[EagleJay01]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some ideas on what to use for my raised beds and where to get it. Needs to be cheap as funds are very low!

Thanks for any Help

[Trillium]

Used scaffolding planks are very popular though I'm not sure where people get them. Some also use pallets stripped down then set up again.

[mumofstig]

decking boards are good because they're usually already treated, look out for offers at DIY stores, and check any skips and building sites for spare wood - but always ask before you take it.

The question arises - do you need raised beds?
have you got a bad back?
Is the soil really not good enough for you to use level beds - obviously a much cheaper option, than building and filling raised beds 
 
You could then spend any money you can spare on improving the soil 

[hubballi]

I am about to make some using old red house bricks someone was throwing away. Raised beds are better for controlling pests.

[mumofstig]

Raised beds are better for controlling pests.

How? 

[hubballi]

Because you have more control as it is raised 

[arugula]

Control of what? 

[EagleJay01]

bricks, now theres an idea!

My reason for raised bed's is drainage. The plot i've got seems to be holding a lot of water.

[davejg]

It might be worth asking on freecycle for decking boards, i use these for my beds as i feel i am only fertilsing the area i am growing in not the paths between.

[EagleJay01]

I did sign up to free cycle but man have you got to be quick on there. So far I've missed out on 100x paving slabs, a water butt, some breezeblocks and a greenhouse. If I was quick enough I could be off to a great start!

[hubballi]

Because the raised beds are easier to control slugs and snails as opposed to standard.

[DD.]

The question was "how?". That does not answer it.

I don't agree with your thoughts anyway.

[crh75]

Raised beds do not need sides, here is an example I found on google images.  Although I guess if you have sandy soil and it rains a lot it may wash away - having said that, if you had sandy soil your plot probably would not be holding water!

[Jamrock]

They are a helluva lot easier to work with with sides though.

I wouldn't recommend raised beds like this they are a nightmare to work with unless you fill them with perennials. If you can't afford to make proper raised beds don't bother, just use them at ground level

Not sure about this pest control theory! Perhaps easier on the back if you are removing insects by hand 

[hubballi]

Because you can control pests within a raised bed other than standard beds lower down. You can stop things getting in.