Repurpose An Old Headboard To Create A Unique Raised Garden Bed

If you're considering whether to pick a raised garden bed or an in-ground one, remember that raised garden beds come with benefits like reducing weeds, improving drainage, and extending the growing season. What's more, raised beds can be a great DIY project. Simply set up an unused headboard in your yard as one end of a raised bed, thus adding a bit of visual flair to your garden.

There are many ways to incorporate a headboard, and you're limited only by your imagination. You can stand a headboard up in the soil, lean it against the shed nearby, or use it to build a frame that surrounds a section of plants. And with countless styles of headboards to choose from, this unique garden embellishment is sure to please. With a repurposing mindset and shabby chic sensibility, a used headboard can make your garden stand out. 

You may already have an old bed in the attic or basement, ripe for repurposing. If not, old beds, especially headboards, are staples at antique shops, flea markets, and yard sales. Plus, you have your pick of materials. Wood is a classic choice, of course, full of charm and character. You might choose wicker for something more ornate or with more texture. Old metal headboards are perfect for painting and customization.

It's time to make your bed. If you have a whole bed frame, why stop at just the headboard? You could set the whole thing up in your yard as the framing for your garden bed. Arrange boards around its perimeter to work as the sides, even utilizing the bed slats. Be sure to make your raised bed deep enough to encourage growth from the kinds of plants you want. Line the bed's base with landscape fabric, cardboard, or layers of organic matter such as compost or wood chips. If you already have a raised bed, try training vines up a headboard placed at one end.

With your raised bed built, you'll have no trouble making it your own and incorporating customized personal touches. Decorate your raised bed with wreaths, used wine bottles, or old gardening tools. Try incorporating shelving. Create sections in your bed, utilizing plastic totes hung from the frame with brackets. Pick up several headboards over time to make a yard statement or start several garden beds.

Now that you have a fun and unique raised garden bed, help it thrive with these must-know soil tips. Place your planter in a spot with ample sunlight and near a spigot or rain barrel so you can easily access water for your plants. For example, if you're planting a vegetable or herb garden, you may want to be close to the kitchen, and be sure to set up an irrigation system to keep your plants hydrated.