There are countless ways to build a raised bed. In addition to the various materials, which all have their specific advantages and disadvantages, there are also very simple kits from other areas of life. Raised beds can be built very easily, for example, from Euro pallets or their pallet collars (also known as pallet frames).

Pallets are an inexpensive material for framing raised beds

Pallet frames come in different sizes

Euro pallets and pallet frames are often used in logistics to protect all kinds of products to be shipped. They are also known as wooden stacking frames, are very durable and also very stable - no wonder, since they have to be able to withstand a lot. They are therefore also ideal for building raised beds, especially since you don't really have to do much anymore. Pallet frames are available in different, standardized dimensions, for example 600 by 800 millimeters, 800 by 1200 millimeters or 1000 by 1200 millimeters. In addition, you can also have individual frames built in the desired height and length at the relevant specialist dealers.

How to build a raised bed from a pallet frame

A pallet frame raised bed is really very easy to build: just stack frames on top of each other until you reach the desired height. Place the bottom frame either directly on the ground, whereby a wire mesh to protect against voles and other pests and a fleece to protect against weeds penetrating from below makes sense in the case of contact with the ground. Of course you can also build a frame with a floor, which is recommended for setting up on a balcony or terrace. The individual frames should be firmly connected (e.g. with screwed-on brackets) so that the raised bed does not simply fall apart one day. Lining with knobbed or pond foil is also obligatory, because contact with the moist earth filling quickly causes the robust wood of the frame to rot.

Fill and plant a pallet frame raised bed correctly

Fill and plant the finished raised bed made of pallet frames just like any other raised bed. You can set it up as a compost raised bed, but you can also simply fill it with good potting soil mixed with compost or manure - depending on what materials you have on hand and which plants you want to grow on your raised bed. However, if the raised bed is rather small (e.g. built for a balcony), you should avoid the usual layered structure - the area is simply too small for the rotting process inside to succeed.

tips

If you want to make it even easier, use ready-made boxes instead. Conventional wine, fruit or bakery crates are also ideal as planters for tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, peas, beans, strawberries or herbs. You can also screw castors onto the bottom, then the new planters become mobile and can always be pushed straight to where the sun is shining.

Category:

Vegetable garden