Creating raised beds from plastic panels with your own hands, pros and cons

Creating raised beds from plastic panels with your own hands has many advantages. These structures are affordable and durable. They are suitable for growing different types of garden and vegetable crops. These products provide protection against soil washout and shedding. They also protect beds from the development of weeds and are used for zoning areas and designing paths.

Pros and cons of PVC beds

The design of plastic beds in the country has certain pros and cons.

The advantages of such structures include the following:

1. They keep the shape of the beds well. Thanks to this, the designs have a neat and aesthetic appearance. This feature is relevant for soils with a predominance of sand.
2. It is permissible to use in open ground and in greenhouse conditions.
3. They are easy to install and flexible. This helps to build any flower bed, which can be moved to a new location if necessary. The structure will retain its attractive appearance for a long time. In addition, the panels can be painted and washed.
4. Characterized by resistance to external factors. The panels tolerate high soil moisture well and are resistant to mold and other influences. There are types of plastic that do not fade under the influence of the sun. This is due to its treatment with a special protective solution.
5. Ready-made buildings are available at an affordable price. It is also permissible to make them from available plastic devices - bottles or PVC panels.

However, plastic fencing also has some disadvantages:

1. When the soil is over-moistened or during periods of precipitation, the plastic becomes moldy. It is also capable of swelling in places.
2. If you buy a cheap model that does not have UV protection, the design will quickly lose its shade and become paler.
3. In areas with severe frosts, it is recommended to remove structures after harvesting. Otherwise they will crack.

Main types

Ready-made models of plastic fencing are distinguished by their variety and versatility. When used correctly, they are durable and easy to assemble.Each kit includes panels, clamps, and pegs for fastening. The set also contains instructions.

Structures can be high or low. Each type has certain characteristics. You need to read them before purchasing.

Border tape

This fencing is easy to use. It allows you to easily secure a mound of earth on the beds. To install such a tape, you need to dig its edge into the ground, and secure the connected edges with special pegs that resemble a clothespin.

To make the bed even, you should use similar posts to secure the entire perimeter. This is especially true if the soil on the site has a loose structure and is prone to crumbling.

An important advantage of curb tape is the ability to create a fence of any shape. It is made round or square. Most often the material is used to decorate flower beds.

Net

Plastic mesh is not able to withstand heavy loads. Therefore, it is often used to divide beds into sections or as decoration. In addition, the material is used to decorate gazebos or verandas. Different crops curl beautifully around this design.

The mesh should be fixed using pegs, just like a regular metal chain-link. However, the advantage of plastic material is that there is no risk of rust formation. Thanks to this, it retains its decorative appearance for a long time.

Panels

To build a convenient and practical fence, it is permissible to use plastic panels.They are easy to install and fasten with latches, like a construction set. Plastic is lightweight and durable and lasts quite a long time.

Fences are made smooth or embossed. They also differ in colors. Plastic panels allow you to build high or low beds.

Preparation of materials

To make fences for your vegetable garden with your own hands, it is recommended to take a set of plastic panels and logs used as posts. You will also need decorative caps. They will prevent debris and contaminants from entering the pivot joints. It is important to use corners that will help close external corners.

How to make beds from plastic panels with your own hands

Self-construction of beds from plastic panels has a number of features that must be taken into account to obtain good results.

Manufacturing

To make a garden bed, you should do the following:

1. Cut wood-polymer composite boards into fragments of the required size. The length of the segments is chosen depending on the dimensions of the future bed.
2. The height of the corner posts should be 20 centimeters higher than the top of the fence. The difference in the same parameter of the internal columns is 50 centimeters.
3. Attach the boards to each other in a seamless manner. This result can be achieved by installing one panel into another. They need to be inserted extremely tightly. It is important to prevent gaps from forming. To save money, it is permissible to use wooden blocks or metal corners as support.

The panels should be attached at different angles, which helps to experiment with the shapes of the beds. In this case, the minimum angle should be 60 degrees.

Installation

After assembly, the box of panels must be fixed on corner supports.This is done so that the free part, which exceeds the height of the fence, is located below. Subsequently, it will need to be buried in the soil. It is recommended to carefully move the created frame to the site of the bed and level the structure diagonally.

Filling the beds

In the year of building a high bed, it is worth planting plants that need good fertility. These include cucumbers, pumpkin, different types of cabbage, tomatoes, sweet peppers, zucchini, and eggplants. Next year it is permissible to plant greens. Root vegetables are also a great option.

After the second harvest, the soil needs to be restored. If the contents of the bed have settled, it is worth adding a high-quality substrate mixed with mature compost in the fall. If there is no room for new soil, it is recommended to remove part of the top layer and replace it with fresh soil with fertilizing.

Installation yourself or call a specialist

Raised beds are amazingly convenient. If you have the appropriate skills, it is quite acceptable to make them yourself. If this is not possible, you should contact a specialist.

In order for the structure to serve as long as possible and help reap a good harvest, it is recommended to follow these rules:

1. Use light and loose soil, since plastic is not considered a very durable material.
2. To protect the beds from weeds, it is recommended to place agrofibre, old carpeting, and corrugated cardboard at the bottom.
3. High beds require high-quality aeration. It is recommended to carry out this procedure with a pitchfork.
4. Plastic formwork should not remain empty. Even if you do not plan to plant plants, it is recommended to fill the structure with soil and cover it with a mulch layer.
5. It is recommended to disassemble the bed only for long-term storage. In this case, the plastic boards and fastenings should be thoroughly washed and dried.

Beautiful design

Today there are many types of fencing for garden beds on sale, which allow you to realize different design ideas. If you wish, you can make a fence from ordinary plastic bottles. When using containers of a certain shade, you will be able to achieve original results.

High beds made of plastic look very beautiful and allow you to grow different crops. To do this, it is permissible to buy ready-made structures or make them yourself.