How to Build a Raised Bed Garden with No Money

Everybody wants to start building their own raised garden beds, but the problem is that it can be too expensive to do so.

Whether you’re considering wood, metal, galvanized materials, or Vego beds, the costs can quickly add up.

Not to mention the soil you’ll need to fill the beds, along with mulch, compost, weed killers, and other supplies.

It can be quite a headache, can't it?

But the good news is…

I can help you with that (not by giving cash, but I’ve got something even better!). I’ll show you how to build your own raised beds for free. Yep, you heard that right—zero dollars.

It may sound impossible, but if you are resourceful and creative, you can definitely build those raised beds from scratch. Just think outside the box, as they say.

In this article, I’ll share how to construct your raised beds using free materials that you can find right at home, from your neighbors, or perhaps through community groups.

Why Go for Raised Beds?

Honestly, raised beds just make gardening a lot easier, especially if your soil isn’t great to begin with or you’re constantly battling weeds.

With raised beds, you can start from scratch and bring in soil that’s actually good for your plants—loose, well-draining soil.

If you’ve been struggling with rocky, clay-filled, or poor-quality soil, raised beds give you the control to make sure your plants are getting what they need.

Since the bed is elevated, there’s also less risk of water pooling around the roots, which can lead to rot or other issues.

Another thing that’s nice about raised beds is they’re a lot easier on your back.

If you’ve ever spent hours hunched over trying to weed or plant, you know how rough it can be on your posture. With raised beds, you don’t have to bend down as much.

For me, they’re a more comfortable way to garden, especially if you have a lot of work to do or a smaller space to work with.

Where to Find Free Materials for Building Your Raised Beds

First things first, you’ll want to explore alternative materials that you can use instead of purchasing new ones.

Old Cardboard or Newspapers

You probably have old cardboard or newspapers lying around your home. If not, try asking neighbors or checking with local stores—they may be happy to give them away for free.

You don’t need a lot, just enough to cover the ground where you’ll build your raised beds. This will help keep weeds at bay without costing you a penny.

Old Wooden Pallets

Wooden pallets are often available at local businesses or construction sites, and many places will give them away to avoid disposal costs.

You can break them down and use the wood to create the sides of your raised bed.

Just make sure the pallets are not treated with harmful chemicals, such as pressure-treated wood, as these could leach into your soil.

If they are untreated, they can last several years while adding a rustic look to your garden.

Tip: Be sure to check the pallets for pesticide or chemical treatments by looking for stamps like “MB” (Methyl Bromide), which indicates that the wood has been treated with chemicals.

Opt for pallets stamped with “HT” (Heat Treated) or “No Stamp” for safer gardening.

Logs or Fallen Branches

If you have trees in your yard or live near a wooded area, fallen logs and branches are excellent materials you can gather at no cost.

Simply stack them to create a border for your raised bed.

What’s great about logs is that they will break down over time, eventually enriching the soil with organic matter.

Just make sure the logs are not diseased or treated with chemicals to keep your garden healthy.

Old Containers (e.g., tires, buckets, plastic bins)

Don’t toss out old containers like tires, buckets, or plastic bins—they can be repurposed into raised beds. If you’ve got any lying around, put them to good use instead of throwing them away.

Tires can be stacked to create a deep planting area, while buckets and bins can be used individually for smaller plants or herbs. Just make sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water from pooling.

If you don’t have these at home, check with neighbors, online marketplaces, or community groups—someone might be looking to get rid of them for free.

Tip: When using plastic containers, be sure they are free of harmful chemicals such as BPA. If you’re using tires, try to avoid using old tires that may have been exposed to chemicals that could leach into the soil.

Old Bathtub or Sink

You’d be surprised how often old bathtubs or sinks are discarded during home renovations. These items can often be found for free through local community groups, online sites like Freecycle, or even on curbsides.

Just make sure to ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom if they don’t already have any.

Cinder Blocks or Bricks

If you come across cinder blocks or bricks that someone is giving away, these materials can work well for building raised beds.

They are durable and provide excellent drainage when arranged properly.

You can often find these items at construction sites or through online community boards where people list free materials.

These are just a few ideas to get you started.

Choose whichever materials work best for your space, your style, or what you happen to have on hand.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our collection of 20+ raised garden bed ideas to help you find the perfect option for your needs.

Choosing the Right Size and Shape for Your Raised Beds

One of the best things about building raised garden beds is that you have the freedom to design them exactly how you want. 

You can choose shapes, sizes, and layouts that work best for your space and what you're hoping to grow. 

The options are limitless, and with a bit of creativity, you can design a garden that suits your space and needs just right.

When building multiple beds, remember to leave enough space between them to move around easily (four feet between beds is a good rule of thumb). 

It gives you enough room to walk comfortably, carry tools, and use a wheelbarrow or small garden cart when it's time to harvest or do maintenance.

If you’re unsure about what size raised bed works best for your space or plants, our full guide on on the best raised garden bed sizes covers everything you need to know.

Steps to Build Your Raised Beds

Once you’ve gathered your materials, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and start building your raised beds.

You’ll also want to choose a spot close to a water source to make watering easier.

1. Choose the Location

The first step is to choose a spot in your yard that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, as most vegetables and herbs need this much sunlight to thrive.

Ensure the location is level and easily accessible for watering and harvesting.

2. Prepare the Ground for Your Raised Bed

Before you start stacking your materials, you may want to clear the area of any grass, weeds, or debris.

You don’t need to dig deeply, but it’s important to remove anything that could compete with your plants.

If you’re using cardboard or newspapers as a weed barrier, lay a thick layer over the ground where you plan to build the bed.

The cardboard or newspaper will break down over time, preventing weeds from growing up through your raised bed.

Tip: Overlap the edges of the cardboard or newspaper to ensure a full coverage and effective weed suppression.

3. Build the Frame

Now, let’s get to building the actual raised bed.

This is where you’ll use your collected materials to create a sturdy structure that holds your soil and supports your plants. 

Here's how to do it, step-by-step, for each material option:

For Wooden Pallets

If you’re using wooden pallets, start by disassembling them (if necessary). 

You can remove the slats from the pallets using a crowbar or hammer. If your pallets are already intact, you can use them as they are. 

For a standard 4’ x 8’ raised bed, you’ll need two pallets for the long sides (8 feet) and two for the short sides (4 feet). 

You may need to adjust the slats, but it’s okay if they’re not perfectly aligned. To assemble the frame, simply attach the pallet pieces at the corners using screws or nails. 

Make sure the corners are secure, as the frame will need to hold the weight of the soil. After assembling the sides, check for any gaps between the slats that might allow soil to spill out.

You can use extra pallet pieces to cover these gaps. 

For Logs or Fallen Branches

If you’re working with logs or fallen branches, choose ones that are about 4–6 inches in diameter for the longer sides and 3–4 inches for the shorter sides.

The logs should be sturdy enough to support the structure of the bed. Start by laying your first layer of logs for the long sides (about 8 feet) along the cleared ground where you plan to build your bed.

Stack the logs on top of one another, starting with the largest ones at the bottom for added stability. For a 4’ x 8’ bed, you’ll need about 5–10 logs, depending on their size.

Stack the logs in layers, overlapping them slightly like bricks to create a strong frame.

Once the logs reach a height of about 12–18 inches (the typical height for raised beds), your structure is complete.

For Old Containers (e.g., Tires, Buckets, Plastic Bins)

If you’re using plastic bins or buckets, arrange them individually or in a row, depending on your preferred layout.

For tires, the stacking process is straightforward—just place one on top of the other until you reach the desired height. However, if you’re using large tires, like the ones in the photo above, there’s no need to stack them.

Be sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom of your containers, especially if you’re using plastic bins or buckets. If your containers already have drainage, that’s even better.

Once everything is set up, arrange the containers in a way that best suits your space and gardening needs.

For Cinder Blocks or Bricks

For cinder blocks or bricks, start by clearing the area where you want to build your bed and lay down a weed barrier, such as cardboard or newspaper.

Begin by placing the first layer of cinder blocks or bricks along the longer sides of the bed (8 feet). For a 4’ x 8’ bed, you’ll need 16–20 blocks or bricks, depending on the size of your materials.

Arrange the blocks with the holes facing up to allow for proper drainage.

Once the first layer is in place, stack the blocks or bricks one layer at a time until the bed reaches a height of about 12–18 inches. This height is ideal for most plants.

If you’re curious about the best depth for raised beds based on the types of plants you’re growing, check out our guide on how deep a raised garden should be for more detailed information.

For added stability, you can use a small amount of mortar or adhesive between the blocks (although this isn't necessary).

For Old Bathtub or Sink

Simply position the bathtub or sink on a flat, level surface. If it doesn’t already have drainage holes, grab a drill and create a few at the bottom.

This will allow excess water to drain properly, preventing root rot. Once it’s in place, give it a quick check to ensure it’s stable.

If it feels wobbly, prop up the corners with some bricks or stones to level it out. These old tubs and sinks make excellent, deep containers for plants like herbs or flowers to grow and thrive.

Want to learn more about building raised garden beds? Check out these DIY free plans we created just for you—you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to do it yourself!

4. Fill the Bed with Soil

Once your frame is built, it’s time to fill it with soil. The best soil mix for raised beds is a combination of topsoil, compost, and organic matter.

Aim for a 50/50 mix of compost and topsoil. You’ll need about 1-2 cubic yards of soil for a 4’ x 8’ raised bed.

Tip: If you don’t have compost, ask neighbors or local community groups (they might have extra to give away). 

Alternatively, you can create your own composts using Berkeley method (in just 18 days!).

Simply mix yard waste like leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs with kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.

Turning the pile every couple of days and keeping it moist speeds up the process that helps you create rich, dark compost in just about three weeks.

5. Time to Plant

Choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and the amount of sunlight your bed receives. For a 4’ x 8’ raised bed, you can plant about:

• 8-10 vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach).
• 10-12 herbs (e.g., basil, mint, rosemary).
• 1-2 small flowers or pollinator plants (e.g., sunflowers, marigolds).

Tip: Plant taller crops like tomatoes and peppers on the north side (or the side farthest from the sun) so they don't block the light from smaller plants. 

You can also use companion planting to maximize space and help plants thrive together.

To End…

Building raised garden beds with no money is absolutely possible if you’re willing to get creative and make use of what’s around you.

By reusing materials you already have or can easily find for free, you can create a garden that’s both beautiful and functional—without spending a penny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)