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. It is very easy to build raised beds, for example, from Euro pallets or their pallet attachment frames (also known as pallet frames).
How do I build a raised bed from pallet frames?
You can build a raised bed out of pallet frames by stacking several frames on top of each other and connecting them firmly together. Protect the raised bed against pests and weeds with wire mesh and fleece and line it with bubble or pond liner before filling and planting.
Pallet frames come in different sizes
Euro pallets and pallet frames are often used in logistics to protect all kinds of products that are being shipped. They are also known as wooden attachment frames, are very durable and also very stable - no wonder, as they have to be able to withstand a lot. This makes them ideal for building raised beds, especially since you don't actually have to do much. Pallet frames are available in different, standardized dimensions, for example 600 by 800 millimeters, 800 by 1200 millimeters or 1000 by 1200 millimeters. You can also have individual frames built in the desired height and length from the relevant specialist retailers.
How to build a raised bed from a pallet frame
A raised bed made of pallet frames is really very easy to build: just place as many frames on top of each other until you have reached the desired height. You can either place the lowest frame directly on the ground, although if it comes into contact with the ground, it makes sense to use a wire mesh to protect against voles and other pests, as well as a fleece to protect against weeds penetrating from below. Of course, you can also build a frame with a base, which is recommended for placing on a balcony or terrace. The individual frames should be firmly connected to each other (for example using screwed brackets) so that the raised bed does not simply fall apart one day. Lining with studded or pond liner (€23.00 on Amazon) is also mandatory, because contact with the moist earth filling quickly causes the robust wood of the frame to rot.
Filling and planting a pallet frame raised bed correctly
You 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 add 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 forego the usual layered structure - the area is simply too small for the rotting process to succeed inside.
Tip
If you want to make it even easier, use ready-made boxes instead. Conventional wine, fruit or bakery boxes are also ideal as plant boxes 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 shines.
