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Best Raised Garden Beds
One of the most recent trends is raised gardens. The difference between a floor garden and raised garden beds is that this type of garden is positioned higher off of the ground so you do not need to pull weeds, remove bugs, or tend your garden on your knees. We also like the idea that these gardens can be moved. If you are renting a house and creating a garden, you certainly won't want to leave it behind.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Included in the construction of elevated garden beds are its material components. This includes the type of material that makes up the product. The build quality or the overall construction of the product largely depends on the quality and kind of materials used to form it. Most of the outdoor and indoor herb garden kits available today are constructed of wood, metal, or plastic. All of these really work well; however, each has its own dose of advantages and disadvantages that could contribute as one of the factors in making it more appropriate to your house or backyard.
Wood
The most common material used in the construction of elevated garden beds is wood. Many gardening enthusiasts prefer their beds made of Cedarwood. This kind of wood is ideal for this type of garden because it is resistant to not only insects and bugs but also to rotting. Cedarwood is also very cheap compared to other woods used in making raised beds, which makes it one of the best alternatives for those who would like to pursue their projects in a tight budget.
Cedarwood is orange in color when it is new but in time, it changes its hue to gray. This material resists rot so beds made of this material will definitely last for a long time. You can also prolong its life by applying oils to its surface. Cedarwood usually lasts for8 to 15 years before it is replaced.
Plastic
Aside from wood, another favorite material used for making raised beds is plastic. Most beds nowadays are made of high-quality and extra tick Polyethylene plastics. In choosing this kind of material, make sure that it has protection from the harmful ultraviolet rays to prevent it from cracking or peeling due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Unlike other woods, plastic does not rot and is not usually pest-ridden. If you want your garden to appear like it is made of wood, there are many plastics that are designed that way. The plastic material is extremely durable and is made to last for a longer period of time, however, it is a lot expensive compared to wood.
Metal
There are also other raised gardens that are made of metal. While this material will definitely last longer than wood and plastic, it has also several downsides. Through exposure to various elements like water, sun, air, dirt, and moisture, metal corrodes, deforms, and rusts that shorten the lifespan of the material. It is also more costly compared to other wood and plastic. Protecting your garden tools is important. Think about investing in garden sheds as a storage area for all your outdoor gear.
Features
There are extra features that some commercially raised garden beds offer. While these features are not really necessary, they are also important in the overall look and productivity of your raised garden. This includes a net to cover the entire garden. Some use it to protect the plants from insects and pests that feast on the leaves of the plants. There are some that utilize the net to protect the plants during very cold weather or when there is heavy snowfall.
Other models come with pre-configured irrigation and drainage system. These models are a little more costly compared to the standard models. You can also opt to models that come with trellis if you are planning to grow vines. You can also choose some models that have built-in fences around the bed that serve as protection of the plants.
Depth of the bed
In addition to space where you will place your raised beds, another important factor that you need to consider is the depth of your bed. In general, plants can grow in six inches soil, but this is not ideal for some plants. So it is important that you know the kind of plants that you are going to grow in your beds to be able to determine the depth of the bed that you are going to buy. Remember that in planting, the bigger the room for the roots to spread and grow, the more healthy and fruitful your plants will become.
If the level of soil is deep, it could be very helpful to your plants especially during the dry season. You should also consider buying a bed that has room deeper soil level if you are located in dry areas. Deep soil has the ability to keep moisture and water for a longer period of time. If you are in a cold area, choose a bed with a shallow depth for soil. A low level of soil will unfreeze and warm faster.
Most models available today have a depth of six to ten inches. There are other models that are stackable. They are stacked on top of each other to double the depth of the soil and the space for growing.
Soil Capacity
Aside from the placement space and the depth of the soil, it is also crucial to know the soil capacity of the bed before you buy them. Just like the depth of the bed, its capacity to hold a particular volume of soil is also important. In gardening, soil, like watering cans for watering herbs is very crucial in the growth and health of the plants. To be able to determine the ideal soil capacity that you need, it is important that you know the kind of plants that you will plant on it and how many. It is important to know that the more plant you grow in a particular space the more soil that you will need.
Size
One of the reasons why people are drawn to raised bed gardening is because they can grow varieties of plants in a small area. This type of gardening is ideal if you have limited space or if you are situated in an urban area. Another important criterion that you should consider is the size of your garden bed. This way, it is easier to find the perfect one that will suit your preference best.
In considering the size of your bed, it is important that you take into consideration space where you will put your raised garden. For instance, if you intend to place the raised bed beside a fence, it is important that you secure that it is slim in size so you could still reach the other side of it without straining yourself. You can try the models that are 2 feet wide but varies in terms of lengths. This will allow you to easily access both of its sides. If you have this purpose in mind, you can also get the square model that is 4 feet x 4 feet in dimension. This is also important when you are building your garden bed on your own,
Top 10 Picks
1. Greenes Fence Powder-Coated
This is the best choice if you are looking for elevated garden beds that are very durable and will last for a long time.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of pre-galvanized steel coated with powder to ensure its durability. This product will not easily flake or distort even if exposed to various outdoor elements for a long period of time. It is resistant to rust so you are sure that it will not corrode and will not rot.
Features
This item is easy to assemble and does not require any tool in order for you to assemble and use it. It has a capacity of holding 8 cubic feet of soil, an ample amount that could provide substantial capacity for healthy roots growth. It comes with a locking mechanism that uses keyhole to assemble it.
This product is very durable and will definitely last for a long period of time. It has ample capacity to provide better growth for your plants.
Size
This has a product dimension of 48 –inches x 14 –inches x 4 –inches. It has an item weight of 22 –pounds.
2. NuVue Products Kit
This is one of the best the best raised garden beds if you are looking for a product that offers more depth to allow your plants to grow more roots.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of heavy duty vinyl. It is extremely durable and can be used for a long time. This material resists rot, insects, bugs, and pests. It does not require any tool to assemble it and is very easy to use.
Features
In addition to its durable material component, this product is designed with a snap lock system. This makes it very easy to assemble. It also comes with sides that have grooves for ultimate locking.
This product is an ideal tool if you want something that does not require many things to get started. It has a simple design that could compliment any type of motif you have for your yard.
Size
This has a product dimension of 48 -inches x 15.5 -inches x 48 –inches. It has a product weight of 28.5 –pounds and shipping weight of 29.1 –pounds. It is available in two colors.
3. Greenes Fence
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a raised garden bed that allows you to grow different varieties of plants or veggies in a solid and compressed area.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of North American Cedar that is 100 percent free from chemicals. It is resistant to insects, bugs, and pests. It is lightweight and could be the perfect bed for growing organic vegetables. It is solidly crafted and comes with a dovetail joints that is very easy to assemble.
Features
This product features three tiers that allow you to plant various plants and vegetables. It also offers an ideal depth for plants and vegetables that are deeply rooted. The bottom tier is also perfect for growing other variety of plants and vegetables. This product also uses 19 cubic feet of soil so you are assured that your plants will have ample depth to grow their roots.
Unlike other raised beds, this one could be perfect if you plan to grow different types of plants, flowers, or vegetables. You can plant them per tier so they do not mix and do not get crowded in one space. It is also very easy to assemble and even if you have limited tools and knowledge, you can easily assemble it.
Size
This has a product dimension of 48 –inches x 14 –inches x 4 –inches. It has an item weight of 22 –pounds.
4. Gronomics REGB Rustic
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for the best raised garden beds that are easily manageable and can be placed anywhere.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made from good quality cedar and is handcrafted in the United States. It has a roughly sawn rustic look that can complement any type of motif. It is solidly built and is very easy to assemble as its parts easily slide. Since it is made of western red cedar, it is lightweight and can be moved anywhere you wish it to be. It also repels insects, bugs, and pests.
Features
In addition to its rustic look, this product stands 32 inches tall, making it ideal for gardeners with restrained mobility. It can be easily moved so you can put it indoors or in an outdoor setting. The bed has 9 inches depth making it perfect for planting as it allows room for roots growth.
This product is a space saver that most homeowners are looking for. It perfectly fits on the deck, balcony, or patio. It is also ideal for planting herbs, vegetables, and vines. It provides convenience and ease of use to its users.
Size
This has a product dimension of 48 –inches x 18 –inches x 19 –inches. It has a product weight of 34 –pounds.
5. Keter Easy Grow
If you are looking for the best raised garden beds that will best suit elderly gardeners, this one is perfect for you.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of Polypropylene plastic. It is fashioned in a pattern similar to that of rattan. This design easily matches any type of modern patio setting. Since it is made of high-quality plastic, it is very durable and stylish that will definitely not go out of style and will last for a long period of time.
Features
In addition to its fine design, this product is ergonomically design so you can easily access it whether you are standing or just sitting. It features a water gauge that is easy to read and comes with an indicator that alerts you when the plants require more moisture. It has a drainage system that can be easily adjusted for total control of plants watering. Unlike other beds, this one comes with a water reservoir that protects the root from rotting and ensures that the plants are not overwatered. Moreover, it has a drainage tap that enables users to remove surplus water manually from the reservoir.
This product can be both used inside the house or on the yard. Its design is elderly friendly and easily accessible making gardening an enjoyable and fun activity. It is also very easy to assemble. This product is designed with its features to provide convenience to its users. It is also ideal for those who are always traveling and has little time to spare staying at home.
Size
This has a product dimension of 44.9 -inches x 19.4 -inches x 29.8 –inches. It has a capacity of 31.7 gallons.
6. Victory 8 Fabric
This raised garden bed is the best choice if you are looking for a product that does not require assembly.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of the patented fabric called AeroFlow. This material is extremely durable and resists the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun. This material provides air circulation in the soil and the roots of the plants. It also enables moisture extra moisture to drain easily. The fabric is made of Polypropylene, a highly durable material that is free from toxic substances. It is black in color to resists insects, bugs, and pests. This also allows the fabric to absorb the heat keeping the soil warm that is essential for growing the roots of the plants.
Features
This product does not require any assembly so when you purchase it, all you have to do is to put soil on it and plant. It is capable of holding at least 16 feet of soil, ample enough to have fruitful yield. The fiber is inserted with carbon to block the harmful rays of the sun. It is an ideal bed for growing vegetables and herbs.
This model is very easy to use and unlike other brands, you do not have to assemble it in order to use it. It is also lightweight so you can easily move it anywhere you like. The fabric is also extremely durable and it can withstand rain, moisture, dust, snow, and other outdoor elements.
Size
This has a product dimension of 48 -inches x 48 -inches x 11.5 –inches. It only weighs 2.4 –pounds.
7. Greenes Cedar
This raised garden bed is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product that is made of environment-friendly material and can be stacked to as high as 21 inches.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of cedar wood but was not treated with harmful chemicals. It is an ideal choice if your skin is sensitive to chemicals. Since it is made of wood, it is lightweight and is resistant to insects, pests, and rotting.
Features
This product needs no assembly and is very stackable. It is ideal if you want a higher raised garden since it can be stacked up to 21 inches. It also features a versatile design that can match any type of set up. In addition, it is designed to easily fit it together or stack it. This means that you can make a very small or a very large bed out of it.
The simple features of this product make it versatile to any type of home or environment. It is highly functional and can last for a long time. It is also lightweight so you can easily move it around.
Size
This is 40 –inches x 80 –inches x 10.5 –inches. The package is composed of 12 boards, four corner posts, four decorative tops with four screws, and instructions
8. ECOgardener Premium
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a premium quality raised garden bed that will definitely add an aesthetic appeal to your home.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of compound boards the materials of which are 95 percent recycled. It is friendly to the environment and will not easily crack, splint, warp, or dry out. It comes with pre-drilled holes that make it very easy to assemble.
Features
Most users dub this product as one of the most beautiful raised planters. It is beautifully made and designed to add aesthetic appeal to any type of setting. Aside from being an environmentally friendly product, this item does not require any maintenance. You do not need to apply paint or clean it in order to maintain and prolong its life span. This product can be easily assembled in just five minutes. It also features a 10 inches depth that allows you to grow full roots for your plants.
This product does not require any tools to be assembled. It also comes with a 10-year lifetime ensuring that you will enjoy your investment for a long period of time. Moreover, this bed can be stacked easily to allow you to grow more variety of plants.
Size
This has a product dimension of 48 –inches x 48 –inches x 10 –inches. It has a product weight of 40 –pounds and a shipping weight of 41.2 –pounds.
9. King Bird
This is one of the best raised garden beds if you are looking for a heavily dense product that will not easily warp or distort through prolonged use.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of two-ply card frames on both left and right sides making it a more sturdy and stable bed. It is very durable that it will not collapse or distort even if used for a long period of time. It is made of heavy duty and high quality galvanized steel that can withstand any outdoor elements. It is coated with several layers of paint to ensure that it will not easily flake or corrode.
Features
In addition to its solid and durable built, this product features a patented vertical stripe design to make the bed and the frame more solid and durable. It also ensures that the bed will hold the soil, the plants, and other contents beautifully and with stability. It also allows the bed to look more textured and attractive.
This product has a patented installation design that allows you to easily and conveniently install it. It is very durable, which means that it will be around for a long period of time, giving you worth to your money. It also comes with free gloves to make it more convenient for you to assemble the product.
Size
This has a product dimension of 68 –inches x 36 –inches x 12 –inches. It has a product weight of 20.5 pounds and a shipping weight of 24.3 –pounds.
10. Lifetime Kit
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a do it yourself product that you can easily assemble even you have limited tools available.
Read moreMaterials
This product is made of thick polyethylene plastic. This makes this a durable product that can serve its purpose for a long time. Because it is made of high-density material, it resists flaking, cracking, and rot. It also prevents insects, bugs, and pests from getting inside the bed.
Features
In addition to its durable material components, this product features a cover that enables users to easily access the bed. It also serves as protection from pests and insects that might destroy the plants. The cover acts also as a shield from the harmful rays of the sun, rain, or snow. Having this product is like creating a mini greenhouse at home.
This model has a great design that allows you to easily access it. It is made of a black colored material that easily repels insects and pests. This color also rivets the heat so it does not hit the plants while keeping the environment not too warm. In a way, it protects the roots and keeps it in a right temperature. Its design also appears like the entire bed is made of wood. This product offers ample space for planting and it is available in a 4 x 4 size.
Size
This has a product dimension of 48.2 –inches x 9.6 –inches x 19.9 –inches.
Sources
- , 10 Tips for Successful Raised Bed Gardening, Gardening Blog