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?
My simply raised beds and did not cost me a penny.
i made mine like this with lots of long distance help from George
http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Deep_bed_building.html
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 :)
Quote from: froglegs on October 01, 2008, 18:32:25
My simply raised beds and did not cost me a penny.
And mine, ditto.
http://www.erowell.co.uk/Gardening/clay-soil.html
find out where your local scaffold company is and go ask if they have any old planks
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
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.
Thanks everyone, you have all been a great help.
I now just need to find a couple of strong men to help me!! :)
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.
hiya, mandrill, nice to meet you ;D
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
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.