How we built our raised beds

Last year (2021) we built 10 raised beds. Using 2x4 lumber this would have cost us over $100 per bed. That kind of price is not in our budget. So we used cedar fence pickets. Last year a 6” x 6’ cedar fence picket was only $2 (or less), making the cost per bed around $20. TWENTY DOLLARS.

our 10 bed raised bed garden in full jungle mode!

We knew we were going to be using fence pickets so we were able to plan our garden layout based on the size bed we could build with them. The fence pickets are 6” x 6’ and we decided that a rectangular bed would fit our layout and be easier to plant in and maintain than a 6’ x 6’ square bed. Our bed are approximately 6’ x 4’ x 12”.

Each bed is made out of 4 - 6” x 6’ cedar pickets, 4 - 6” x 4’ cedar pickets, and reinforced with 6 - 12” pieces of 2x4. We needed a total of 8 2x4x8 boards to make the 10 beds. Each bed has 6 - 12” pieces (one in each corner and one on each of the long sides). The cost of the 2x4 is included in the $20/bed estimate.

Most of the fence pickets that you can purchase have a decorative top. Ours were dog-eared. We just cut that off so that we had a squared edge to work with. This is why the 6’ x 4’ measurement is approximate!

The construction is really simple. Use the 2x4 pieces in the corners to secure the pickets on either side. Add a 2x4 to the inside of the long edges about halfway to give added support.

We like to construct these in the approximate location that they will end up to avoid moving them around. They aren’t fragile per say, but the pickets are a lot thinner than standard lumber so there is more give to the box that you build.

We have three other raised beds that we built this way in 2019 and they are still in great shape!