Our modern society is based on constantly producing new things and throwing them away after use. However, this not only puts a strain on our wallets, but also on the environment due to the constantly growing mountains of rubbish. Instead of throwing things away that are no longer needed, you can simply reuse them - and thus create a beautiful raised bed from an old bookshelf, for example. Upcycling is the magic word.
Raised beds can be built cheaply from old pallets
What exactly is upcycling?
Upcycling means nothing more than that you simply misappropriate old things that are no longer needed for their original purpose and thus find a new use. This requires minor, sometimes major renovation work, but after which something new has always emerged. In German you could also simply describe this trend as “make new from old”. In fact, the upcycling movement, which has been on the rise for several years, has a few tangible advantages:
- old items that are no longer needed are not simply thrown away
- but given a new purpose
- this creates less waste
- and we protect both the environment and our wallets
- the materials required for an upcycling project are available for free or very cheaply
In addition, upcycling has the great side effect that you can really let your personal creativity run free. We have put together a few suggestions for you here to make things easier for you and to give you ideas.
Where can you find materials for upcycled raised beds?
You can find materials for a great upcycled raised bed practically anywhere, you just have to keep your eyes peeled and maybe stray from conventional paths. Look around in attics, in basements, in your garden shed or in your neighbor's bulky waste (with his consent, of course!). There are many great things here that can be turned into a raised bed in no time at all - even if it doesn't look like it at first glance.
Nice ideas for upcycled raised beds
An almost classic upcycling is, for example, raised or table beds made from Euro pallets or fruit crates, which can be quickly implemented with little effort. You can also build such a bed from old potato sacks or manhole rings. Other options include:
- an old bookshelf or cellar shelf as a raised bed frame
- a brick raised bed made of old terrace or paving stones
- a gabion raised bed filled with broken roof tiles and/or stones
- a raised bed built from old slatted frames
or, or, or… You see, there are many possibilities. Maybe you will find new ones, depending on what your personal fundus has to offer.
tips
No matter what your upcycled raised bed is made of, always make sure that excess water can drain away somewhere. Otherwise waterlogging will quickly occur, which the plants will quickly take offense at.