Is your raised bed looking a bit… well, raised and not much else?
Don’t worry! I’m here to dish out several creative ideas to breathe new life into those tired old planters.
1 – Upgrade Your Edging
Nothing spruces up a raised bed like new edging. I’ve experimented with various materials over the years, from weathered wood to woven branches and corrugated metal.
Recently, I fell in love with the look of stone edging. It gives my garden a timeless feel!
Plus, it’s a great workout moving all those rocks! If you’re on a budget, even a fresh coat of paint or stain on wooden edges can make an enormous difference.
2 – Create a Garden Sign
I’m not talking about “Keep off the grass” signs here. Duh!
I’m talking about these cheeky puns:
- Let’s grow, girl!
- Kale, yeah!
- Lettuce, turnip the beet!
- Lettuce romaine calm.
- Peas be mine.
- Netflix and chili.
So, get crafty with your garden signs and earn a chuckle every time you show your veggie patch to a neighbor.
3 – Create a Cozy Seating Area
What’s the point of a beautiful garden if you can’t sit and enjoy it? Set up some seating right by your raised beds for front-row seats of your handiwork.
A simple bench or a tree stump can be the best spot to watch the bees buzz around your squash blossoms.
4 – Cover Soil With Wood Chips
Wood chip mulch keeps moisture in and weeds out, and it looks pretty doing both! That also means less watering and digging for you.
Plus, it adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. Avoid using mulch made from shipping pallets though.
5 – Add Some Whimsy
Gardens should be fun! So, don’t be afraid to add some personality to your raised beds.
Right now, a quirky garden gnome is giving my tomatoes a side-eye.
An old bicycle, colorful rain boots, or a rustic metal sculpture can bring charm to a sad-looking garden. Repurpose items you already have or scour local flea markets for unique finds.
6 – Light It Up
Garden lighting isn’t just for fancy landscaping. Install lanterns or wrap your raised beds with solar-powered string lights.
That way, you can enjoy your garden well into the evening. And it’ll be much easier to do some quick harvesting or watering after work.
7 – Shape-Shift Your Garden Bed
Who says raised beds have to be boring rectangles?
If you’re running out of garden space, shape your raised beds to fit the available room in your plot.
Got a weird corner that’s begging for some green? What’s wrong with a triangular raised bed?
Or how about a curved bed that follows the contour of your yard? Really, think out of the box!
8 – Add Height
Want to maximize your growing space and add some wow factor to your raised beds? It’s time to think vertically!
Try installing a trellis or archway, and watch your climbing plants reach skyward. I’ve grown the most delicious pole beans on my DIY bamboo teepees!
9 – Install Knobs or Hooks
Accessorize your garden beds with decorative knobs or hooks. They look super cute!
Plus, you’ll have somewhere convenient to hang your gardening tools. No more trips to the shed or garage for your gloves or trowel—they’ll be right where you need them.
10 – Experiment With New Crops
Renovating your beds is the perfect excuse to try growing something new. I make it a point to add at least one unfamiliar vegetable or herb each season.
Last year? I took my chances on artichokes. They weren’t the most productive plants in the patch, but boy, were they showstoppers!
11 – Dabble in Companion Planting
I’ve really taken to companion planting to enhance yields and naturally fend off pests. What’s companion planting, you ask?
Well, it’s pairing up plants that bring out the best of each other.
For instance, I’ve started planting basil next to my tomatoes. Since then, I haven’t spotted a single tomato hornworm near them.
12 – Refresh Your Soil
The foundation of any great garden is healthy soil. After a few growing seasons, raised beds can become depleted of nutrients.
Remove any old plant material and give the soil a good turn. Then, add a fresh layer of compost and organic matter.
Sometimes, I’ll even do a complete soil overhaul if things have gotten compacted or poor.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—inspirations to give your raised garden beds a much-needed glow-up!
Get creative and have fun! After all, gardening should bring you joy—both in the harvest and the process.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.
Trish
Monday 26th of August 2024
My Sister, You have lots of places where you can experiment with growing vegetables, etc. I thought you might like to read this. I love reading everything Lisa shares regarding to plants. She has many very interesting posts in her "The Practical Planter". I also liked her article on Terrariums. Hope you enjoy the information and awakenings regarding all types of "help tips", as much as I do. Love you, Sweetie.