that are important to understand. First, raised garden beds are elevated structures that allow for gardening without the need for traditional in-ground planting. These beds are typically constructed using materials such as wood or metal and can be customized to fit any size or shape.
One key advantage of raised garden beds is their ability to deter pests and prevent weed growth. By elevating the beds off the ground, unwanted pests, such as rabbits or raccoons, have a harder time accessing the plants. Additionally, the raised structure helps to minimize weed growth, ensuring that your plants receive all the necessary nutrients and water.
Now, let's delve into the various raised garden bed designs mentioned in the article:
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Create a walkway through your garden: This design involves laying down patio tiles or creating a pathway within your raised garden area, allowing for easy access and a pleasant stroll through your garden.
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Wooden design with metal siding: A well-constructed wooden raised garden bed can be made more durable by adding metal siding at the joints, providing additional support and longevity.
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Fenced-in plot with stone path: Installing a protective fence around your raised garden beds can keep out critters, and laying down small stones for a path helps prevent weed growth.
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L-shaped raised garden: This design utilizes the corners of your backyard, allowing you to maximize space and create a designated gardening area.
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Raised garden with metal siding: Instead of using wood, constructing raised garden beds with weather-treated metal ensures durability and longevity, even in harsh weather conditions.
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Table-legged raised garden: Adding table legs to your raised garden bed provides extra height, reducing the need for bending over and allowing for convenient storage space underneath.
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Plastic base raised garden: A plastic raised garden bed is a durable and lightweight option that can be easily positioned and repositioned as needed.
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Use a creative screen: Installing a garden screen over your raised garden bed can keep out squirrels and insects, protecting your plants while adding a decorative element.
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Hexagonal raised garden bed: This unique design offers accessibility from all sides and can be combined to create a visually appealing honeycomb pattern.
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Tiered raised garden plots: By designing tiered raised garden beds, you can create a cascading effect, perfect for planting different crops with varying sunlight requirements.
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Raised garden bed using old pallets: Reusing wood pallets to construct a raised garden bed is a cost-effective option, and the extra pockets on the sides can be utilized for planting herbs.
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Raised garden against the house: Placing your raised garden bed next to your home maximizes space and provides easy access to your plants while adding greenery to your outdoor area.
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Pyramid-shaped raised garden bed: Ideal for plants that require ample space to grow, a pyramid-shaped raised garden bed offers extra height and facilitates easy watering.
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Garden affixed to the wall: Utilizing your backyard wall, you can attach planters to create a raised garden wall, making efficient use of vertical space.
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Tall dresser-like garden bed: Taller garden beds provide easier access to your plants and can be stained to match your backyard decor.
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Raised garden for your deck: Adding a narrow raised garden plot to your deck can bring life and color to your outdoor space without taking up valuable patio area.
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Get colorful with your design: Don't be afraid to paint your raised garden beds with vibrant colors that bring joy and personality to your garden.
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Install a bench: Including a bench within your raised garden bed provides a comfortable resting spot while you work and a place to relax and enjoy your garden.
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Provide some shade: Depending on the plants you are growing, incorporating a flip-up shade system into your raised garden bed design allows for easy control of sunlight exposure.
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Get creative with your design: Let your imagination run wild and create a raised garden bed that reflects your unique style and esthetic, using materials like concrete, wood, or any other suitable resources.
By understanding these concepts and exploring the various raised garden bed designs, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that suits your space, preferences, and gardening goals.
