Raised garden beds made from pallets | Online Shop Gonser

Sustainability meets savings

While ready-made raised beds can be very expensive, pallet raised beds can be built yourself with little effort and on a low budget. Whether you use new or reclaimed pallets, a bit of DIY skill is all you need to create a unique and cost-effective garden project. A raised bed also allows you to work comfortably at hip height, easing the strain on your back and making gardening more enjoyable. The natural decomposition inside the raised bed enriches the soil with nutrients, without the need for expensive fertiliser.

Choosing the Right Size & Shape

Before you start, think carefully about where your new planting area will go. A narrow bed of 40 cm depth is ideal for herbs and lettuces right next to your kitchen door. Tomato lovers should opt for a larger bed with at least 80 cm depth so the plants can grow strong roots for an abundant harvest.

40 cm depth: ideal for herbs and lettuces
80 cm depth: ideal for tomatoes (root growth)

Materials & Tools List

For your DIY project with 4 pallets you’ll need:

Material: Euro pallets (120 x 80 cm)
Quantity: 4 pieces
Purpose: Base structure

Material: Pallet frame
Quantity: 1 piece
Purpose: Stabilisation
Tip: Optional for extra height

Material: Bubble foil
Quantity: About 1 m² per pallet
Purpose: Moisture protection
Tip: Prevents wood rot

Material: Stainless steel screws (6 x 80 mm)
Quantity: about 50 pieces
Purpose: Assembly
Tip: Rust-proof for durability

Material: Metal brackets
Quantity: 8 pieces
Purpose: Corner reinforcement
Tip: Adds stability

Material: Floor board (optional)
Quantity: 1 piece.
Purpose: Can be used as a base or cover
Tip: Ideal for raised beds without direct contact with the ground

Tools: cordless screwdriver, jigsaw, sander or sandpaper, stapler, hammer, spirit level, folding ruler

Step 1: Prepare the Pallets

Sand down the rough surfaces of the pallets thoroughly to avoid splinters during gardening. Then apply an eco-friendly wood stain to protect them from the elements and extend their lifespan. Allow at least 24 hours to dry before continuing.

Step 2: Build the Frame

Stand two pallets upright at a 90° angle and secure them together with metal brackets. Repeat this for the remaining sides to form a rectangular frame.
If needed, use a jigsaw to cut boards for edging strips, corner reinforcements, or hose openings.

Step 3: Line the Interior

Staple the dimpled membrane all around, with the dimples facing outwards towards the wood. Pay extra attention to the corners, where moisture tends to accumulate. A 10 cm overlapping edge will prevent soil from slipping between the membrane and the wood.

(3)

Bubble foil for raised beds 10 x 2 m

RRP* 119.90

CHF 79.90

Raised bed with 4 pallets wood 149 x 120 x 80 cm

CHF 269.00

(6)

Raised bed with 2 pallets wood 120 x 109 x 80 cm

CHF 189.90

(8)

Raised bed with 2 pallets wood 120 x 80 x 34 cm

CHF 279.00

(38)

Base for raised bed 119 x 79 cm

CHF 39.90

(12)

Trapezoidal sheet green 129 x 45 cm 12 pcs

RRP* 119.90

CHF 74.90

Special Solutions & Variations

Space-Saving for Balconies

Your raised bed doesn’t have to be large. For balconies, we recommend a half-pallet (80 x 60 cm) with a reinforced base. Pro tip: put it on wheels – this allows easy movement and ensures good drainage. With smart filling, the weight can stay under 150 kg.

Slim Bed for Fence Lines

A 40 cm deep bed makes the most of space along property boundaries. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme thrive at this depth. A south-facing fence acts as a heat store – perfect for warmth-loving plants.

XXL Raised Bed from 6 Pallets

Ambitious self-sufficiency gardeners can go big: an L-shaped bed made from six pallets offers enough room for an entire vegetable season. Add crossbars every 60 cm to prevent the sides from bulging. With this size, you can easily supply a family of four with fresh salads.

Care & Planting Tips

Seasonal Calendar for Maximum Yield

Spring (March–May): radishes, spinach, peas, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers
Summer (June–August): courgettes, beans, pumpkins
Autumn (September–November): lamb’s lettuce, winter purslane, kale
Winter (December–February): garlic, winter onions

Long-Term Care Made Easy

Reapply the wood stain every two years in spring. While doing so, check the membrane for damage and repair small holes with strong adhesive tape. After three to four years, the filling will settle – simply top up with fresh compost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need special pallets?

VOnly use heat-treated pallets marked HT. Chemically treated pallets (marked MB) should never be used in vegetable gardens. Euro pallets are perfect due to their standard size.

How long will a pallet raised bed last?

With proper care and wood treatment, it can last 5–10 years. A dry location, good interior lining (e.g. bubble foil), and occasional protective treatment are essential.

Do I need to treat the pallets first?

Yes. Sanding to remove splinters and applying eco-friendly wood stain or oil will make the wood weather-resistant and significantly extend its lifespan.

How do I prevent wood rot?

In addition to staining, create a gravel strip as a base so the wood doesn’t sit directly on damp ground. The bubble foil inside is a must – it keeps moist soil away from the wood.

Can I use a pallet raised bed all year round?

Yes! In spring and summer, grow vegetables and herbs; in autumn/winter, use it for green manure or frost-resistant plants. In winter, you may want to cover it.

Conclusion: Your green project starts now!

With this guide, you can turn humble transport pallets into a productive growing space. A weekend of work will pay off with years of harvests. At GONSER.CH, you’ll find all the tools and garden accessories at unbeatable prices – from flexible garden hoses to practical covers to protect your raised bed in winter.

Ready to get started? Download our free checklist with shopping list and timetable for your pallet raised bed project. Your vegetable garden is waiting!