How to make a raised bed

[nicbates]

Help ....please can someone give me guidance on making simple raised beds, in a cost effective way.

I would love to make them, but Im worried its going to cost lots of monye,  I only want 4 raised beds, 3 metre x 1 metre?

[nicbates]

[Froglegs]

My simply raised beds and did not cost me a penny.

[littlebabybird]

i made mine like this with lots of long distance help from George

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Deep_bed_building.html

[manicscousers]

hiya, nicbates, welcome to the site  ;D
we used old pallets, broken up and put together, there's pics on our gallery if you fancy a look  :)

[Larkshall]

My simply raised beds and did not cost me a penny.

And mine, ditto.
http://www.erowell.co.uk/Gardening/clay-soil.html

[grotbag]

find out where your local scaffold company is and go ask if they have any old planks

[norfolklass]

hi nicbates
I'm in the process of making some raised beds on my plot and am lucky enough to have a friend who works for a charity shop. they had a load of old pine beds that they couldn't sell, so instead of them being broken up and skipped, my friend put us in touch and I got four or five beds frames and slats delivered to my plot. I know they're only pine and the lengths are varied but using them and some old pallets I have managed to cobble together half a dozen beds that are 5' x 13'. total cost = £10 + a bag of nails ;D

[Deb P]

Local timberyards often have MDF delivered on pallets that they are usually only too keen to get rid of, and these bigger pallets are 8' x 4', just a nice size for raised beds if you want to edge them. Breaking them up can be a pain and expect to break a few bits as they can be a swine to dismantle and have a habit of splintering. The wood is often just rough sawn, but can last a bit longer if you paint it with a suitable preservative.

Make sure you dig the beds over well before you edge them though, it is a lot easier and less messy that way! ;D Also, if you run out of time/steam/money, you will still have an area ready for planting up, you can always edge the sides at a later point.

[nicbates]

Thanks everyone, you have all been a great help.

I now just need to find a couple of strong men to help me!!  :)

[Mandrill]

Are you near a pipe yard? Plastic pipes are delivered in wooden stillages, about 2.5 x 5 foot.

Great for making beds, I have laid 12 beds about a foot high, so far.

[manicscousers]

hiya, mandrill, nice to meet you  ;D

[allaboutliverpool]

B&Q are selling 2.4m (8ft) deck boards for £3.00 that is £9.00
for an 8x4 bed (£8.10 if you have an old gits pass for use on Wednesdays)

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Deep_bed_building.html

[zaz283]

I got all my wood for raised beds and to build my shed for free by keeping an eye on my local industrial site. Got loads of 2 metre thick planks for the price of a six pack for the builders at a new site, plus lots more from a kitchen company.