Gardening is a superb way to relax and add a pop of color to the yard. You can also use it for fresh food by growing vegetables. However, before you can do this, you need the right tools.
Though you can till the ground and create a garden yourself, there is another alternative. We are focusing today on the best raised garden beds. There are 18 different products to consider.
We offer a variety of information about raised beds, as well. Then, at the end, we present our winner.
Table of Contents
The 8 Benefits of Having a Raised Garden Bed
1. Soil control
You are starting off with a better soil mixture right from the beginning. Usually, the ground isn’t ideal for planting flowers or vegetables. With a raised bed, you can control this better.
2. More height makes it easier
Do you have problems bending over or being on your knees? This takes too much of the fun out of gardening. When the bed is raised, everything is closer to you, and it is easier to maintain, plant, and harvest the crops.
This works very well for older gardeners or those with handicaps. Of course, it depends on the type of garden bed you choose. There are varying sizes and options available.
3. Avoid soil compaction
When you walk on the ground, you compact the soil, which is not good for airflow. A raised bed garden doesn’t get stepped on, so the soil isn’t compacted as much. Therefore, the roots get more moisture and oxygen they need.
4. Plant more with a small space
Generally, the soil is better in a raised bed, so there are more nutrients. This means plants can sometimes be put closer together without reducing the amount of food each one receives. Therefore, you get more plants, which can mean more vegetables.
5. Fewer weeds with which to deal
Initially, when you plant things, there are going to be fewer weeds. Of course, later, the weeds might pop up. Therefore, it is best to consider weed prevention and killing products.
Of course, when weeds do come, they are going to be easier to remove. They can’t take hold well, and you can dig them out because the bed is raised and easier to reach.
6. The growing season is longer
A raised bed tends to get warmer faster. Therefore, it retains the heat throughout the day. This also ensures that plants stay warmer at night, which means you might extend the growing season a bit more.
7. The bed drains better
Many times, the soil stays too moist, which means your plants get waterlogged. With a raised bed, the water drains away faster. However, this can lead to you having to water more frequently, so pay close attention to your garden.
8. Grow things even if you can’t dig
Many times, the ground is too hard to dig up. With a raised bed, it can be put almost anywhere.
The Best Raised Garden Beds For Vegetables & Plants
The table below is provided to help you find information quickly. See all the products in a list, as well as helpful information so that you can access info on your terms.
When it comes to a raised garden bed, you can’t get any taller than the one from Best Choice Products. It’s almost three feet high, making it easy for you to garden without hurting your knees or back.
The wooden structure goes well with any décor. It can be placed on a balcony, deck, patio, and more.
At the bottom of the bed, there are drainage holes. This makes it easier for extra water to escape. Plus, the plants aren’t overwatered, and the soil stays fresh.
With the garden bed liner, the wood doesn’t touch the soil. Therefore, the planter looks great for many years to come.
2. Cedar Raised Garden Bed Kit
Cedar is a durable wood, and the ones from Rhino Garden Supply are thicker and taller than the competition. Therefore, the bed is sturdy and strong and can resist cracking, bowing, and breaking.
This product contains a built-in weed barrier in the corners. Air and water can get through, but the nutrients and soil stay inside. Just assemble your garden bed and lay down the protective layer so that grass and weeds can’t grow.
You’re not going to require tools to assemble the product. Just stack up your boards, line up all the holes, and drop the heavy-duty steel rods into place.
3. Yaheetech Raised Garden Bed Kit
With the raised garden bed kit from Yaheetech, you get an elongated bed, designed to sit on the grass or a patio. The fir wood isn’t painted, though they are sanded to avoid splinters. You can choose to paint/stain the wood yourself or leave it natural.
There are two separate growing areas. Therefore, you can use different planting methods and plants within them. Another option is to remove the baffle and have a larger growing area.
Assembly is easy, as everything is included. The instructions are easy to understand, and most people can set it up within an hour or so.
4. Vita Gardens Garden Bed with Grow Grid
Do you like planting a variety of different plants? If so, the Vita Gardens brand may be ideal. It features a 4×4-foot bed with a grow grid.
This means that there are separate spaces for each plant. You can have 16 total plants in each bed. Consider buying two or three of them and attach them together to make a longer growing space.
You aren’t going to need assembly tools, and it is quite easy to put together. It only comes in classic white, but this can add depth and a change of color to your backyard, deck, or patio.
5. Lifetime 60065 Raised Garden Bed
Many gardeners like to plant a variety of things, but still want to keep things separate, too. With the three-pack of garden beds from Lifetime, you can. Each bed is 4×4-feet wide and can be assembled in an hour.
The material used is HDPE (High-density Polyethylene). Therefore, it isn’t going to peel, crack, or rot. Plus, it is weather-resistant and low maintenance.
They also feature a stackable design. Set one bed atop of the other to give deep-rooted plants enough room to grow and flourish. You get the longer connectors to make the stacks sturdy and keep things together, as well.
6. Greenes Fence Raised Garden Bed Planter
Those who want an open-bottomed frame might like the raised garden bed from Greenes Fence. You can use it to support your current garden or as a planter by itself. It’s made of cedar, which is untreated, so it is safe to grow fruit, herbs, or vegetables.
Assembly is quick and easy because this product uses interlocking joints instead of nails or screws. The boards just slide into their corner posts, forming a secure frame. Plus, the corners are routed on each side, which allows for expansion.
You can choose to connect multiple garden beds or stack them. This way, you can create a garden that looks aesthetically pleasing and meets your needs.
7. VegTrug 1.8 Meter Raised Bed
Are you interested in a raised bed that stands taller than most? Many of them still sit on the ground. The one from VegTrug sits 1.8 meters tall, making it ideal for wheelchairs and the elderly.
This bed can hold up to seven bags of compost, each 60L full. Since it stands taller than others, you can cover or net it if you feel the need.
You do have to assemble the product, but the instructions come with it. Plus, it is easy to do with household tools, such as a hammer and screwdriver. With three sets of legs, it is quite sturdy, as well.
8. Outland Living Raised Garden Bed
Do you like the idea of a standing garden bed? Vertical gardens are quite popular, and you can get one from Outland Living. This is ideal for small spaces because each hanging container gives you enough room to plant whatever you like.
You can also separate everything. For example, the bottom can house your favorite vegetables while the second-to-last spot can be for herbs.
Then, the top two can house pretty flowers. Make it your own with so many ways to customize it.
The plastic bins use polypropylene material. This means that they are lead-free, BPA-free, and mercury-free. Therefore, you can use them to grow food.
9. KING BIRD Raised Garden Bed
When it comes to sturdiness, you need a raised garden bed made of galvanized steel. KING BIRD offers this with its product. Though it is metal, it features galvanized paint, which prevents rust and looks great.
You can install it in four different ways, which allows for customization. Also, you get eight tags (to label plants), as well as a pair of green gloves.
The frame features a double card on both sides of the sheet metal. This makes the bed highly durable and stable. It’s not going to collapse or become distorted with age and use, so it is going to stay beautiful.
10. Best Choice Products Outdoor Metal Raised Garden Bed
Metal may not be the first choice for a garden bed, but it is sturdy and more reliable. Best Choice Products offers a raised garden bed, which sits almost a full foot off the ground. That way, your plants can have a healthier environment.
The bottomless base is ideal so that water can get through the soil and doesn’t waterlog the plants. However, the soil holds enough water so that it stays moist and the plants get what they need.
This product is made of galvanized steel. Therefore, it has a rust-resistant finish. Of course, it also looks aesthetically pleasing and is strong enough to last for many years.
Are you looking for a raised garden bed that is unique in all ways? The wooden one from Yaheetech might be ideal. It looks like a set of steps (with three risers).
This allows you to add dimension to your space. Plus, you can use it on a patio, porch, or out in the yard.
The wood doesn’t have paint, so it is safe to use for vegetables and other edibles. Also, you can separate the risers and use them as separate beds in various sizes. That way, customization is endless, and if you have the idea, you can create it.
12. VegTrug 8 Pocket Herb Garden
With the 8-pocket herb garden from VegTrug, you have a fully contained unit. It’s got eight different sections to house various herbs or plants. Plus, it sits high enough that anyone can use it, even if they have difficulty bending or stooping.
There are pre-formed liners included, and you can replace them with new ones as needed. The product is made of wood, but it is safe for food items. It’s treated with a preservative that makes it food-safe.
Underneath the pockets, you’ve got a lower shelf. This is an ideal place to keep your gardening tools, such as trowels and a watering can. Plus, the whole thing is quite easy to put together.
13. EZ-GRO GARDEN Fabric Raised Bed
Those who want a square, small raised bed may like the one from EZ-GRO GARDEN. It is a proprietary product made of special fabric. There’s no assembly required, so you just open it and put it where you want it.
The AeroFlow fabric is UV resistant, durable, and non-woven. Therefore, it allows for more airflow through the root system and soil. Plus, extra moisture drains away quickly so that the plants don’t get waterlogged.
There are multiple sizes available, which allows you to pick the one that fits your space. It also comes with DekProTek, which is a material that raises the bed off the ground or deck. Therefore, you don’t get it too wet from watering and can protect the surface.
14. Raised Planter Box with Legs Outdoor Elevated Garden Bed
When it comes to a different setup, you want the raised planter box from FOYUEE. It has everything included to have a beautiful garden that sits tall and proud. Plus, it features four legs and wheels to make it portable.
The spacious garden bed is at the top and holds 2.5 cubic feet of soil. Therefore, you’ve got plenty of room to keep your vegetables, flowers, and other plants.
It’s raised higher, so you don’t have to bend over. Plus, it’s made of galvanized steel and has an anti-rust coating. This means it is suitable for growing vegetables.
15. Keter Easy Grow Raised Garden Bed
If you’re interested in wicker styles, the raised garden bed from Keter might be best. It has a modern design with wider legs to make the whole thing sturdy.
This one is a bit different than the others, as it has a water gauge. That tells you how much water the plants have and if it is time to add moisture. Of course, it is also small enough to sit on a balcony or patio without taking up too much space.
Its drainage system can be closed or opened so that you are in control of the watering process. You also get a water reservoir to ensure that there is an adequate supply without having too much.
16. Aivituvin Vertical Raised Garden Bed
The vertical garden from Aivituvin can help you maximize small spaces. There are four layers or tiers, so you can keep different plants from mixing together. Plus, the bottom layer is a bit larger to house root vegetables if you desire.
Each box has a non-toxic garden liner provided, which creates a barrier between the wood and soil. Therefore, you can safely use the garden bed to grow vegetables to eat.
This planter is durable and stable because it is made with fir wood. Therefore, it’s going to support the plant’s weight without fear of it falling down or collapsing.
17. Keter Urban Bloomer Raised Garden Bed
With the Urban Bloomer from Keter, you get a simple raised garden bed. It contains a drainage plug and a self-watering feature. That way, you can make sure your plants have enough moisture without watering every day.
Just fill the reservoir as needed and check the water gauge periodically. There could be some trial and error here until you know how much water your plants need.
Plus, it is only 32 inches long, so it can fit on most balconies without taking up too much space. Also, the instructions are easy to follow. This means you can assemble it quickly and without issues.
18. Smart Pots 12100 Big Bag Bed Fabric Raised Bed
Fabric raised beds are popular, and the Smart Pots brand has three sizes. The best part is you just have to unfold it and put it where you want it to be. Then, fill the raised bed with soil and plant your flowers or vegetables.
It’s a tough fabric and is weatherproof. The circular pattern of the bed allows you to plant more things without overcrowding. Plus, it comes in black or purple, so you can match your personal style or that of your home.
The mini size is 24 inches in diameter and has eight-inch-high walls. Then, you’ve got the junior size, which is 36 inches in diameter and comes with 12-inch-high walls. Of course, the original is the most popular and features a 50-inch diameter and 12-inch-high walls.
How to Choose Appropriate Materials for Your Raised Garden Bed?
Raised garden beds are made from many materials. These can include wood, recycled composite, recycled plastic, and galvanized metal.
The most popular wood species for garden beds include pine/fir and cedar, with cedar often being the best. It’s longer-lasting and resistant to decay. Generally, they come untreated so that they are suitable for use with vegetables and other foods.
Recycled plastic is called HDPE (High-density Polyethylene). It is non-leaching and very durable. However, the boards can bow with the weight of the soil and plants if you are not careful.
Then, you have recycled composite. Sometimes, it is called a fabric bed because it contains wood fibers and recycled plastic. Usually, it is sold as a kit and has pre-cut components.
It’s environmentally friendly and long-lasting. Plus, it doesn’t require maintenance. Still, it can be more expensive, and its color can fade with time.
Galvanized metal is quite sturdy and doesn’t bend or bow. It’s quite stylish, as well, and can add a modern twist to an old-time favorite. Of course, it’s also a very expensive material.
Still, you need to make sure that it is finished correctly. Otherwise, the metal can get rusty with time. This is problematic if you have vegetables and plan to consume them.
With these four materials, it is quite easy to see that they all have advantages and drawbacks. The best thing to do is select one that meets your needs. While they are all eco-friendly in their own ways, you have other factors to consider, as well.
Best Size For Raised Garden Beds
In most cases, a raised garden bed should be four feet wide at max. This allows you to get to the middle of the bed easily without having to step on the soil.
Keep in mind that beds placed along a fence or wall should be between two and three feet wide because you only have access from one side.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a raised garden bed, there are many options. Still, the one you pick is going to be with you for many years. Therefore, you don’t want to get the wrong one.
We feel that there were many excellent choices today. You can find vertical gardens, fabric ones, and so many others. Still, we believe that the best is the Raised Planter Box from FOYUEE.
It has enough space to plant a variety of things. Plus, it stands tall and has storage space beneath the planter. Also, it rolls, so you can move it to get the best sunlight.
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