Do-it-yourself beds made of plastic panels: description, instructions and reviews

What do you need to know before making beds?

To make the plants feel comfortable and bear fruit well, and to make it convenient for you to walk and do gardening work, you need to follow the recommendations regarding the optimal type of beds.

• Their optimal width is eighty to ninety centimeters. Two or three crops can be planted on such a plot.
• Any length of the bed is allowed and depends on the size of the garden and the location of the paths. But it is recommended that the ridge be no longer than four to six meters.
• It’s good to make the beds high. Let them rise ten to fifteen centimeters. This reduces the likelihood that debris from the path and grass seeds that grow nearby will get into the garden bed.

Why do you need to fence your garden beds?

One of the main purposes of fencing is to prevent one type of plant from interfering with another.

There are a number of other advantages of fences:

• garden land is used as functionally as possible;
• the process of weed control becomes easier and more effective;
• the appearance of the garden is much more aesthetically pleasing;
• it becomes possible to make convenient paths;
• it is more convenient to fertilize the soil depending on the type of crop planted;
• it is easier to organize and group seedlings.

And now the question comes, when you decide to create a fence for the beds - what to make the sides from?

What types of fences are there?

The following materials are quickly and inexpensively used as fencing materials for flower beds and beds:

• metal;
• plastic;
• tree;
• slate;
• stones and cobblestones;
• concrete;
• wicker fences;
• plastic bottles.

You can also buy ready-made fences, but this is very expensive.

Metal fences are easy to install. But this look won't last long. Another disadvantage is that the metal needs to be treated with special means, you can get hurt on it, and it also heats up easily in the sun.

Wooden fencing has often been used in summer cottages, but it is an expensive option. Such fences also need to be treated from dampness and pests, but this does not help. After all, after some time the tree needs to be partially or completely replaced.

Slate is popular because owners of summer cottages often have pieces left over after re-roofing. In terms of durability, it is better than metal and wood, and does not deform during use.

Decorative stones and cobblestones are the most expensive fencing option. But you can also use available breeds if you have them. Their disadvantage is their size. Therefore, it is better to use stones for flower beds, and not for beds.

The most popular today are beds made of plastic panels, built with your own hands. They have a lot of advantages, thanks to which more and more gardeners are choosing them.

How to make a raised bed warm

We have already seen the benefits of installing raised beds in the country. But such a bed can become twice as effective if you make it warm. All heat-loving crops grow faster in such a bed and bear fruit better. Setting up a warm bed resembles a layer cake:

• coarse organic matter is laid down - branches, leaves, bark;
• semi-rotted compost or manure goes into the middle layer;
• The top of the pie is covered with a layer of garden soil.

Under the top layer, organic matter begins to decompose with the release of heat, that is, it warms the plants from below, from the cold earth. If such a bed is mulched after planting, caring for it will come down to rare watering and harvesting, which will invariably please you, because all plants love warmth and an abundance of organic matter in the soil.

Video instructions for making a raised bed

Adding an article to a new collection

Wooden walls are a very convenient device for any vegetable garden, which gives the beds a neat appearance. There are at least three proven ways to protect such a fence from rotting that can occur as a result of its contact with the ground.

In order for wooden beds to have a presentable appearance and not deteriorate from interaction with water, they must be periodically coated with paints and varnishes. But this applies only to the ground part of the fence. That part of the wooden bed that is closer to the ground and below it needs to be protected more carefully. How?

Types of plastic fences

A very common type of plastic fencing is curb tape. It is sold in rolls, the height of which varies from twenty to fifty centimeters. This tape is flexible and easy to install. It is easy to install and remove if necessary.

This type of plastic fencing is also becoming increasingly known as a garden set. Its appearance resembles wooden stumps. And to install it, you only need to spend a few minutes. To do this, simply water the selected area generously and press the fence into the ground, not forgetting to connect its edges.

Plastic mesh is in less demand, but such fences can also be found in garden beds.

The most common type of plastic fencing is panels. They are comfortable and practical. Also in this regard, plastic panels that remain after repair work are good. Then the cost of fencing the beds is practically zero.

Peculiarities

Beds made of plastic panels have a number of advantages and disadvantages, which, according to gardeners, are significantly fewer. Most users of plastic in the garden note its advantages.

1. It holds the shape of the bed well, which looks neat and aesthetically pleasing. This point is especially relevant in places where sand predominates in the soil.
2. Can be used both in open ground and in greenhouses.
3. Ease of installation and versatility, allowing you to easily create any type of flower bed, which, if necessary, can be moved to another place. The building will look aesthetically pleasing for a long time. The panels can be washed and painted.
4. The material's resistance to environmental influences: wet soil, mold, etc. There are types of plastic that do not fade in the sun because they are treated with a special protective solution.
5. Reasonable prices for ready-made configurations. If desired, you can make a fence yourself from available plastic (bottles, used PVC panels).

As for the shortcomings, there are few of them.

1. With excessive watering or rainy summers, a certain type of plastic becomes moldy and swells in places.
2. If you buy a cheaper model that is not treated with ultraviolet protection, the design will quickly fade in the sun and become faded.
3. In regions where severe frosts are typical, it is recommended to remove plastic fences from the garden after harvesting, otherwise they will crack from frost and become unusable by spring.

Pros and cons of plastic beds

The advantages of plastic boards for arranging beds are:

• long service life;
• variety of textures and colors;
• price policy;
• frost resistance;
• resistance to UV radiation and sudden weather changes;
• does not dry out;
• prevents putrefactive bacteria from multiplying;
• durable structure;
• ease of installation of structures;
• easy to care for (when watering, just wash off the dirt with a hose);
• mobile design (if necessary, the bed can be moved to any other place in the garden);
• the bed is not washed out, moisture after watering is retained inside the structure for a long time.

The disadvantages include 1 drawback: some types of plastic can be toxic and release poisons, which is not applicable when growing plants.

Advantages of plastic fencing

The fact that today PVC is used in many areas, including for creating fences , is due to its many advantages. And today it is difficult to find another similar fencing for garden beds that would have the same large number of useful qualities. If we talk in more detail about the advantages of PVC fences, we can highlight the following:

• practicality. First of all, plastic fences demonstrate this quality when they are installed on loose, loose soils. Using them, the owner has the opportunity to organize a full-fledged flower bed by adding soil to it. In addition, several tiers can be added to the design;
• Wide range of framing options. The fence line running along the perimeter of the site may have an oval, round or curved shape;
• ability to retain moisture in the soil. PVC is capable of not deteriorating under the influence of moisture for many years, as a result it will remain in the ground until the last drop;
• the ability to retain its original color even when exposed to prolonged sunlight;
• ease of installation;
• the ability to remove the installed fence at any time or replace it with another;
• Using PVC fencing, the summer resident has the opportunity to make a certain area of ​​the site more attractive. With the help of such fences, you can highlight specific elements of the territory, for example, paths, and also focus attention on the most important details;
• to install such fences, you do not have to deal with tedious digging of a trench;
• resistance to moisture absorption benefits the plants, since moisture remains in the beds;
• the possibility of using PVC fencing of a wide variety of designs and shapes;
• resistance to negative temperatures;
• availability.

We recommend: Insulating walls from the inside with mineral wool plus plasterboard

Advantages of plastic

Plastic panels have many advantages over other types of materials:

1. 1 They can be used in any region. They are resistant to sudden temperature changes.
2. 2 Low cost of plastic panels.
3. 3 The material is not subject to rotting and fading from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Fungus and mold do not appear on it. Therefore, beds made of plastic panels will last a very long time.
4. 4 Plastic panels are durable, but have sufficient flexibility, so you can create garden structures of various shapes.
5. 5 The material is non-toxic, and no harmful substances are released into the soil that disturb the microflora.
6. 6 Plastic panels do not require special care; you can simply clean them of dust and dirt using water from a hose.
7. 7 Plastic acts as a barrier between plants and weeds, preventing the latter from entering the garden bed.
8. 8 Installing the panels does not require any specialized knowledge or tools.
9. 9 Thanks to the variety of sizes, they can be made into raised beds. and low.

Given so many advantages, plastic panels are very popular among summer residents. They value them for their practicality and convenience, reasonable price and proper quality.

The market offers a huge range of plastic products for garden beds:

• flexible border tape;
• “Garden board” panels;
• fencing “Garden Constructor”;
• plastic mesh.

Everyone can choose the appropriate fencing depending on their financial capabilities and wishes.

Types of plastic fencing for garden beds

A whole range of ready-made products are offered on the market for fencing beds. Models differ from each other in physical characteristics and purpose. For their manufacture, special plastic is used, which does not emit toxic substances even after very long exposure to the sun.

Ready-made fencing for garden beds made of plastic can be purchased at any large hardware store. There are several types of such products:

1. Plastic border strip is a flexible plastic strip with a width of 10 to 50 cm. This height is enough to create raised beds. Its installation is extremely simple: you just need to dig a shallow trench, stretch a piece of tape and secure it with stakes. The main advantage of this solution is the ability to create beds of any configuration. Border tape is the best option for decorative flower beds.
2. Beds made of plastic boards are made in the form of panels no more than 15 cm high and up to 3 m long. At the ends of the product there are grooves and protruding fasteners, with the help of which the fence is mounted. The joint is closed with a decorative plug. The plank model is more durable: it can withstand high pressure and is resistant to mechanical damage. The bed configuration can only be rectangular.

3. A garden constructor is a set of plastic parts up to 15–20 cm high, but small in width. A fence made from such elements is assembled like a construction set. It is possible to fasten parts at different angles to each other, which allows you to build beds of any configuration, as well as multi-tiered and decorative beds. Assembly of the product is carried out according to the instructions and does not take much time.

4. Plastic mesh is used for zoning, since it cannot hold the soil of a high bed. Polymer mesh is installed for fencing low beds, flower beds, and flower beds.

Sometimes there is a separate category - decorative fencing. In fact, this is a type of plastic boards that imitate some natural material: brick, wood, wicker, bamboo.

Important! Each plastic bed model has soil restrictions. Thus, a garden constructor can be used on loose or loose soil, but a border strip requires a more durable base.

Border tape

This is a polymer fence in the form of a flexible tape. Its width varies from 0.1 to 0.5 m, this allows you to choose the one that suits your needs - for fencing tall plants and shrubs, choose a wide tape, and for forming beds and zoning lawns - a narrow one. Advantages of border tape:

1. Flexibility: with its help you can easily give the bed any desired shape.
2. Protection of the embankment from erosion by water from heavy rains or during irrigation.
3. Easy to install: just stretch the tape in a shallow trench and secure it with stakes.
4. Mobility: if desired, next year the tape can be moved to another place, forming another bed.
5. Ease of use: polymer tape is sold in rolls, so before installation you just need to cut the strip to the desired length.
6. Variety of shades.

You can experiment with border tape if you purchase material of different widths and make a multi-tiered bed or flower bed. However, one drawback of this type of polymer fencing should be highlighted - that it cannot withstand heavy loads.

Collapsible beds

Such structures are created from a rigid plastic base. They are made of a certain length, and with the help of the components you can assemble the bed that is needed, that is, of any size. This plastic is more rigid and can be assembled to the height required by the gardener. A very common fence is called “Garden Board”. The appearance resembles a light or dark board, but unlike a natural product, plastic has a number of advantages:

1. Does not deteriorate when in contact with water.
2. Does not lose its attractiveness, since the paint does not fade over time.
3. There is no need to constantly treat such boards to protect them from bad natural conditions.

The board is sold in various lengths, but the maximum length is limited to 3 m, with a width of 15 cm. This allows you to assemble a frame of the required size. All fasteners are of a standard type, which greatly simplifies assembly.

Net

Plastic mesh is not usually used to create raised beds because the heavy soil is difficult to support. But for zoning a site, creating low beds, fencing flower beds, this is the best option.

Unlike metal mesh, polymer mesh is lightweight, does not corrode, and is very easy to stretch. It is often used as an additional barrier when forming structures for beds made of other materials.

Appearance of plastic fences

You can make different designs for your own garden beds at your dacha. This task is simplified if you buy ready-made panels. Their appearance resembles a low fence, and the color palette is varied.

If you decide to make fences for your garden beds from plastic panels, then after installing them, simply paint the new fence the desired color. The paint can be moisture-resistant or special for outdoor work. The one in which the main fence and elements of the house or barn are painted is also suitable. The ideal option is to choose paint for plastic.

If you slightly increase your budget for the purchase of plastic panels, you will be able to purchase fences in the store, the appearance of which very well imitates various expensive materials. Thus, you may have a fence on your site for a garden bed made of expensive stones, wood, and so on. Moreover, such a fence will be much more practical than its prototype. For example, a white plastic fence will cost about 900 rubles. per meter

As for shapes, plastic panels are easily deformed. They can be bent as you wish, thanks to which your site can have not only the usual rectangular flower beds, but also beds of unusual shapes: round, oval, and so on.

Beds made of plastic boards: design characteristics

How to make raised beds from slate with your own hands: step by step for building a raised bed - instructions + video
As an option, you can consider making beds from plastic boards. Such elements can be a wonderful alternative to rigid fencing. PVC structures can withstand significant pressure and are also resistant to mechanical damage. These products are called garden boards and resemble panels. Their length can reach three meters, and the width of the board is no more than 15 cm.

On the end sides there are grooved fasteners and recesses that are necessary for mounting the structure. This assembly process allows you to construct fences of any size.

Most often, the assembly of garden plastic boards for beds is carried out according to the manufacturers' instructions. In addition to the panels, the set includes stakes, also made of plastic. To build a bed, you need to connect the elements using grooved grooves and protruding fasteners. After assembly, the structure is mounted on the surface of the ground, and then secured with plastic stakes. Special plugs are installed in the fastening areas to prevent soil from getting into the holes.

Using a durable garden board, you can fence not only garden beds, but also recreation areas or children's sandboxes. Such surfaces can withstand significant loads and are difficult to scratch. The color palette of such products can be quite different: from brown to white. Moreover, such panels can be used to arrange all kinds of decorative compositions.

When creating beds from PVC panels, you need to go through the following steps:

• the kit must be unpacked;
• individual elements are attached to each other using grooves and protruding parts;
• then the structure is installed around the plantings. To do this, use the pegs that come with the kit;
• the remaining holes are covered with plugs.

At what prices can you buy ready-made plastic beds for the garden?

You can buy ready-made plastic beds. Such durable panels are used to improve the surrounding area. In this case, you can fence off playgrounds, sandboxes or recreation areas. The surface of such structures is completely smooth.

Sets of finished panels can be of various colors and different compositions. The structures are not afraid of soil erosion or temperature changes. This board can be used for fencing greenhouses or greenhouses. The parts can be assembled for the installation of frame structures, as they can withstand significant weight.

In the table you can see prices for similar products.

Features of the designer and prices

If you don’t want to make borders yourself, then you can buy fences for beds made of plastic panels in the form of a designer. With the help of such a device, you can build a luxurious flower bed or decorative vegetable garden of various configurations and parameters on your site. The constructor consists of plastic elements that are connected in a certain way. Most often, the entire process is described on the packaging.

As a result of assembly, you can get a one-piece structure in the form of a side. Unlike boards, the designer allows you to create both large and small fences. This option perfectly retains moisture, which is necessary for plant development.

The garden designer allows you to create even original multi-tiered compositions. You can use curved lines to create original configurations.

The installation procedure is not complicated. It is necessary to purchase the required number of elements and connect the parts together using fasteners.

How to install border tape?

The procedure for installing plastic fencing is as follows:

1. Determine the length and width of the bed.
2. Cut the required amount of tape and join the edges with a staple gun.
3. Dig a small narrow trench at the installation site.
4. Install the curb into the trench.
5. Fill the tape on both sides with soil and compact the soil tightly.
6. If your bed is more than two meters long, then to stabilize the plastic border, support it with metal or wooden pegs. You need to drive them in in a checkerboard pattern: one in front, the other inside.

How to install plastic mesh?

To prevent the plastic mesh from becoming deformed, you must adhere to the following installation instructions:

1. Dig metal or wooden pegs around the perimeter of the bed. It is advisable that the distance between them be about a meter, then the mesh will not be deformed.
2. If the height of the grid does not suit you, then make a narrow trench. Then the excess part of the fence can be hidden underground.
3. Attach one end of the mesh to the first peg using strong wire or special construction ties. This needs to be done in at least two places, it all depends on the height of the fence.
4. Stretch the mesh well around the perimeter of the bed.
5. Finally, reattach the plastic mesh to the peg.

Fencing made of plastic panels

Why do gardeners increasingly prefer plastic fencing? It's all about its advantages over other types.

Do-it-yourself beds made of plastic panels are easy to assemble, and their installation does not require much effort. And such a fence will last for many years, because the same things that are so typical of metal and wood will not happen to it. It will not rot, will not become covered with mold, mildew and rust, and will not decompose in the ground. And due to the fact that during installation the plastic panels are buried in the soil, the likelihood of weeds getting into the beds is reduced. It is worth noting that plastic does not emit any harmful substances and the soil is not polluted. Also, water and fertilizers used to treat the plants will not flow outside the beds.

Another undoubted advantage of fences made of plastic panels is the wide variety in creating shapes and decor.

Advantages of plastic beds

1. Plastic curbs are superior to fences made from natural materials in many ways.
2. They compare favorably with analogues in their low cost and performance characteristics.
3. Plastic beds not only look beautiful, but can also withstand the vagaries of nature.
4. They are mobile, so you can change the location of the beds and flower beds at least every year.
5. They allow the construction of various complex structures in horizontal and vertical planes, giving the landscape design of the site a zest.
6. Plastic retains moisture inside the fence, which prevents soil erosion and leakage.
7. PVC does not melt in the heat, does not collapse in the cold, and is not affected by temperature fluctuations.
8. A planting surface fenced with a border is easier to care for (loosening, watering, weeding), and the number of weeds is reduced.
9. They are used to isolate structures from irrigation water, which is especially important for small areas where everything is located end-to-end.
10. When heated under the sun's rays, the curb material does not emit harmful substances and does not interact with water.
11. PVC does not fade, remains “like new” for a long time, is resistant to biohazards (fungi, insects), and is environmentally friendly.
12. Plastic curbs weigh little and are installed easily and quickly.
13. A wide range of shapes and color variations allows them to fit into any style of garden plot design.
14. Plastic beds do not require maintenance (they look great without it) or additional improvement (painting).
15. They limit the growth of plants with creeping rhizomes (a wide border tape is especially good in this sense), keeping them within the required area.
16. With a border fence, the garden plot looks original and well-groomed.

Do-it-yourself fencing for garden beds - how is a plastic fence made?

As mentioned above, such fences are very easy to install even if you have no experience.

Instructions for installing a bed made of plastic panels with your own hands:

1. Take measurements of the bed. You need to know the width and length.
2. Make the necessary marks on the plastic panel.
3. Start cutting pieces of plastic. This must be done carefully, without damaging the material or injuring yourself. It is better to use a small saw or large utility knife. Plastic is easy to cut, so you don't need to use much force. Simply measure the desired size, draw a cut line and run a knife along it. Repeat the cut if necessary. Then you need to lightly press on the cut line. For one bed you need four pieces of plastic.
4. Dig a narrow trench around the perimeter of the bed. Its depth can be arbitrary, but not less than four centimeters. If the height of a bed made of plastic panels with your own hands should be small, then there is no need to shorten the material. Just make the trench deeper.
5. Place the panels in the trench and dig them in on both sides. Compact the earth. If you bought special plastic panels, then they come with pegs, thanks to which the sides of the fence are connected. If you used plastic left over after the repair, then put special corners on the joints.

Plastic fencing options

Options for a ready-made bed set made of plastic boards:

• classic rectangular;
• square;
• with guide arcs for tying climbing plants;
• flower pots with legs;
• multi-level rectangular, square - several boxes of different heights are connected in series to each other according to the principle of thresholds;
• round multi-tiered - convenient to water, no need to bend over;
• garden designer - you can assemble a product of any shape, including a polygon and other non-standard options.

Variety of shades of beds made from PVC bottles

In addition to using ready-made panel boxes, there are several other ways to decorate beds with plastic boards or products. Piece or meter materials for creating fences of any size:

1. Sections (height from 18 to 60 cm, length from 60 to 100 cm), imitating a picket fence, wattle fence, front garden fence. They are purchased in sufficient quantity, designed for the size of the bed, and connected with locks available on each section.
2. Knotless plastic mesh. It is sold in rolls up to 20 m long.
3. The mesh is rigid, the cells can be straight or diagonal (for example, Greengo decorative fencing).
4. Border tape in rolls from 9 to 50 m long, 9 to 30 cm high.
5. Garden glowing border is a type of border tape. LEDs are attached to its base. The length of such a fence is from 5 m, height – from 10 cm, backlight color (cold or warm) – white, red, green.
6. Flexible sidewalk curb. The length of such a section is from 1 to 3 m, the width of the base is from 7.5 to 8.5 cm.

The height of the fence should be selected taking into account exactly what crops are planned to be grown.

The height of the bed is selected depending on the type of plants

Reviews of plastic fencing

For the most part, gardeners positively characterize plastic fencing for beds and flower beds made from panels.

Most often they are chosen due to the low cost of the material. After all, for the money that will be spent on purchasing the required number of plastic panels, you will not be able to purchase the same amount of slate, metal or decorative stone.

Gardeners also prefer plastic because its installation does not require specific knowledge and skills. Therefore, even someone who has never done anything like this can construct a fence.

Summer residents also like plastic fences because they can be used to create different heights of beds. If you want a low flower bed, then install one panel. If you need a raised bed, just add a second one. This is easy to do thanks to special slats along the edges of the panel.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that in garden plots you can increasingly see flower beds and beds with vegetables and herbs fenced with plastic panels.