A fence is a boundary that provides shape and protection to a garden. To grow plants against your fence line, start by cleaning the area along the fence and removing any soot and weed. Consider the amount of sunlight your plants require and build a raised garden bed along a fence. These beds measure 4′ x 8′ (approx 30″ tall) but can be built with the right materials and tools.
To build a raised garden bed along a fence, clear and level the site, then spread a layer of hardcore. Make sure it’s secure and level. Building a removable fence and protecting your raised garden bed is a rewarding and relatively straightforward project that can be completed with the right materials and tools.
Raised garden beds save space, provide superior drainage, and warm up faster than garden plots below soil grade. PVC sheets or 6 mil plastic are recommended for planting. Dig seven holes two feet deep to set the posts for the back of the garden bed wall. Leave a 300mm gap behind the proposed raised garden bed to allow for service and prevent moisture.
Build a protective “wall” against the fence out of 4″-wide cinder blocks. Cover the fence with cement blue board and build a “buffer”. The plan is simple: build a raised bed with 4×4 posts and make the two back posts tall enough to support horizontal fence boards. Any raised bed backing up to the fence should not be taller than 12 inches and spaced 16 inches from the fence to allow for cleaning.
Building a raised garden bed directly on a fence can cause problems as materials such as stone, plaster, or concrete can soak into the soil.
📹 Building Raised Gardens Along a Fence
This video demonstrates how to build raised garden beds along a fence. The creator shares their process for building two beds, including tips for cutting lumber, using a level, and ensuring the boards are straight. They also discuss the importance of leaving space for expansion and movement.
How do I plant a garden next to my fence?
To arrange plants near a fence, arrange shorter plants in the front and taller ones in the back, allowing for easy visibility. If you want to soften the fence’s lines, consider curving the bed instead of making it a straight line. This colorful garden plan can turn a blank backyard fence into a backdrop for gorgeous flowers. The mix of easy-care plants in shades of pink and purple, combined with complementary hues and textures, will draw attention away from the harsh lines of fence posts and slats.
The majority of the plants in this plan are perennials, with a few bulbs and small shrubs mixed in for added interest. Although the annuals need to be refreshed every growing season, they will add interest without requiring total replanting, resulting in a long-lasting garden with minimal maintenance year after year.
How high off the ground should a raised garden bed be?
Garden crops require at least 10 inches of soil for growth, and raised beds should be placed below the existing soil. If the bed is on a hard surface, the minimum height may not be deep enough for certain crops. Young children need beds closer to the ground, and for wheelchair access, beds should be 24 inches tall. A 36-inch bed helps avoid excessive bending over. A mix of bed heights can accommodate different gardeners.
Paths should be laid out in a pattern that allows access to a central path, extending from one end of the garden to the other. A wider central path is beneficial for gathering and everyone’s access. For large gardens, multiple paths may be useful.
Paths for walking and wheelchair access should be at least 12 inches between raised beds. 18- to 24-inch paths are ideal for comfortable access. Allowing 4 feet between beds is necessary for carts, wheelbarrows, and wheelchairs.
Can you build a raised garden bed against a fence?
Building a raised garden bed along a fence is a rewarding and straightforward project that can be completed with the right materials and tools. With these easy DIY raised garden bed ideas, you can transform neglected lawns into vibrant and productive spaces. Classic wooden raised beds are a proven and timeless method, using untreated, rot-resistant lumber for longevity. Mitered corners add a professional touch and make assembly a breeze.
This method is perfect for traditional gardeners who appreciate the classic look and natural feel of wood. If you have leftover fencing material, repurpose it to create a cohesive look along the perimeter. By incorporating these ideas, you can elevate your gardening game while maximizing limited space.
How to start a garden along a fence?
Layer plantings can create a dynamic fence line landscape by starting with taller plants in the back, followed by medium-sized plants, and then low-growing groundcovers or flowers in the front. This adds depth and dimension to the garden. Ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass, maiden grass, and bluestem grass, offer texture, movement, and softness. Hardscape elements can add structure and visual interest, breaking up the monotony of greenery and adding contrast. Overall, layering plants, incorporating ornamental grasses, and using hardscape elements can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your fence line landscape.
What vegetables should not be grown in a raised bed?
Raised garden beds can be a helpful solution for home gardeners, but not all plants are suitable for them. Some plants, such as squash, melon, corn, blackberries, mint, apple trees, asparagus, and pumpkins, require more space for their roots to spread out due to their sprawling vines or complex root systems. Raised beds can help incorporate the right soil for your plants and extend the amount of garden space, but not all plants will thrive in a raised bed.
Horticulturalists and arborists have provided more information on which plants should never grow in a raised bed. Some plants, such as squash, melon, corn, blackberries, mint, apple trees, asparagus, and pumpkins, are better off directly in the ground.
Should I put a barrier under my raised garden bed?
Raised garden beds should be lined with materials that create a barrier between the soil and the ground, preventing weeds from entering, toxins from being released, and pests from consuming the garden. Options include wide-mesh hardware cloth, stainless steel mesh, landscape fabric, burlap sack, or newspaper/cardboard. Wide-mesh hardware cloth is effective in keeping weeds and burrowing animals out, while burlap sack allows earthworms to pass through, aerating and enriching the soil for plants. Staple the cloth to the bed frame during construction and it should serve its purpose for years to come.
What wood should not be used in a raised garden bed?
Pressure-treated wood used in raised beds is not a safe option due to potential health risks associated with arsenic or other chemicals. Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) is the most widely available wood preservative for residential use, which does not contain arsenic but contains copper. However, older wood preservatives like Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) contain arsenic, copper, and chromium and are no longer available for residential use.
Research from Oregon State University showed that pressure-treated lumber does increase soil copper concentrations by a minor amount, but only within 1 inch of the raised-bed edge. If concerns arise, paint or stain the wood, use a heavy plastic liner between the wood and soil, or use non-wood building materials like stones or bricks.
Cement blocks, cinder blocks, and concrete blocks are made with cement and fine aggregates, often including fly ash, a byproduct of burning coal. However, labels do not provide specific information on the aggregate used in the manufacture of the block and there is little research data on this topic. If you plan to use blocks as a raised bed material and are concerned about potential risks, you can seal the blocks with polymer paint or choose another material.
What not to plant in a raised garden bed?
Raised garden beds can be a helpful solution for home gardeners, but not all plants are suitable for them. Some plants, such as squash, melon, corn, blackberries, mint, apple trees, asparagus, and pumpkins, require more space for their roots to spread out due to their sprawling vines or complex root systems. Raised beds can help incorporate the right soil for your plants and extend the amount of garden space, but not all plants will thrive in a raised bed.
Horticulturalists and arborists have provided more information on which plants should never grow in a raised bed. Some plants, such as squash, melon, corn, blackberries, mint, apple trees, asparagus, and pumpkins, are better off directly in the ground.
Why put cardboard under raised bed?
Earthworms thrive in a damp environment created by cardboard, which can be used in raised beds and vermicomposting bins. To repurpose surplus cardboard, line it on the bottom of raised garden beds to block out weeds and act as a barrier against rhizomatous, weedy, or invasive plants. Using dye-free or recyclable cardboard can help mitigate concerns about chemicals and glue compounds leaching into the soil. An organic stamp is a good indicator of its safety.
Plain cardboard with no tape and minimal markings is best for best results. Cardboard with glossy coatings or inks should be avoided. Most cardboard found around the house is safe to use. Using dye-free or recyclable cardboard can help reduce the amount of chemical substances in the soil.
What are three mistakes to avoid when gardening with raised beds?
Raised beds facilitate enhanced soil quality control and more straightforward maintenance. However, common errors such as failing to undertake adequate soil preparation, overcrowding plants, and disregarding watering requirements can impede the growth and productivity of one’s garden.
How to plant against a fence?
To maintain a visually appealing fence, allow extra space for shrubs and plants to reach it when needed. Space them slightly away from the fence, using a curving bed of plants to soften the straight lines. Layer flower beds and plants along the fence, arranging short plants in the front, medium-sized in the middle, and tallest in the back. Vary the heights and colors of plants for interest. Accent the fence with a small hedge that highlights it without obscuring too much.
📹 DIY Raised Garden Bed How-to Video | Versawall® Retaining Wall Blocks by Adbri Masonry
Learn how to build a garden bed using Adbri Masonry’s Versawall vertical retaining wall.
For anyone considering something like this, don’t attach your bed to the fence in any way. If you have to repair or replace the fence in the future you’d have an issue here. Just include a back wall. And leave out the foundation with a garden bed, you want good drainage and you’re not building a retaining wall. I realize this is mostly an ad for the blocks but still…
Adbri, thanks for making this look so easy. This is my question and yes, probably also my problem. Ok, so on the left side of the house (left, by standing at the street and looking towards the house) at the back of the yard there is probably a five or so foot hill against the wood planked fence that boarders/divides the easement space between this yard and the home behind. We would like to turn this hill into a terraced garden with a minimum of three levels (3-4 two foot gardens staggered up the hill, each section being 2-3 ft. tall, with the final level being at the top). I should also probably mention that this hill is only approximately 10-12 ft rounded with an old set of stairs going up the center. The left side of the hill is probably all of 1-3 ft away from the next door neighbors backyard fence, so there isn’t a whole lot of space on that side. What is your best advise for DIY installing this terraced garden? Do you already have a article out that would help us?
Do you add water to the sand cement mixture? You mention to mix it dry but when you level it, and lay the bricks it looks a bit wet – which is it? And if you do add water, how much? I have just tried doing as you state (mixed it dry then laid and levelled it (no water added) and it was a complete nightmare – the blocks did not sit well (tended to sink into the sand cement mix) so I had to add more sand to get them to the correct height then use a rubber mallet to get them level (which defeated the purpose of getting the layer of sand/cement level at all – which took hours). This process took many many hours to do the first row and now I am not sure if this is ok to put the rest of the wall on (I’m guessing the additional weight will make it sag/move). Surely there is a better way to do this. Its looking like I need to rip the whole lot up and start again with advice from a professional.
Thanks for amazing information article, I have colour bond fence at backyard, so I am planning to do exactly like you showed in this article, colour bond fence doesn’t have sleepers under it, so is it safe to use cement eve sheets I bought 900mm,2400mm, 1.44 thickness, any handy tips for me before I start preparing areas? Your advice is highly appreciated, thanks again
I haven’t any outlet of…”expression” (so far) to “down under”–yet…? Forgive me (here), perhaps: but, I’m ONE OF those…Americans–SADDENED BY loss for YOURS (ours, would-be) Aussie…sister: so, TRAGICALLY shot in Minneapolis, recently? (“Words do not express”, it’s often…said–and, THIS IS one of those…times “appropriate”, likely?) We’ve… ALL got to become SADDENED BY…MUCH of what’s gone on–or, “goes on”–in America!!! I didn’t BEGIN THIS “post” (mine here) with those…thoughts (ever-present ones, daily): so…(while I’d WONDERED ABOUT that “neat” graphic trick-opening up this…video- wondering about how that’s…done?) I guess OTHER THINGS get more-importantly said (otherwise), yes? God bless…Austrailia!! (SOME OF ourselves have OTHER PARTS of this world to look upon that much…FAVORABLE; if…NOT, so much, HERE? (I never…heard what, exactly, went on between ours “Pres”, and…YOURS, Prime Minister….? But…? IF other areas of this…WORLD “wonder” about…America: MOST ASSUREDLY do many of… ourselves, likewise, of course!?)) g’ day…mates?