How to build a garden
Raised bed garden with watering cans drying on wooden fence
Designing a Garden on a Budget: Tips for Building a Functional, Beautiful Space
As food prices continue to rise, more and more people are understandably turning to gardening to grow some of their own food. Through trial and error (we’re on our third and final homestead now!), I’ve learned that you don’t need to break the bank—or your back—to create a beautiful and functional garden. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your space, here are some key considerations when designing your garden.
1. Understand Your Garden's Environment
Before you start picking out plants or materials, take a moment to assess your local environment. Understanding the specifics of your area will help guide your design choices, ensure your plants will thrive, and make your gardening efforts more sustainable over the decades to come.
Master Gardeners
Your best resource will be local gardening experts, often known as Master Gardeners. These folks have years of experience and can offer priceless tips for your area. Check for local courses or even ask around in community groups—your neighbor with a gorgeous garden might be your best teacher!
Climate/Zone
Your USDA Hardiness Zone (or a similar system) plays a huge role in what plants will grow well in your garden. Choose plants suited for your region’s temperatures and growing season length. While it’s tempting to try growing tropical plants in cooler climates, sticking to plants adapted to your local climate will save you money, time, and resources—especially your first year. Research native plants—they’re typically well-suited to your area.
Also, make note of your region's frost dates (last frost in the spring and first frost in the fall) and average precipitation levels. For example, I plan to plant on Mother’s Day weekend, even though it’s technically safe to plant earlier in my USDA Zone 6b. We get roughly 150 growing days, but I still prepare for the first fall frost around September 30th, as harvest time gets hectic, and I prefer to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Bonus tip: ‘season extending’ gardening solutions may also be something of interest to you, although I recommend you save those for next year if this is your first garden. You’ll have plenty of curve balls to juggle this year, take advantage of the natural cycle this first trip around the sun! I mention them here, because greenhouses, raised beds, or row cover can ‘expand’ your hardiness, depending on the steps you take, so don’t be disheartened if your local zone is close, but not quite, a home run for that super exotic plant you were hoping to nurture enough to reap a harvest.
Sun and Shade
Observe how sunlight moves across your future garden space throughout the day. Some plants, like tomatoes and peppers, require full sun, while others, such as ferns and hostas, do better in shade or partial shade. Understanding where the sun falls in your future garden will help you determine where to plant specific species, making your garden more efficient. Be mindful the sun will be higher in the sky in the summer months, and don’t forget to account for any new chicken coops or structures you may be planning to build and how those shadier areas will impact your garden plans.
Noting sun/shade patterns is especially important when looking to plant perennials (aka plants that come back for multiple years like asparagus, berries, fruit and nut trees, etc).
Soil Type
Soil plays a vital role in your garden’s success. Is your soil sandy, clay-heavy, or loamy? Conduct a simple soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Amending your soil with compost, organic materials, or other amendments can help it thrive. Composting kitchen scraps or using local organic matter is an affordable way to improve soil health.
Cheap and easy soil test:
Get a clean, glass quart jar with a lid, and add one-to-two cups of your soil into the jar.
Fill your jar almost to the top with drinking water, and add one teaspoon of non-foaming soap or detergent.
Shake the jar vigorously for 10 minutes, then place in a location where it will not be disturbed for 24 hours.
Sand will settle on the bottom in about 10 minutes. Silt will settle on top of the sand in about 2 hours. Clay will settle on top of the silt in 24 hours.
You can now visually assess the percentages of each soil type to complete your soil test.
2. Using Upcycled Materials
I’m a big believer in upcycling—repurposing materials that might otherwise go to waste is a great way to reduce environmental impact and save money while giving your garden a unique, personal touch. Here are some materials you can repurpose:
Wood Pallets: Often discarded by businesses, wooden pallets can be turned into raised beds, compost bins, or vertical planters. Just be sure to avoid pallets treated with harmful chemicals.
Old Tires: Stack tires for raised planters, tree rings, or retaining walls. Painting them in bright colors adds visual appeal. (I prefer using tires for flowers and ornamental plants, not edible crops, for safety.)
Cinder Blocks: These can be used to build garden structures, raised beds, or herb planters. Their hollow centers can be used to plant additional flowers or succulents.
Broken Pots and Tiles: Instead of tossing broken pots, use them for drainage in new planters or get creative with mosaic projects.
Glass Jars and Bottles: Repurpose glass containers as decorative planters, terrariums, or even garden lights. Simply poke a drainage hole in the lid if you plan to use them for plants.
3. Using Store-Bought Materials for Raised Beds
Sometimes, it’s easier to purchase materials, especially if you need uniformity in your raised beds. Here’s a breakdown of common options:
Wooden Raised Beds
Wood is versatile and natural, making it the most popular choice for raised beds. Cedar and redwood are rot-resistant, while untreated pine is a budget-friendly option but will degrade over time. To build a simple wooden bed, use four side panels, corner brackets, and screws. For added durability, line the bottom with landscaping fabric or hardware cloth to prevent weeds while allowing drainage.
Metal Raised Beds
Galvanized steel or corrugated metal sheets offer durability and a modern touch. These materials resist weathering and break less easily than wood. Simply bend the sheets into the desired shape, securing them with bolts. Metal beds are perfect for deep-rooted plants like tomatoes and carrots.
You can also mix and match materials. We built eight 4’x8’ at our last homestead using 4”x4” cedar posts, and 8’ panels of corrugated steel panels, supported and anchored into the ground with electrical conduit. We topped the frame with 2”x6” cedar boards to have a smooth and sturdy place to sit and weed.
Concrete Blocks
Concrete or cinder blocks are sturdy and offer great structural integrity. They are easy to stack and require no screws or nails. You can fill the gaps with soil or gravel for drainage, and these blocks work well for tiered beds or adding height to your garden.
4. Adding Irrigation Systems
Efficient irrigation is key to a healthy garden. Here are a few cost-effective options:
Rain Barrels: Install rain barrels to collect rainwater from your roof’s downspout, above the height of your plants roots. This the most sustainable solution, and you can use this water catchment for your animals and other plants as well! Connect a hose to water your garden efficiently and sustainably, but be ready for very low pressure. (I find this system works best for filling watering cans and using the water to water by hand.)
Soaker Hoses: These hoses release water slowly along their length, delivering moisture directly to the roots. Lay the hose along your raised beds, cover it with mulch, and connect it to a water source. At the end of the season, pull out your hoses to protect them from winter conditions and extend their life.
Drip Irrigation Kits: A drip irrigation system provides targeted watering, which helps reduce water waste. The customizable kits allow you to place emitters at the base of each plant. You can find small kits, or get a big, fancy system installed by a local landscaper—your budget and goals are the main factors here.
Sprinkler: The easiest option is to run a hose out to a sprinkler and rotate the sprinkler throughout your space or get one with a broad enough application area that you can just turn it on and walk away. I recommend setting a timer on your phone or carrying a timer with you so you don’t forget you have water running, and drown your plants! Same with the soaker hose, once you’ve finished the growing season, drain the sprinkler and hose and put them up for the year to extend their life.
5. Other Design Tips for Your Garden Layout
When planning your garden layout, consider accessibility and the needs of your plants. Raised beds should be no wider than 4 feet to allow easy access to the middle. If space is limited, use vertical gardening techniques such as trellises for beans or cucumbers to maximize space.
Companion planting can also improve your garden's health and yield. Plants like basil and tomatoes thrive together, so grouping compatible species will help optimize your space. Consider companion plants early to account for proper spacing.
Conclusion
Creating a thriving garden doesn’t have to be costly. By understanding your local environment, upcycling materials, and using practical, cost-effective solutions, you can build a beautiful, productive garden. Whether you’re using wooden, metal, or concrete raised beds, or adding soaker hoses and drip irrigation for efficient watering, the right materials will set you up for success. Take the time to design your garden with care, and soon you’ll enjoy a flourishing, sustainable space. Happy gardening!