The Top 25 Raised Garden Bed Plans (2024)

Want to build a raised garden bed but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry!

We feature the top 25 raised garden bed plans to help you to create your perfect raised garden beds. Our team has researched the many raised bed options and selected the best ones for you.

You can choose any of these featured raised garden bed plans, or use them to generate your own ideas and plans.

Raised Garden Bed Plans For Every Skill Level

Raised garden beds are basically large containers. You can use them to create a container garden that gives you control over the size of the garden and the soil it contains. You also get to decide on the shape and style of the containers.

Our raised garden bed plans offer a range of great options to fit any skill level. If you are a beginner, there are raised garden bed plans that are easy to follow and require minimal tools and materials.

If you are an experienced builder, you can find raised garden bed plans that allow for more creativity and flexibility in design. No matter what your skill level is, there is a raised garden bed plan for you!

We’ll begin with very simple designs. If you’re new to raised bed gardening, these will be ideal for you. We then progress to more complex designs for master gardeners (or ambitious beginners).

You Can Buy or Build Your Raised Garden Beds

If you don’t have time or the ability to build your raised garden beds, you can buy them at your local garden store or online.

But if you’re adventurous, you can try your hand at building them. It is cheaper, it is more fun and you can customize them to suit your space and needs.

The raised garden bed plans below provide a wide range of design options for you to choose from. Review them and choose the one(s) that’s right for you.

Plan #1 – Simple Raised Garden Bed

This raised garden bed plan is simple to build, which makes it great for beginners. If you have unpaved land around your house, setting up simple raised garden beds will be ideal.

They are easy to build and you can customize them to any size. The dimensions are entirely up to you.

Materials: Once you have the tools you’ll just need 4 lengths of lumber. You can also use 4 pieces of 2 x 4 (or 2 x 2) to help brace the corners. The height of the bed will be determined by the width of the lumber you use. For smaller, shorter beds you can use 1 x 4 or 2 x 4 boards. For taller, larger beds you can use 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 boards.

Steps:

Cut 4 pieces of lumber to your desired lengths. (2 long and 2 short for a rectangular bed, or 4 equal lengths for a square bed).
Cut 4 pieces of 2 x 4 (or 2 x 2) the same width or slightly longer than the width of the lumber. So, if the lumber is 8 inches wide, cut the 4 pieces of 2 x 4 (at least) 8 inches long.
Place each piece of 2 x 4 upright at each corner.
Place the ends of the lumber on the outer sides of the upright 2 x 4. So, each piece of the 2 x 4 will end up at the inside corners of the bed (see picture above).
Drill two screws into the end of each piece of lumber to secure them to the 2 x 4.
That’s it, you’re done! Place the frame in the desired location and enjoy your raised garden bed!

Plan #2 – Elevated Raised Garden Bed

An elevated raised garden bed is similar to a simple raised garden bed but it’s taller.

When a raised garden bed is elevated, you won’t have to bend too much to attend to your plants. Your knees and your back will surely appreciate it!

It’s very easy to build. You can use the instructions for building a simple raised garden bed (see Plan #1 above). But you’ll have to increase the height dimensions, accordingly. You can use whatever height is comfortable for you. About 3 to 4 ft. should be okay.

Because this raised garden bed is relatively tall, you won’t need to fill the entire bed with soil. You can pack rocks or stones at the bottom of the bed, then place the soil on top of them.

Plan #3 – Raised Garden Bed With A Wall On One Side

This raised garden bed plan is simply a raised garden bed with a wall on one side or two sides if it’s a corner wall. So, the wall replaces one or two sides of the raised bed, which makes it easier to build.

It is simple and efficient, and it uses minimal materials compared to other raised garden bed plans. It is perfect for those looking to maximize their space efficiently.

You can refer back to Plan #1 above for the building instructions. But you’ll only need materials for 2 or 3 sides.

Plan #4 – Fence Line Raised Garden Bed

If you want raised garden bed plans that use ground space effectively, this one’s for you. It makes the best use of ground space around a fence line. The raised garden bed box can be made from wood or recycled materials like old pallets.

Depending on the type of fence you have, the fence itself can be used as one side of the raised beds (similar to Plan #3 above). So, you’ll only need to build 3 sides of the raised beds and attach them to the fence.

Otherwise, you can construct the raised beds right along the fence line. It’s really simple to do.

Here are some instructions to help you get started.

Plan #5 – Square Foot Grid

This raised garden bed plan makes efficient use of soil space and helps you to better organize your plants.

It is easy to build this design. It uses simple lines for its structure. Essentially, it’s a simple raised garden bed with a square foot grid over it.

For a step-by-step guide on how to build a raised garden bed with a square foot grid, click here.

Plan #6 – Raised Garden Bed With Dividers

This raised garden bed is similar to the square-foot grid. The only difference is that with this raised garden bed plan you can create different size grids. The square-foot grid uses standard square-foot dimensions.

Plan #7 – Concrete Blocks Raised Bed

Raised garden bed plans can incorporate many different kinds of material. Lumber is the most common material used but concrete or cinder blocks can work as well.

This raised garden bed plan is stylish and it works well if you’re looking for simple raised garden bed ideas. And, you can be sure it won’t rot.

Materials: You can use inexpensive concrete blocks to build this raised garden bed. But make sure the blocks are wide enough, so they won’t easily topple over.

Here are the steps involved in setting up a raised garden bed with concrete or cinder blocks:

Decide on the size and shape of your raised garden bed.
Mark the location on the ground where you want to build your raised garden bed.
Measure the area then divide it by the length of the block, to calculate how many blocks are needed.
Make sure the area where the blocks will be placed is level.
Lay your raised garden bed blocks with the ends touching each other and ensuring they are level with each other.

That’s it! You’re done!

Plan #8 – Corrugated Aluminum Raised Bed Plan

This is another one of our raised garden bed plans that uses a material other than wood. This raised garden bed plan makes use of corrugated aluminum in its design.

You can purchase it online or at your local garden store, or you can build it yourself.

If you’re not experienced at building things, you might want to consider the buying option.

But, if you’re confident that your building skills are good enough, click here for building instructions.

Plan #9 – Used Tire Raised Garden Bed

As we have demonstrated with some of the previous raised garden bed plans, wood is not the only material that can be used to make raised garden beds.

In fact, raised garden beds can be made from many other materials. In this raised garden bed plan, old tires are used.

This one is super easy to set up. And, if you already have tires lying around the house, you won’t have to spend any money to set up this raised garden bed.

You can use a single tire or for additional height, you can stack 2 or more tires on top of each other.

You can use the tires as is, or you can cut out the rim at the top to widen the mouth of the tire to create more space for planting. You can also flip the tires inside out to create even more space for planting.

Plan #10 – Plastic Tub Raised Garden Bed

This raised garden bed plan is one of the easiest raised garden bed plans you could work on. You don’t need any carpentry skills or experience at all. All you need are plastic tubs, soil, and plants!

Drill holes on the bottom part of the tubs for drainage – 4-6 holes should suffice.

Place the storage tubs in a suitable location then fill them up with the right soil mix for raised garden beds. That’s it, you’re all done! Your raised garden bed is ready for planting.

Plan #11- Wine Box Raised Bed Planter Boxes

If you’re looking for raised garden bed plans that are easy to build and use readily available materials, raised garden beds made from wine boxes are a great option.

They also look beautiful and elegant in your backyard or on the patio. You can also use them on an apartment balcony.

Wine boxes come in different sizes and colors, so you can choose from a wide range. If you don’t mind the label, there’s no need to remove it: just paint over it and add your own label if you like.

All you’ll need are wine Boxes, sandpaper, wood (for the legs), screws, wood glue, paint (optional), and/ or stain (optional).

Click here for step-by-step instructions on putting it all together.

We have already highlighted some raised garden bed plans that require little to no tools to set up. This is another raised garden bed plan that is perfect for those who want to build raised garden beds without using tools such as circular saws and drills. All you’ll need are some interlocking corner blocks and some lumber.

The blocks are used in each corner to support the lumber. All you have to do is assemble them together. It’s super easy to do. You can have your garden bed up and ready to use in under half an hour.

Click here for step-by-step instructions to create raised garden beds without tools.

Plan #13 – Fenced Raised Garden Bed

If you have pets or other animals around that could disrupt your garden, then a fenced raised garden bed plan is a good option.

They are not difficult to build. But keep in mind that the fence should be easily removable, so you can have access to the plants when you need to.

You can build it yourself, and you can be as creative as you wish. Just make sure that whatever materials you’re using can withstand the outdoor elements, and cannot be easily dismantled by pets and other animals.

If you need some help building a removable fence for your raised garden bed, click here.

Plan #14 – Enclosed Raised Garden Bed

Using a fence around your raised garden beds can effectively keep pets and other animals out of your garden. But if you’re looking for something more elaborate and just as effective, then an enclosed raised garden might be the right option for you.

This one is a little more advanced, so you might need some professional help to build it. But if you’re a DIY type of person and don’t mind the challenge, check out this guide for building instructions.

Plan #15 – Hoop House Raised Garden Bed

Looking for more raised garden bed plans that offer protection to your plants? Then consider a hoop house raised garden bed plan. It can protect plants from cold weather and even pests.

A hoop house raised bed is enclosed by a covering of transparent plastic or PVC sheeting, draped over arches of plastic pipes. The transparent cover allows sunlight to reach the plants inside the raised garden bed. It also helps to keep in moisture and heat.

This raised garden bed plan can help you produce more food year-round. And it is not difficult to build. Check out this guide for instructions on how to make your own hoop house raised garden bed.

Plan #16 – Raised Garden Bed Greenhouse Plan

If you’re looking for more raised garden bed plans, with coverings to protect your plants, a raised garden bed greenhouse plan is a great option.

And of course, it’s more expensive than regular raised garden beds, but with good reason; it offers better protection for your plants.

It uses a wood frame or PVC frame and is covered by clear plastic sheeting. It requires some work to build.

If you’re not confident in your building skills, it might be best to purchase this raised garden bed or hire someone to build it for you. But, if you’re interested in building a raised garden bed greenhouse, check out this tutorial.

Plan #17 – Pallet Raised Planter Bed

You can also build raised bed planters made from pallets. Pallets are not difficult to find; many people throw them away when they get old, so you can just ask around in your neighborhood.

They are easy to cut and split, so it makes it easier to set up your raised garden beds. However, you need to make sure the pallets are not treated with chemicals that would be harmful to your raised bed planter plants.

The nice thing about raised garden beds built from pallets is that they look rustic and charming. And they are not difficult to build.

Here are some instructions on how to build raised planters out of pallets.

Plan #18 – Elevated Planter Box

Elevated planter boxes are raised to seat height, which is much easier on your back. They are typically rectangular but can be customized to any size. But don’t make it too big. The larger it is, the greater the weight on the legs, when filled with soil. Dimensions of 4ft (L) x 2ft (W) x 1ft (H) or smaller should be okay for the box. The legs can be 2 to 3 ft. tall.

Materials Needed: This raised planter is made completely out of wood. You can use 3/4″ or 1/2″ Plywood for the bottom of the box, 1 x 6 boards for the sides, and 2 x 2 wood for the legs.

Steps:

Determine the dimensions of the raised planter.
Cut the 2 long sides, the 2 short sides, the bottom, and the 4 legs;
Using your gypsum screws, assemble the frame of the raised planter.
Using the gypsum screws, attach the legs to the outside of the frame. Attach them on the long sideboards (not the short ones).
With the drill, make drain holes on the bottom board, about 3 to 4 inches apart

It’s as simple as that!

Plan #19 – Portable Raised Planter Box

This is a popular raised garden bed design that allows you to easily move around your raised planter box.

It might be good if you like to move your raised beds around or change the location of your raised garden beds every once in a while. If, for example, you don’t have enough sunlight in one area of your yard or patio, you can move the raised bed to another area that gets more sunlight.

It combines style and convenience into one beautiful package.

You can buy it ready-made from your local garden store or online. You can also build it. They are actually not that difficult to build.

If you want to build this portable raised bed design, check out these instructions.

Plan #20 – Self Watering Veggie Table

This raised garden bed is a great way to grow your vegetables together with a self-watering system.

It has a large reservoir underneath, which is filled with water. The water is then absorbed into the raised bed as needed. It’s a good way to minimize the risk of overwatering your plants.

The raised bed itself sits on top of standard raised garden bed legs for convenience. This raised garden bed is an excellent design for growing vegetables, especially root vegetables.

If this sounds good to you and you’d like to undertake this project, click here for step-by-step instructions.

Plan #21 – U-Shaped Raised Garden Beds

If you’re looking for more creative raised garden bed plans, you might fancy the u-shaped raised garden bed. Because of its shape, it is sometimes referred to as the horse-shoe raised garden bed.

It provides you with more growing space than traditional rectangular raised beds and offers easy access to your plants. It’s beautiful and also functional.

And it’s not that difficult to build.

Click here for instructions on how to build a u-shaped raised garden bed.

Plan #22 – L-Shaped Raised Garden Bed

This raised garden bed plan is great if you have an empty corner space in your backyard. You can use it to really maximize space in your backyard.

It’s basically two raised beds connected in an L-shape.

You can buy it at your local garden store or online and assemble it. Or, you can build it from scratch. It’s also very easy to build.

To learn more about building raised garden bed plans like this one, follow these instructions.

Plan #23 – Tiered Corner Raised Garden Bed

This raised garden bed plan is perfect for those who don’t have much space for a raised garden bed. It can fit in any corner and gives you 3 different growing areas!

The tiered raised bed planter also has great benefits. It makes use of vertical space so you can grow more plants and it looks attractive.

In terms of building it, we will classify it as difficult, for the untrained builder. If you’re not a master builder then you should consider buying one. You can order one online.

If construction is your thing and you want to try building one, click here for instructions.

Plan #24 – Modern Multi-Tiered Box Raised Garden Bed

This raised garden bed plan is perfect for those who want to grow many vegetables in a raised garden bed, but don’t have a lot of space available.

It grows vegetables at different levels, which gives it an original look.

You can plant 2 or 3 different raised bed planters if you’d like. So, you can have a raised bed for root vegetables, raised beds for summer vegetables, raised beds for fall vegetables, etc.

You can buy it at your local garden store or online. Or, if you have some woodworking skills, you can build it yourself.

To learn more about building raised garden bed plans like this one, click here.

Plan #25 – Herb Wheel Garden Planter

This herb wheel garden planter is a raised garden bed that is round and has six separate raised beds in it. You can also design it with more or fewer sections.

It’s ideal for growing different herbs (and/ or vegetables) without creating multiple separate raised beds. It’s also great if you don’t have a ton of space in your backyard. It looks great and is very functional.

It’s fairly easy to build, so if you have the right materials and measurements, it won’t be difficult. You can create your own design and build it accordingly. Just be sure to have correct measurements, so everything looks even.

You can check out this step-by-step guide to help you build your own herb wheel garden planter.

A Bonus Plan For You

Okay, so we said we’d feature the top 25 raised garden bed plans, but we had to throw in this bonus. It’s definitely in the complex (building) category, but it’s a stunning design.

Bonus Plan #26 – Vertical Pyramid Raised Garden Bed Planter

Among the raised garden bed plans, the vertical pyramid stands out (literally). Not only does it have the benefit of being raised, but also, you can grow more plants in them. You can plant different varieties of vegetables or flowers in each box for a stunning display.

It utilizes vertical space. So, if you don’t have a lot of horizontal space, this will be an excellent option for you.

Unless you are an expert builder, we recommend purchasing this raised garden bed, if you’re interested in it. They can be challenging for an untrained builder to construct.

But, if you don’t mind the challenge and would like to try building one, you can check out this article for some guidance.

Now The Choice Is Yours!

In this article, we’ve given you some great raised garden bed plans that will work well with any outdoor setting or even on your patio!

Raised garden beds are functional and can be designed to make the most of your outdoor space. You can use any of the raised garden bed plans in this article or you could just design one yourself.

If you’re not a fan of DIY projects, you could hire someone to put in your favorite raised garden bed or purchase it online or at your local garden store. The choice is up to you!

We hope you found this article helpful. For more great gardening ideas, check out our other gardening guides.