Can I build simple raised beds myself without fancy tools?

[TheodoreBitzy]

I really want to build some raised beds either wood, sleepers, or anything similar. The length is of the area is 22ft and ideally they'd be 2.5ft wide, and about 1.5 foot high, it'd be against a brick wall so wouldn't necessarily need the back part. Can I do this myself?! Finding it hard to source anything, I know it will probaby have to be seperate lengths... just want it basic but don't have any fancy tools and am just a girl 😅

I built mine myself, I did use a drill. Bought gravel boards (I think that’s what they are called). You-tube is your friend, lots of videos on how to build garden beds.

i made mine myself.

i did need a drill to drill pilot holes, then screwed screws in with a manual screwdriver.

i used second hand reclaimed scaffolding planks. i didnt take the metal ends off as they are murder to remove.

youll need extra wood to go inside the corners so both sides can be screwed to each other. i used 1.5 inch square wood that was 6ft long and just cut it to the same height as the sides and a bit more. hammered the extra bit down into the ground. so you will need a hand saw too.

you can totally do this.

if you want to screw it onto the brick wall at the back ypu might choose metal brackets. so you could need metal drill bits (as opposed to wood ones) to drill pilot holes in the brick.

they say we should line the wooden sides inside with plastic to make them last longer (less damp) but i didnt. i did buy cheap tarps from aldi to chop up and do this (put holes in the bottom for drainage if you do the full thing)

We did ours using reclaimed sleepers bought from eBay. Planning to make other raised beds and will be doing the same again

Wooden pallet collars are cheap and sturdy

Sleepers from B and Q

How high do you need them? You could just make a mound with no edge.

I bought the metal ones. I found them to be very cost effective and easy to build. Would recommend the outsunny brand

You absolutely can! I’ve used the green 20cm sleepers from wickes and got a local handyman to put them together for me (double height). I also staples a weed free membrane to the inside before filling with a topsoil/compost mix.

what’s on the other side of the brick wall?

There's nothing on the other side, it's my outside garden wall that my fence is on top of. So just the neighbours grass on the other side if that makes sense. I'm going to have a go!

Genuine question here (from a very old but very experienced gardener) but can I ask why you want raised beds. Why not just plant directly into the ground?
My borders and lawn are edged with block pavers that someone was getting rid of on Facebook so it looks neat.

Clay soil and rock, cats and my children all make it difficult at ground level 🤣

I’ve planted in pallet collars. Super easy. No tools needed. You could stack them to make them higher

https://www.universalpallets.com/product/stand-pallet-collar/

buy online from anywhere like B&Q or sometimes on marketplace

In my experience cats still like to use raised beds as litter trays. It's my own cat though. Get some netting/chicken wire.

I got Easybeds from Everedge (you can get them in a few different lengths. Mine have been in for 7 years now and still look good as new - no rusting or corrosion. Will see if I can find a photo.