How to Create a Raised Pallet Garden Bed

These are instructions on how to make a low cost raised garden bed. For this project we used reclaimed wood from 2 pallets and all previously owned or borrowed tools. This project could be completed for under $15.

Supplies:

Tools:

- Hammer

- Nails/screws

- Handsaw or circular saw

- Screwdriver

- Drill

- Pencil

- Razor

- Right angle

Other Supplies:

- 2 pallets (one for scrap wood and one to use as the raised garden bed)

- Cardboard boxes

- Soil

Step 1: Gather Your Pallets

Get 2 pallets from your local hardware or grocery store

These can be found behind the stores and are free. We found the pallets we used behind Lowe's, the cardboard boxes can be found here as well.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

Tools:

- Hammer

- Nails/screws

- Handsaw or circular saw

- Screwdriver

- Drill

- Pencil

- Razor

- Right angle

These can be rented for a small refundable deposit from AutoZone, Advanced Autoparts, Harbor Frieght, or locally in Lubbock at ReTool.

Step 3: Deconstruct Your Pallet

Depending on your pallet, pick the best planks to measure to fit the open spaces (black box) on your raised bed pallet. Cut 4 pieces from the scrap pallet to fit the measurements from each of the spaces on the top of the raised bed pallet.

Step 4: Deconstruct Your Pallet Continued

Measure the full length of the open end (black box) of the raised bed pallet. Cut and pry 2 planks from the scrap pallet to fit these measurements.

Step 5: Build Your Raised Garden Bed

Take the 4 smaller cut planks and nail or screw them into the open spaces on the top of the raised bed pallet, this will make a border or frame around the top of the raised bed.

Step 6: Build Your Raised Bed Continued

Take the 2 longer planks and nail or screw them to the open ends of the raised bed pallet. this will close off the in

Step 7: Put in Your Raised Garden Bed Liner

Line the inside of the Raised bed pallet with cardboard boxes, making sure to cover all holes that the soil could run off through

These can be found in the blue recycling containers behind retail stores or on Tech's campus.

Step 8: Place Your Raised Garden Bed

It is important to figure out where you want to place your pallet, the raised bed will be very heavy once filled. Put a layer of cardboard on the area below the raised bed pallet to prevent overgrowth of outside grass or weeds.

Step 9: Get Soil for Your Raised Bed Pallet

You can get gardening soil from your local gardening store.

You can buy bulk soil from the gardening super centers as a cheaper alternative to bagged soil. You can also create your own compost or used community compost (such as on Tech's campus) to add to your untreated soil.