Raised beds are a game-changer for home gardeners—they improve drainage, control soil quality, and make gardening easier on your back. But they can get pricey… unless you know how to DIY on a budget. With just a few materials and a free afternoon, you can build a 4×4 raised bed for under $50. Let’s break it down!

What You’ll Need

• Lumber: Four 2×6 boards, 4 feet long (untreated cedar or pine—$20 total at most hardware stores).
• Screws: 2.5-inch deck screws (16 screws, ~$5).
• Soil Mix: 8 cubic feet of topsoil and compost mix (~$15).
• Tools: Drill, saw (or have the store cut the wood), and a tape measure (borrow if you don’t own them).
  Total Cost: Around $40—leaving room for extras like mulch.

Step 1: Cut and Assemble the Frame
If your boards aren’t pre-cut, saw them into four 4-foot lengths. Lay them out in a square, with the ends overlapping (like a picture frame). Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting, then secure each corner with four screws. Double-check that your frame is square by measuring diagonally—both diagonals should match.

Step 2: Pick Your Spot and Set It Up
Choose a sunny spot (most plants need 6 hours of sun—check our for specifics). Level the ground if needed, then place your frame. You don’t need a bottom—just set it directly on the soil. If you’ve got pesky weeds, lay down cardboard first to smother them.

Step 3: Fill It Up
Mix your topsoil and compost (50/50 ratio) and fill the bed to about 6 inches deep. This 4×4 bed holds about 8 cubic feet, so your $15 mix should do the trick. Rake it smooth, and you’re ready to plant!

What to Grow
A 4×4 bed is perfect for a small veggie or herb garden. Try two tomato plants (space them 2 feet apart), four lettuce plants, and a few basil plants for a pest-repelling bonus. Use our to see how much your plants will cost—our calculator says this setup runs about $15 for plants and materials.

Bonus Tip: Save Even More
Got scrap wood lying around? Use it instead of buying new lumber. You can also skip the compost and dig up your own soil—just mix in some free coffee grounds from a local café for a nutrient boost.

Conclusion
With less than $50 and a few hours, you’ve got a raised bed ready to grow your dream garden. Want to plan what to plant? Head to our to budget your plants, and check out our for advice on keeping them thriving. Now get out there and grow!