Creating an indoor garden often requires large spaces, but raised garden beds are currently the optimal solution. Raised garden beds save space and are easier to manage than traditional raised beds. They require little maintenance, reduce weeding, and can be placed in a variety of locations, providing great flexibility for growing spaces.
With the rise in popularity of gardening, there are many raised garden bed options to choose from. The flexibility and convenience of raised garden beds can help you optimize space and increase growing efficiency in your garden.
Our Top Picks
- Best Bang For The Buck: City Pickers Patio Raised Garden Bed
- Best Overall: Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed
- Best With Cover: Vegepod Raised Garden Bed
- Best For Pation: Jumbl Raised Canadian Cedar Garden Bed
- Best Herb Garden: Kdgarden Raised Garden Bed Kit
- Best For Beginner: Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7-Gallon Raised Garden Bed
- Best With Wheels: Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed
- Best For Tall Spaces: Outland Living Vertical Raised Garden Bed
- Best For Backyards: Sunnydaze Raised Metal Garden Bed Kit
- Best Budget: Vivosun 5-Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 5-Pack
Best Bang For The Buck: City Pickers Patio Raised Garden Bed
We chose to purchase the City Pickers Patio raised garden because of its highly affordable price, especially compared to other garden beds we tested, along with its thoughtful design. The City Pickers Patio raised garden is designed to be suitable for growing a few tomato plants, a few lettuce plants, a few lettuce plants, or some herbs.
Best features
The City Pickers flower bed comes with a one-piece molded polyethylene tub, with a drainage rack at the bottom and an integrated hose (both bracket and hose included). Assembly only requires attaching the wheel to the bottom of the tub, a quick and easy operation. The wheels roll smoothly, making it convenient to move anywhere.
The city picker’s closed automatic watering system is really great. It is self-watering, automatically watering plants by absorbing moisture from a 2-gallon water tank, and has an overflow hole to prevent over-watering.
In addition, it also comes with hidden drainage holes to help increase aesthetics. Another strength is that City Picker can limit weed growth by having its own closed soil system, which includes mulch, to prevent weed growth.
We were quite worried about the size of the City Pickers tub. At 2 feet long, 20 inches wide, and 9.5 inches deep, it is quite difficult to grow plants that require a lot of water. However, the manufacturer has added another detail to improve it: a fiber liner that fits on the top of the tub and ties it tightly to keep it in place.
Specifications
- Estimated assembly time: Approximately 2 minutes
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Drainage: Good drainage from holes on both sides
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Pros
- Economical choice: Ideal for novice gardeners
- Compact size is small enough for a porch or balcony
- Organic mulch reduces evaporation; Very good for delicate plants
Cons
- Only a layer of mulch comes with the bed
- More may be needed over time
Customers’ review: This product received more than 70% positive reviews from customers. They are satisfied with the planter’s portability and quality. The pots are easy to move when needed and are great for growing small plants.
The remaining 6% of mixed reviews were about leaks, durability, and size of the planter.
Editor’s verdict: The City Pickers flower bed is a convenient, mobile gardening solution with easy assembly. It features an automatic watering system with a 2-gallon tank and overflow protection, hidden drainage holes for aesthetics, and a closed soil system to limit weeds. Despite its compact size, it effectively supports plant growth with an included fiber liner to retain moisture.
Best Overall: Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed
If you don’t know, cedar is a natural wood that is not only highly durable but also has excellent weather resistance. The fresh, woody smell of cedar is highly effective in repelling insects. We had a remarkably satisfying experience unboxing the Greenes Fence.
Best features
The set of Greenes includes 11/16-inch thick boards, which are durable and reasonably thick. We placed a 4-foot by 8-foot Greenes garden bed on a flat yard and filled it with potting soil. The garden bed retains its shape and withstands soil pressure, even when we wet the soil, causing the weight and pressure to increase.
The side and end boards are installed into the corner posts through swallowtail slots. Although most panels slide in easily, some require a hammer to adjust correctly. As a finishing touch, cedar caps were attached to the tops of the posts, adding beauty to the structure.
The included screws can cause wood cracking because of their slightly large size, so we chose to use eight self-tapping screws to reduce this risk. The risk is negligible, however, if you don’t like the wood material, you can choose the metal material of the Vego garden Raised Garden Bed Kits.
The drainage line is located at the bottom, so it is very suitable for crops such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers that need high drainage rates. An included backing cloth will help keep the soil from moving out of position.
Specifications
- Estimated assembly time: 35 minutes
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Drainage: The small holes we felt were not enough
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Pros
- Cedar is naturally insect and water-resistant; Perfect for gardening
- The boards are strong enough to withstand the weight of wet soil easily
- Attractive and well designed; Looks great in most gardens
Cons
- The included screws are too wide for the end cap, which makes installation more difficult
Customer reviews: 73% of customer reviews for this product are five stars. They loved the ease of installation, size, value and finish of the planter. They say this pot is perfect for starting a garden, has the ideal length and width and is great value for money. They appreciate quality and appearance.
Only 6% rated it as less than three stars. These are suggestions on the type of wood used to produce plant pots. They want to change to another type of wood that is thicker and more durable.
Editor’s verdict: I’ve had my bed through a few seasons, and it still looks as sharp as it was the day I installed it. This bed is a top choice for gardeners investing in their hobby, combining functionality and durability.
Best With Cover: Vegepod Raised Garden Bed
Vegepod is the premium choice for plant lovers, especially as fall or spring approaches. However, it is not the perfect solution for everyone because many things need to be considered when using it.
Best features
The Vegapod is designed more like a mini greenhouse than a simple raised bed. Although advertised as “self-watering,” it is not completely automatic, like the Greenes Fence planter we reviewed above. The Vegapod’s watering system relies on a water tank at the bottom, filled with perlite, and acts as a wick to carry water to the soil above.
However, the soil can become soggy because of the lack of adequate drainage, especially when it rains a lot.
A plus point is the integrated mist sprayer on the lid, which can be connected to a garden and used to spray water evenly onto the plants inside.
The Vegepod measures 20 inches in length, 13 inches in width, and 40 inches in height with the lid installed. It weighs 22 pounds, which is heavy enough not to tip over in strong winds.
Vegepod is suitable for planting in late fall or early spring but should be placed under cover for protection. We placed the product outdoors, and in rainy conditions, the canopy did not provide enough protection, leaving the soil soaked and taking hours to drain. We had to drill additional drainage holes along the side to improve drainage.
Specifications
- Estimated assembly time: 35 minutes
- Material: High-density polyethylene
- Drainage: The small holes we felt were not enough
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Pros
- With the top installed, it creates a microclimate
- The cover helps protect the plant on cold nights
- The misting hose connects to the garden hose to spray water to the plants
Cons
Not draining water quickly enough after it rains
Customers’ review: Vegepod Raised Garden Bed received 4.5/5 stars from total user reviews. They liked the quality of the planter and its automatic watering system. They said it was a great product, and their vegetables grew very well. They appreciate economical water tanks that promote water infiltration.
However, some customers do not like the durability. The 6% of customer reviews below three stars were mixed regarding size, ease of assembly, and value.
Author’s verdict: We chose the Vegapod for its sturdy design and built-in mister, ideal for early spring and late fall plating. Its mini greenhouse style offers protection and although additional drainage may be needed in rainy conditions, it is just perfect for gardeners looking for a flexible and durable solution.
Best For Patio: Jumbl Raised Canadian Cedar Garden Bed
We absolutely love cedar products. Jumbl garden beds are designed from this type of wood. Therefore, its design and structure are extremely sturdy and of high quality.
Best feature
The Jumbl bed has a mulch fiber liner, which helps retain soil and prevents soil loss through the gaps between the slats. This is important in maintaining a stable growing environment and minimizing solid waste.
A highlight of the design is the latch assembly that holds the top cylinder cover. Instead of using screws, this design reduces the risk of corrosion and discoloration of the cedar. This innovation not only increases the products’s lifespan but also reduces maintenance work.
The Jumbl bed measures 18 inches in width and 34 inches in length, with an interior depth of approximately 9 inches. This size provides adequate space for root growth of many herbs, flowers, and leafy vegetables. A depth of 9 inches is sufficient to support the development of plants with root systems that are not too deep but may limit some plants that require deeper root space.
The bed’s base is crafted from a solid block of cedar, eliminating the joint between the bottom of the bed and the base. This creates a strong and stable structure. When placed on a paved yard, the bed does not shake or move, showing the design’s good bearing capacity and stability.
Assembling the Jumbl bed requires joining many different parts. While the assembly instructions may not be exhaustive, the need to trim some of the bottom rails to fit is something to keep in mind. This adjustment can be a bit annoying but does not reduce the product’s overall value. Correct handling will help ensure the bed’s tightness and stability.
Specifications
- Estimated assembly time: 20 minutes
- Material: Cedarwood
- Drainage: Natural, between wooden slats
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Pros
- Longer legs make this bed taller; Great for people with back problems
- Made from high-quality cedar wood, sturdy and durable
- Wood can be painted to match specific outdoor designs
Cons
- Some bars were too long and had to be cut to fit
Customers’ reviews: Customers love the versatility of the planter and say it is perfect for kitchen herb gardens, vegetables, and certain plants. They also liked the size, look, and ease of assembly. Therefore, Jumbl received more than 75% positive reviews from customers.
However, some customers disagree about the quality, value, performance, and self-watering ability of plant pots. They demand immediate improvement so they can return to purchase. The total contribution is about 6%.
Author’s verdict: If you are looking for a plant bed that is reliable and easy to maintain, the Jumbl bed is the ideal choice. With an intelligent design, soil-stabilizing mulch lining, and anti-rust latches, the product is not only durable but also easy to maintain. The 18 x 34-inch size and 9-inch depth are enough for a variety of plants, while sturdy cedar keeps the bed stable. If you are looking for a quality and long-lasting planting bed, the Jumbl bed is a worthwhile investment.
Best Herb Garden: Kdgarden Raised Garden Bed Kit
The Kdgarden raised flower bed is different thanks to the use of heavy-duty white PVC and precisely designed parts, tightly connected, creating a sturdy and uniform structure.
Best features
The Kdgarden flower bed can grow lettuce or other vegetables, but it is especially suitable for growing smaller plants such as herbs. The flower bed comes with a mesh designed to fit snugly over the bed’s top edge, creating 16 smaller growing spaces. This grid helps organize and arrange plants effectively while efficiently managing and caring for each planting area.
The dimensions of the Kdgarden flower bed are 48 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 13.3 inches high. With this size, the tub provides enough space for plant roots to grow, suitable for both flowers and vegetables.
When placed on flat ground, the tank’s clever design allows excess water to drain quickly through slots under the rails, helping to maintain stable growing conditions and avoid waterlogging.
Each part of the flower bed is manufactured with high precision, ensuring the parts connect together perfectly. Not only does this create a sturdy structure, but it also makes assembly easy and quick, requiring no special tools.
Specifications
- Estimated assembly time: 5 minutes
- Material: High quality PVC
- Drainage: Natural, bottom of side rails
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Pros
- Easy to assemble in just 5 minutes
- Made of rot and insect-resistant material
- The top grid for sorting small plants helps keep things organized
Cons
- The bright white is quite noticeable (some may like this)
Customers’ review: Kdgarden has received 78% customer reviews, giving this product 5 stars, and they love it for its aesthetics and durability. Most of them use pots to grow carrots and have learned that the pots have the perfect depth.
One of the grilles was a little chipped at the end because it was cut from the factory. They wish the production side had a little better quality control. I’m sorry for those unfortunate experiences. The number of customers encountered is only about 3%.
Editor’s verdict: The Kdgarden Raised Garden Bed Kit is ideal for growing plants in small spaces. Neat designs can be hung on walls or placed on tables, helping to save space. The smart drainage system prevents waterlogging, while the durable plastic material allows the product last over time.
Best For Beginner: Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7-Gallon Raised Garden Bed
For those new to gardening or working with limited space, the Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7-Gallon Raised Garden Bed offers a user-friendly and efficient solution to get started with growing a variety of plants.
Best features
This raised garden bed has dimensions that are very suitable for balconies and small patios, providing an ample space for growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
Taking up minimal floor space on a balcony, patio or terrace, this bed provides enough space to grow a variety of herbs and vegetables, suitable when you live in an apartment for rental and you are not allowed to dig Up the grounds to create a garden. And at a comfortable 30-inch height, you won’t have to bend over or kneel to plant, prune or harvest your plants.
This is made of resin so you don’t have to worry that it will stain or be splintered and not easily break down overtime. I like the shelf on the bottom where you can store some supplies and tools.
It is easy to assemble, it just takes me a few minutes. As far as watering goes, you can water it from the reservoir, there is a little thing that pops up to red when you fill it up too high and there is a spout so if you have a lot of rain or something, you need to drain it which is very convenient. The color is dark gray, is also gentle on the eyes, and easily matches the colors in the garden, not easily stained.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 32.3 in. L x 14.7 in. W x 30.7 in. H
- 12.7 gallon soil capacity
- Material: Resin
- Drainage: Manual tap
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Pros
- Self-watering system with water meter
- Easy assembly
- Improved design reduces the need for bending
Cons
- Some units may have missing parts
- Customer service may not be responsive
- Water reservoir takes time to fill
Customers’ review: Positive feedback highlights its ease of assembly, convenience, compact design that fits in various spaces, and the ideal drainage plug. Users appreciate the ability to safely leave town for a few days, and the height is suitable to prevent other pets from jumping in. On the downside, some customers mention that the drainage hole must be opened manually, which, if forgotten, can lead to flooding.
To overcome the above error that Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7-Gallon cannot meet, we suggest another one, Keter Easy Grow Elevated Garden Bed. This raised bed comes with a built-in water reservoir and a drainage tap, which helps prevent overflow by allowing you to easily control water levels without manual intervention.
Editor’s verdict: The product is suitable for beginners, those who grow plants in small areas, we recommend the Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7-Gallon Raised Garden Bed for the perfect compromise between space and function for urban gardening.
Best With Wheels: Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed
For those who value mobility in their gardening setup, the Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed offers an excellent solution with its sturdy construction and practical wheels, making it easy to relocate your garden to different areas with minimal effort.
Best features
This is made from good wood and is somewhat weather resistant, but should be kept indoors when not in use to prolong its life.
It’s very sturdy. The wheels make it easy to move. The spacious bed includes four wheels, two with brakes, allowing movement from one area to another on smooth surfaces such as a patio or terrace. However, the wheels are small and not meant for moving on uneven ground like lawns or gardens.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 48 in. L x 23.25 in. W x 32 in. H
- Material: Fir
- Drainage: Pre-drilled holes in the bottom panel
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Pros
- Reasonable price
- Easy to move because it has lockable wheels.
- Very attractive looking once completed and sealed
- Good instructions…if you familiarize yourself with them beforehand
- Parts are well labeled including stickers on each piece of wood and each bag of hardware (screws, bolts, etc.)
Cons
- Fragile
- Wood is susceptible to rot over time
Customers’ review: The garden bed looks attractive and is easy to assemble with well-labeled parts. However, I experienced significant issues with water drainage and wood durability. Despite sealing the wood, it developed black marks, turning the planter into an eyesore. The drainage system was ineffective, leading to water pooling and leakage. While it’s an affordable option, it requires extra effort to maintain, and I had to repaint it after less than a year. Overall, it’s a decent product but comes with some frustrating drawbacks.
Editor’s verdict: The Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed is suitable for those who need a spacious planter bed that is easy to move around in a patio or terrace area, thanks to its lockable wheels. It is especially ideal for those with flat outdoor spaces who need to relocate the planter from one spot to another. You can refer to another raised garden bed that also has wheels such as Giantex Raised Garden Bed on Wheels.
Best For Tall Spaces: Outland Living Vertical Raised Garden Bed
If you’re working with limited horizontal space but have room to grow upwards, the Outland Living Vertical Raised Garden Bed is an ideal choice, offering an innovative solution to maximize your gardening area vertically.
Best features
Outland Living Vertical Raised Garden Bed includes 5 certified food-safe grade plastic bins (12 L each) along with all hardware for assembly. The frame is constructed from high-quality steel with a protective powder coating.
This setup creates 10 lineal feet of gardening space within a 6 square foot area, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It can be used for decorating balconies, outdoor areas, and is ideal for vertical gardens, recommended for planting vegetables and flowers. The durable plastic containers are made from high-quality PP material, ensuring safety for plants.
Specifications
- Dimensions: L 29″ x W 25″ x H 48″
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Color: Black frame + Brown/Green/Grey bins
- Material: Steel, polypropylene
- Drainage: None, must be added after-market
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Pros
- There are many floors so you can plant many different types of plants on each floor, which looks very beautiful
- Sturdy material
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- There are no drainage holes
- Containers must be placed properly otherwise water will easily leak down
- No wheels
Customers’ reviews: They usually prefer non-plastic containers for vegetables, but found this polypropylene (PP) vertical garden to be a safe and sturdy option. The deeper boxes provide more room for roots compared to other vertical gardens. It’s well-built and looks great, especially in the grey color, which is less intense than the brown or green options.
At 5ft 6in, they find it a bit tall, but appreciate that the top box can tilt slightly for easier access. A minor issue is that the side clips tend to fall off easily, though it’s not a deal-breaker. Overall, they see it as a great alternative to ground-level gardening and are already planning to buy three more.
Editor’s verdict: The Outland Living Terrace Vertical Garden is ideal for compact outdoor areas like patios and balconies. Standing over 5 feet tall, it features four 28-liter containers that can support a wide range of plants, from tomatoes to herbs and flowers.
You can refer to similar products related to Outland Living Terrace Vertical Garden. The above products all have their own strengths, depending on the needs of growing plants and the space used. If you need a large and tall planter, the 6ft Tomato Vertical Garden is the right choice, while the 4-Bin 4ft Vertical Garden with rotating tray is ideal if you need flexibility in plant care. For narrower spaces, Small Plastic Bins Set or Large Rectangular Plastic Planters will be the best choice.
Best For Backyards: Sunnydaze Raised Metal Garden Bed Kit
For those looking to enhance their backyard with a durable and spacious gardening solution, the Sunnydaze Raised Metal Garden Bed Kit is a top choice, providing ample space and robust construction to support a thriving garden.
Best features
Sunnydaze Raised Metal Garden Bed Kit features a durable galvanized steel construction, providing a sturdy base for your plants. It comes with a greenhouse made of a steel frame and PVC cover, designed to support and protect plant growth in various weather conditions.
The assembly is quick and easy, making it convenient for gardeners of all levels. Available in multiple sizes, this versatile setup is perfect for different gardening needs, whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs.
Specifications
- Dimensions 35.5″D x 47.5″W x 11.75″H
- Weight 11.8 Pounds
- Capacity 11.5 cu. ft. or 86 gal.
- Material corrugated galvanized steel
Pros
- Easy to assemble, large enough to plant multiple plants and make a nice arrangement or use for vegetables.
- Multiple colors to choose
- Simple to assemble
Cons
- The sandy loam leaks out via the corrugated feature
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Customers’ review: They recently assembled six Sunnydaze raised bed planters in different shapes, including square, rectangular, and hexagonal. The quality appears to be good, with well-galvanized steel and crimped edges to prevent sharpness. Assembly was easy, especially with the included allen wrench, although using an electric screwdriver made it even quicker. They are still waiting to see how the planters will hold up in Central Florida’s climate, but so far, they look promising.
There was a minor issue with one panel missing pre-drilled holes, but the seller provided a full refund after they reached out. Overall, they found these planters to be a sturdy and attractive addition to their garden and are considering purchasing more.
Editor’s verdict: This raised garden bed is ideal for growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables. It reduces the recommended planting distances, improves soil conditions and moisture drainage, and promotes healthy root growth. Made from galvanized steel, it resists corrosion and requires assembly, with all necessary hardware included.
The Vego Garden 17″ Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit offers a flexible and durable design, the Kingbird Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed is sturdy and weather-resistant, the Best Choice Products 8x4x2ft Outdoor Metal Raised Garden Bed is large and corrosion-resistant, and the Land Guard Galvanized Raised Garden Bed Kit is easy to assemble and highly durable.
Best Budget: Vivosun 5-Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 5-Pack
For gardeners seeking an affordable yet effective option, the Vivosun 5-Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 5-Pack offers a budget-friendly solution that combines versatility and practicality for growing a variety of plants.
Best features
This is a five gallon version. You can reuse them. Now, this is a cloth bag. It’s not plastic and it got two nice handles on this so you can move your plants around if you need to. But what I really like about it is it allows everything to breathe. You can’t over water because the water will go through. If it rains on it, the excess water will drain right out.
These grow bags are distinct from conventional raised beds because they are constructed from a flexible, nonwoven fabric rather than rigid materials such as plastic, metal, or wood.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.0 x 8.5 x 4.2 inches
- Material: Nonwoven fabric
- Drainage: Permeable fabric
Pros
- Affordable
- BPA-free
- No assembly needed
Cons
- May not last multiple seasons
- Side permeability could dry out soil
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Customers’ review: These grow bags are versatile, sturdy, and spacious, making them great for planting various plants. They look good, hold their shape, and the price is right. I like that they can be washed and stored away for winter.
However, in Denver’s hot, dry climate, the soil dries out quickly, with water draining straight through. Despite daily watering, my tomatoes struggled, especially in the heat. I’m trying to solve this by placing a bag inside a hard plastic container for insulation, but this may not be practical for all bags.
Editor’s verdict: These affordable, breathable five-gallon grow bags are versatile and easy to use, making them great for most gardening needs, but they may require extra care in hot, dry climates where soil can dry out quickly.
You can also consider the same products such as Gardzen 10-Pack 5-Gallon Grow Bags, and iPower 5-Pack 30 Gallon Plant Grow Bags all breathable, affordable, and easy to use, but may require extra care in hot, dry climates to prevent soil from drying out.
How We Pick And Tested?
We conducted a detailed testing protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of raised garden beds in a real-world environment. First, we selected various locations, such as decks and patios, to test garden beds’ versatility and adaptability in different conditions. Assembly is performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, with particular attention to clarity of instructions, assembly time, and need for tools or additional assistance.
Once the assembly is complete, we fill the beds with soil and plant vegetables or flowers, and place the beds in a well-lit location. Over two weeks, we evaluate important factors such as the weight-bearing capacity of the bed frame, ease of access to plants, and signs of wear or damage.
Evaluation of the material quality and overall design of each bed is also performed, with attention to durability, weather resistance, and compatibility with the surrounding space. Finally, we compare the price of each bed with the features and value it provides to determine whether the price is reasonable and commensurate with the quality of the product.
This process helps us synthesize our findings, providing consumers with specific recommendations for raised garden beds best suited for their needs and space.
Why Should You Trust Us?
With a team of experienced experts in the field of gardening, Elissa Sanci, a horticultural engineer with many years of experience, is the leader of the team. Elissa Sanci not only has extensive knowledge of gardening techniques and applications, but is also a writer specializing in sharing gardening knowledge. She applies her expert knowledge to conduct detailed and accurate field tests and reviews of gardening-related products. Together with a team of experts, Elissa Sanci ensures that the products and solutions reviewed meet the highest quality standards and are best suited to your growing needs.
Buying guides to choose best raised garden beds
Before creating your raised beds, it’s crucial to think about the purpose behind using a raised bed, determine the ideal size for your available space, and select the best materials for construction. Let’s read these guides to choose the best raised garden beds that are suitable for your needs:
- Width: You should choose a width of raised garden beds that helps you easily reach all the plants, so the recommended width is usually 3′ and 4′, if one side has limited access, the width is at least 2′. If raised garden beds are 4.5′ to 5′ wide, it will make the middle bed very difficult to access. You can refer to raised garden beds of this width such as Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed; Yaheetech 3 Tier Wooden Raised Garden Bed.
- Length: Most beds are between 4′ and 8′ long, with walkways between the beds for easy care.
- Shape: The most frequent type of bed is rectangular, although there are also circular beds, square beds, and beds with rounded corners.
- Planting depth: A soil depth of 6” to 8” is suitable for most vegetables.
- Types of beds: Raised garden beds come in three different varieties. Raised ground beds are eight to ten-inch-tall, level-topped dirt mounds without raised support frameworks. A dirt mound encircled by a frame or supporting edge makes up a supported raised bed. Raised beds made from containers are simply big pots or planters with bases and higher sides.
- Material: While fabric mattresses are a more cost-effective solution for certain people, metal and plastic beds typically last longer than wood beds.
- Drainage system: By allowing extra water to be drained from containerized beds, a drainage system helps stop plant roots from decaying or growing germs and fungus. A lot of containerized beds have holes drilled in the bottom for drainage, while some feature spouts that you can open and close to release water or tiny gaps between the wood slats that allow water to seep through.
When selecting the best raised garden beds, consider your specific gardening needs, space constraints, and desired materials to ensure you choose a bed that enhances your gardening experience and provides long-lasting benefits.
Alternative products
If you’re looking for alternatives to the popular raised garden beds, several products offer unique features and benefits. The Land Guard Galvanized Raised Garden Bed Kit stands out for its heavy-duty, anti-corrosion metal construction and oval shape, which is ideal for attaching netting and handling a variety of plants. Available in sizes like 4x2x1 ft. and 6x3x1 ft., it offers easy assembly and a lightweight design.
Another solid option is the Foyuee Galvanized Raised Garden Bed, known for its large planting area and sturdy design, featuring crossbars for added stability and an anti-rust coating. This bed measures 8x4x1 feet and is built to withstand various weather conditions.
For a no-tool assembly, consider the King Bird Reinforced Card Frame Raised Garden Bed. Its thick, two-ply reinforced steel frame provides durability, while the vertical stripes add a touch of style. It comes in multiple sizes and includes gardening gloves and tags.
The Vego Garden 6 in 1 Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed offers a versatile, modular design that can be configured in six different ways, making it perfect for varying garden layouts. It’s made from 100% recyclable, food-safe metal and includes rubber edges for safety.
For a customizable and stackable option, the Greenes Fence Raised Garden Bed is an excellent choice. Made from pine wood, it’s easy to assemble without tools and can be stacked to create additional height. Available in various sizes, it’s suitable for different garden setups.
The YaheeTech 3 Tier Raised Garden Bed allows you to stack the boxes to create a three-tier structure or use them individually. Made from smooth, sanded fir wood, it includes all the necessary hardware for assembly.
For containerized gardening, the Foyuee Raised Planter Box features built-in storage and portability with wheels. It’s made from galvanized steel and includes drainage holes, making it a practical choice for moving around your garden.
For vertical gardening, the Edostory Vertical Garden Planter features five levels for planting, allowing you to maximize space in narrow areas. It’s portable with wheels and includes containers that can be removed for easy access.
These alternatives provide a range of options to suit different gardening needs and preferences.
FAQs
What are the benefits of gardening in raised beds?
Gardening in raised beds offers several advantages, including better soil drainage, improved soil quality, and easier access for planting and maintenance. Raised beds also help reduce weed growth and can extend the growing season by warming up faster in the spring.
What can I plant in a raised bed garden?
You can grow a wide variety of plants in raised beds, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even small shrubs. Raised beds are particularly well-suited for crops like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and peppers, as well as herbs like basil and rosemary.
Is raised-bed gardening different from regular gardening?
Yes, raised-bed gardening differs from regular gardening in that the soil is contained within a defined structure, allowing for better control over soil quality, drainage, and weed management. It also makes gardening more accessible, as the elevated height reduces the need for bending or kneeling.
Can I adapt raised beds for shade or to keep out pests?
Yes, you can adapt raised beds to suit different conditions. For shade, you can position the beds in partially shaded areas or use shade cloths. To keep out pests, you can install protective covers, netting, or barriers around the beds.
