How to Build Deer Proof Raised Garden Beds

One thing is for sure: you’re fed up with deer munching on your garden. 

It’s really frustrating to put so much hard work into your plants, only to have them devoured by wildlife instead of enjoyed by you and your family. 

This can be especially annoying if you live in the countryside, where deer are often wandering through your backyard.

But what if you could create a garden space that keeps these deer away?

Building deer-proof raised garden beds is a practical and effective way to solve this problem. Not only will it protect your plants, but it will also add some aesthetics to your garden.

If you're looking for inspiration, check out our raised garden bed ideas to design a garden that fits your needs

In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 simple steps to build sturdy raised beds with fencing to keep deer out, along with some extra tips to help keep them away for good.

10 Simple Steps to Build Deer-Proof Raised Garden Beds With Fence

These steps are just general guidelines, and your final design still depends on the materials you have available.

But in this case, the focus is on adding fencing to raised beds, as I believe it’s one of the easiest ways to keep deer away.

So, let’s get into it.

1. Gather Your Materials

Start by gathering all the materials you’ll need for your raised garden beds. I would personally recommend choosing rot-resistant wood like cedar for the frame.

Just be cautious with treated wood, as it may leach chemicals into your soil and plants.

If cedar isn’t available or you’re on a budget, recycled wood, like pallets, can work as an alternative.

For the fence posts, look for sturdy 4×4″ lumber to provide solid support for your fencing and help keep those pesky deer out.

You’ll also want to get deer netting or welded wire fencing that’s at least 7 feet tall. Remember, deer can jump quite high, so a taller fence will do a better job of keeping them away.

If you're using reclaimed materials, check if you can repurpose old hardware to keep costs low.

Don’t forget to grab some screws, brackets, hinges, and latches for any gates you plan to install. These will help secure everything and make it easy for you to access your garden.

If you want extra protection, consider adding chicken wire or using landscape fabric to control weeds.

2. Cut the Woods

Next, start cutting the wood to your desired dimensions.

Common sizes for raised beds are 4 feet by 4 feet or 4 feet by 8 feet, but you can adjust these measurements based on your available space and what you want to grow.

If you’re unsure about the sizes, you can check our guide on the best size for raised garden beds to help you decide.

After you’ve cut the wood for your raised bed frame, take a moment to smooth out any rough edges. Use some sandpaper to gently sand down those areas.

This step is important because it helps prevent splinters, making it safer to handle the wood while you’re assembling everything.

3. Assemble the Frame of Your Raised Beds

Once you have your pieces cut, it’s time to assemble the frame. You’ll want to secure the corners using screws and brackets to ensure everything is stable and sturdy.

This will help your raised bed withstand the weight of the soil and plants.

If you’d like a taller bed, you can stack two pieces of wood on top of each other. A height of about 12 to 18 inches is ideal for many types of plants.

Once your frame is assembled, check that everything is square and secure before moving on to the next step.

4. Prepare Fence Posts

So, let’s assume your raised beds' frame are assembled. Now, let's move on to constructing the fence for your raised garden beds.

Start by preparing your fence posts. Cut each one to a height of at least 6 to 8 feet. This height is sufficient for deterring deer from jumping into your garden.

You can choose from various materials, including wood, metal, concrete, or vinyl, depending on your preferences.

After selecting your material, make sure all posts are cut to the same height for a uniform appearance.

With your fence posts ready, you can move on to the next step of installing them around your raised beds.

5. Mark Post Locations

Before you start digging, take a moment to mark where each fence post will be installed around the perimeter of your raised bed.

It’s important to space the posts evenly, typically about 4 to 6 feet apart (this still depends on how wide your area is).

This spacing will provide enough support for the fencing and ensure that it stands strong against any deer or other animals trying to get into your garden.

You can use stakes or spray paint to indicate the locations, making it easier to see where each post will go as you prepare to install them.

6. Dig Holes for Fence Posts

Now it’s time to dig holes for your fence posts. Grab a post hole digger or a shovel and start digging at each of the marked spots.

You’ll want the holes to be about 2 feet deep.

This depth will help keep your posts stable, so they won’t lean or shift over time, especially when it’s windy or if the fencing puts pressure on them.

A solid base is important, so take your time with this part. If the ground is hard or rocky, it might take a bit more work, but it’ll pay off later.

Once you’ve got all the holes dug, make sure they’re about the same depth. This will help keep your fence level and looking good once it’s all set up.

If there’s any loose dirt or rocks in the holes, you may want to clear them out.

7. Install Fence Posts

Next up, install your fence posts. Grab each post and carefully place it into its hole, making sure it’s positioned the way you want it.

Once the post is in place, fill the hole with soil or concrete to hold it steady. If you’re using soil, pack it down tightly around the post to create a solid base.

If you’re using concrete, follow the instructions on the bag for mixing and pouring.

As you’re filling in around the post, take a moment to check that each one is standing straight and lined up properly.

It can be helpful to use a level if you have one, or simply step back and look at them from a distance to ensure they all look good together.

Once you’re happy with how everything is lined up, finish filling in the holes completely.

8. Attach Fencing Material

Now that all the posts are in place, it’s time to put up your fencing. You can use deer netting or welded wire fencing, depending on your preference and how much protection you want for your garden.

Start by unrolling the fencing and leaning it against the posts. Use staples or zip ties to attach the fencing to each post, securing it at different spots along the height of the post for extra support.

As you go, pull the fencing tight to eliminate any loose areas and help prevent gaps where deer might sneak in.

Take a moment to check that everything looks good and that there aren’t any openings left. A solid fence will keep deer out and protect your plants from other critters, too.

9. Make Easy Access Gates for Your Garden

Of course, don’t forget to build gates using some extra wood and hinges, which will make it easy to get in and out of your garden bed.

When designing your gates, make sure they’re wide enough for comfortable entry. Consider how you’ll be carrying tools, plants, or even harvests when you go in and out.

Attach the hinges securely to the posts so that the gates swing open smoothly. It’s also a good idea to add latches that close securely, helping to keep deer and other animals out when the gates are closed.

You want to make sure everything is sturdy and reliable, so take your time with this part.

Once your gates are built and installed, give them a test swing to ensure they open easily and latch shut properly.

10. Secure the Bottom of the Fencing

To keep smaller animals from digging under your fence, it’s a good idea to secure the bottom of the fencing.

One easy way to do this is by burying some chicken wire along the base. Just dig a shallow trench around the perimeter, lay down the chicken wire, and then cover it with soil.

This will create a barrier that makes it harder for rabbits and other small critters to sneak into your garden.

If you prefer, you can also attach the chicken wire directly to the bottom of the posts. Just make sure it’s pulled tight and secured well so it doesn’t sag.

That’s it!

Once everything’s done, it’s time to fill your raised beds with your own compost, soil, or perhaps other materials.

For a step-by-step guide on filling your raised bed, check out our article on how to fill raised garden beds.

Maintenance Tips

For sure, you wouldn’t want to waste your effort building those deer-proof raised garden beds, so it’s important to know how to maintain them as the days or weeks go by.

To do this, you should regularly check the fencing wire or netting for any damage. Make sure everything is secure so deer can’t find a way in. If you spot any holes or tears, patch them up right away before it gets worse.

Also, don’t forget to check the gates regularly to ensure they close properly and securely. A well-maintained gate is just as important as the fencing itself when it comes to keeping deer out.

Extra Tips to Keep Deer Away

If you want to keep deer out of your garden naturally, there are a few simple things you can try.

Planting deer-resistant plants like lavender, marigolds, and garlic can help, as deer usually avoid them due to their strong smells and bitter tastes.

You can also make an easy spray with garlic, hot pepper, or eggs to keep deer away. Just blend a few garlic cloves with water and add some hot pepper for extra kick.

Strain the mixture and put it in a spray bottle. Spraying this around your garden gives off a strong smell that deer don’t like.

But be careful when using these sprays. Test it on a small part of your plants first to make sure they don’t react badly.

These are just some of the natural methods you can use to keep deer away from your garden.

They’re easy, cost-effective, and there’s no need to hesitate to apply them.

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