Raised Garden Beds Buying Guide (2024)

Elevated raised beds for gardening offer many benefits that make gardening easier and more attractive. For example, they provide better soil drainage, which means your plants are less likely to suffer from root rot. Additionally, raised garden beds have warmer soil temperatures, which can help plants and flowers flourish. If you want to simplify your gardening routine, raised garden beds can help reduce soil compaction and make it easier to control the moisture levels. This leads to healthier plants and less time spent watering and maintaining your garden.

Elevated raised beds for gardening are also customizable and can enhance the look of your garden. Flowers, herbs and plants are kept neat and tidy, and fewer weeds crop up. Having your garden raised also reduces the need for kneeling or stooping while you tend your garden. This is optimal for those with back or knee issues.

When considering options for your garden, it is important to choose raised garden beds to maximize space and establish an organized and visually appealing garden.

Here are the different materials to consider when choosing a raised garden bed.

Wood:

• Pre-treated cedar and redwood are the most popular and affordable choices.
• Excellent insulator for soil.
• Naturally resistant to rot and insects.
• Durable and long-lasting.

Galvanized Steel or Metal:

• Sturdy and resistant to rust, corrosion and warping.
• Great option for urban areas or places with limited space.
• Easily stackable to create a multi-tiered garden bed.

Plastic:

• Lightweight, affordable and easy to move around.
• Resistant to rot and decay.
• Require minimal maintenance.
• Not as durable as other materials and can be easily damaged by extreme weather.

Composite:

• Made from a combination of recycled plastic and wood fibers.
• Durable, long-lasting.
• Resistant to rot, insects and warping.
• Eco-friendly and can help reduce waste.

Concrete:

• Excellent choice for gardeners who want a permanent structure.
• Resistant to rot, insects and extreme weather conditions.
• Heavy and difficult to transport, making them less suitable for gardeners who want a portable raised garden bed.

Garden Beds with Liners:

• Liners protect wood and metal beds.
• Helps to keep water from draining out.
• Keeps pests and invasive plants away.
• Aids with soil retention.

Elevated raised beds for gardening generally have a higher level of elevation than a traditional raised bed. These raised levels might make it more convenient for gardening, especially for individuals who may have difficulty bending down. They are useful for small space gardening because of their versatility. If placed on your deck or patio, you can grow herbs and tender greens close to your kitchen.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when purchasing one. First, choose the right materials and raised garden bed accessories for your specific needs. Next, consider the size and shape of your raised garden bed. Lastly, think about what location you’d like to place your elevated garden bed. This will affect the amount of sunlight and water your plants will need.

Experience the ease of gardening with a self-watering raised garden bed. This system eliminates the daily chore of watering and allows your plants to stay hydrated whether you’re at home or on the go. This innovative solution ensures that your plants get the moisture they need, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of overwatering or underwatering.

A self-watering raised garden bed usually has a reservoir beneath the soil surface. This reservoir is filled with water, and the bed is designed with a wicking system that draws water up into the soil. The roots of your plants then naturally absorb the water, creating a self-sustaining environment. It's like having a built-in irrigation system. This provides a thriving garden with minimal effort on your part.

If you want a more hands-on approach, consider making your own DIY garden beds using concrete blocks. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Concrete Blocks: Determine the number of blocks you need based on the size and layout of your raised bed.

• Wooden Boards: Stack and connect using 2x6 wooden boards.

• Garden Soil: Choose a high-quality garden soil or create a soil mix.

• Landscape Fabric: Use landscape fabric to line the interior of the bed.

• Cardboard or Newspaper (Optional): Place a layer of cardboard or newspaper at the bottom of the bed before adding soil to deter weeds.

In addition to using the best materials for raised garden beds, location is also important. Before you begin to build, choose a site that gets about six hours of sunlight a day. Make sure your surface is level and turn the soil in the area that will eventually become the raised bed.

Consider using a raised garden bed kit. These kits usually come in two sizes, 4- x 4-feet and 4- x 8-feet and can be stacked for added depth. Raised beds are often 3 or 4 feet wide for easy access. Length depends on your landscape, but 8 feet is standard. Raised beds are usually at least 12 inches deep to accommodate soil.

For the best raised garden beds, it's essential to use nutrient-rich and well-draining soil that promotes healthy plant growth. You can mix and create your own soil, or for an easy solution, try pre-mixed, raised garden bed soil. It’s formulated to give your vegetable plants, fruit plants, flowers and herbs just what they need to grow.

Which plants and flowers you grow in your raised flower bed depends on your location, climate and sunlight. Here are some popular options that often thrive in raised flower beds:

Perennials:

• Daylilies: Hardy perennials that come in various colors and bloom in the summer.

• Coneflowers: Vibrant daisy-like blooms.

Annuals:

• Petunias: Add a burst of color and are low maintenance.

• Marigolds: Bright flowers that are easy to grow and keep some pests away.

Bulbs:

• Tulips: Plant tulip bulbs for a burst of color in spring.

• Daffodils: These cheerful flowers are known for their early spring blooms.

Herbs:

• Lavender: These purple herbs add a touch of fragrance to your garden.

• Rosemary: A versatile herb that is aromatic and great to cook with.

Vegetables:

• Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes and radishes thrive due to soil aeration, ease of harvesting and protection from pests.

• Lettuce and tender greens: The elevation keeps wildlife like rabbits from preying on it.

To ensure your flowers and plants grow well, the best raised garden beds have the proper soil amendmants. You can purchase raised garden bed soil or mix your own. Square Foot Gardening enthusiasts use Mel’s mix: 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 coarse vermiculite and 1/3 blended compost.

Over time, it is important to know how to maintain your garden bed and have the proper raised garden bed accessories. For instance, garden beds made of wood will need to be treated with a non-toxic wood sealant and inspected for rot or structural damage. Metal raised garden beds need to be regularly checked and inspected for rust and protected against corrosion.

In addition, consider row covers to protect your crops from pests. Some raised garden beds come with greenhouse covers to protect plants in early spring and fall. Make sure you have the proper tools for gardening as well as you maintain your garden bed.