This post is all about raised garden beds.
Raised garden beds are an excellent way to elevate your gardening game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie looking to start a vegetable patch, raised garden beds offer a number of benefits over traditional in-ground gardening.
They can make gardening more accessible for those with physical limitations, improve soil drainage, and even extend the growing season.
In this article, we'll be discussing the top 10 raised garden beds on the market today.
Best Raised Garden Beds
1. Frame It All Brown Raised Garden Bed 4' x 8' x 11” – 1”
This raised bed is made from durable, weather-resistant composite material that is designed to last for years.
The kit includes four 2-inch tall boards, eight brackets, and a corner connector, making it easy to assemble and customize the size of your raised bed.
The composite material is also safe for growing organic vegetables, so you can feel good about what you're putting in your body.
2. Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed
This raised bed is made from naturally rot-resistant cedar wood that is safe for growing organic vegetables.
The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed, including the cedar boards, stakes, and hardware.
The bed is available in several different sizes, so you can choose the perfect size for your space.
3. Vita Classic 4'X4'x11 Vinyl Raised
This raised bed is made from high-density polyethylene, a durable and weather-resistant material that will not rot, splinter or warp.
The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed and the bed is available in a variety of sizes.
This raised bed is also ideal for people with physical limitations, as it is designed to be easy to reach and maintain.
4. Gronomics Raised Garden Bed
This raised bed is made from western red cedar and is designed to last for years. The bed is available in several different sizes, so you can choose the perfect size for your space.
The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed and the bed is designed to be easy to reach and maintain.
5. Elevated Garden Bed by Best Choice Products
This raised bed is made from heavy-duty steel and is designed to last for years. The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed and the bed is available in a variety of sizes.
This raised bed is also ideal for people with physical limitations, as it is designed to be easy to reach and maintain.
6. Pinnacle Mercantile Plastic Raised Garden Bed
This raised bed is made from UV-protected polypropylene, a durable and weather-resistant material that will not rot, splinter, or warp.
The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed and the bed is available in several different sizes.
This raised bed is also ideal for people with physical limitations, as it is designed to be easy to reach and maintain.
7. Leisure Season Raised Garden Bed
This raised bed is made from natural cedar wood and is designed to last for years. The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed and the bed is available in several different sizes.
This raised bed is also ideal for people with physical limitations, as it is designed to be easy to reach and maintain.
8. 2 ft X 4 ft Victory 8 EZ-GRO Raised Bed Garden
This raised bed is made from PVC vinyl, a durable and weather-resistant material that will not rot, splinter or warp.
The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed and the bed is available in several different sizes.
This raised bed is also ideal for people with physical limitations, as it is designed to be easy to reach and maintain.
9. Lifetime 60069 Raised Garden Beds - 3 Pack
This raised bed is made from high-density polyethylene, a durable and weather-resistant material that will not rot, splinter, or warp.
The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed, and the bed is available in several different sizes.
The raised bed is also designed with an interlocking system, making it easy to assemble and customize the size of your bed.
10. VegTrug Medium Raised Garden Bed
This raised bed is made from durable cedar wood and is designed to last for years.
The kit includes everything you need to assemble the raised bed and the bed is available in a variety of sizes.
This raised bed is also ideal for people with physical limitations, as it is designed to be easy to reach and maintain.
FAQ
What do I put on the bottom of a raised garden bed?
To ensure proper drainage in a raised garden bed, it's recommended to add a layer of coarse material at the bottom.
This layer will allow excess water to drain away from the soil, preventing waterlogging and root rot. Some materials that can be used at the bottom of a raised garden bed include:
Gravel or rocks: Adding a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottom of the raised garden bed can help with drainage.
Sand: Sand can also be used to improve drainage in the bottom of a raised garden bed.
Landscape fabric: A layer of landscape fabric can be placed over the coarse material to prevent soil from mixing with the drainage layer.
Weed barrier: A weed barrier can also be used to prevent weed growth in the raised garden bed.
The depth of the layer of coarse material will depend on the height of the raised garden bed. As a general rule of thumb, the layer should be about 6 inches deep for a raised garden bed that is 12 inches or less in height. For taller raised garden beds, the layer should be deeper, about 12 inches or more.
How deep should a raised garden bed be?
The depth of a raised garden bed can vary depending on what you want to grow in it, but most raised beds are at least 6-8 inches deep.
However, some gardeners prefer to make them deeper, up to 12-18 inches or more, to accommodate plants with longer roots or to provide extra soil for better drainage and moisture retention. It's important to consider the specific needs of the plants you want to grow and adjust the depth of the raised bed accordingly.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a raised garden bed?
The cost of building versus buying a raised garden bed can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size, materials, and location. In general, building a raised garden bed yourself can be cheaper than buying a pre-made one, particularly if you use reclaimed or recycled materials.
However, it may require more time and effort on your part. On the other hand, buying a pre-made raised garden bed can be more convenient and may come with features such as a built-in irrigation system, but it may be more expensive.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy or build a raised garden bed depends on your individual preferences and circumstances.
What are the disadvantages of raised garden beds?
While raised garden beds offer many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
Cost: Raised garden beds can be more expensive to build or buy than traditional garden beds.
Drainage: Poor drainage can be a problem if the soil is not prepared properly.
Soil compaction: Soil in raised garden beds can become compacted over time, making it difficult for plant roots to grow.
Soil quality: Soil quality can be a problem if the soil used in the raised bed is not high-quality or is contaminated.
Watering: Raised garden beds require more frequent watering than traditional garden beds, especially in hot weather.
Maintenance: Raised garden beds require regular maintenance, including adding compost and fertilizers, pruning, and weeding.
Size limitations: Raised garden beds are typically smaller than traditional garden beds, so there may be limitations on the size and types of plants that can be grown.
Summary
In conclusion, raised garden beds offer a variety of benefits for both experienced and novice gardeners. They make gardening more accessible, improve soil drainage, and extend the growing season.
Whether you're looking for a cedar wood, composite or PVC vinyl raised bed, there's a perfect option for you on this list. Happy gardening!