A simple solution can be made from a strip of tin to contain the soil to create a raised panting bed or boxed in area.

This can be dressed-up with several alternatives. Placing well-chosen rocks around the face will conceal the tin and give the appearance of a low rock wall. Alternatively reused timber – hardwood or treated pine will not deteriorate as rapidly – can be converted into a low panel to face the tin. Place the lengths of timber out with the flat ends against a straight edge to keep one end of the timber level.

A power saw and a cordless drill or power drill will be needed to complete the job. Two strips of galvanised metal are used to hold them together. Stretch the metal strip the length of the timbers, ensuring that they are pushed tightly together, putting a screw in either end. Fill in the gaps with one or two screws for each piece of timber. Scribe a mark along the other end of the timbers and carefully neaten up the edge using a power saw. Always use the appropriate safety equipment; goggles and earmuffs are essential. Rolled up and rolled out in front of a planter bed makes a simple and easy solution to edge a planter bed.

Planter boxes are also easy to build from pressure-treated wood or cedar.

Cut boards to the size you want, and screw them together to form a box. Measure the inside length and width, and cut a piece for the bottom. Secure the bottom through the sides with galvanized screws.

Attach cleats to the bottom of the box. Then drill three or four drainage holes in the bottom.

Cut a piece of vinyl or nylon screen to fit into the bottom of the box. The screen will help hold gravel and dirt in the box.