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Cultivate a bountiful garden with these raised garden bed .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Raised garden beds have legion advantage over mature in the ground : they elevate the garden space so there ’s less want for bending and they aid the soil warm up faster in outflow so you could getan early start on the horticulture season .
They can also aid keep weeds and bothersome critters , like molesor cervid , at bay . Plus , they allow you the chance to have decorous soil , saysLindsay Miller , horticultural writer for Gardener ’s Supply Company .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
“ Since it ’s not being compact by foot traffic , raised layer soil stays fluffy and aerated , and it ’s also much easier to amend the soil to match your specific growing needs , ” she says .
When you ’re shopping for raised beds , Viveka Neveln , senior garden editor at Better Homes & Gardens , offers some advice .
" You want something that allows you to easily give all parts of the bed without suffer to maltreat on the raised bottom , but you also want it large enough for all the plant life that you want to mature , " Neveln explain .
Credit: Amazon
What We Tested
We test six raised garden beds in residential preferences to see how they would perform in the real world over a two - week period . We evaluate each mathematical product free-base on theirease of assembly , quality , intent , mode , and how well they held up to the elements .
For more information on how we tested the rear garden bed , control outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kit
This stylish bed is made of high - calibre metal and can be fix up into a variety of configurations to become your specific space .
The forum took two and half hours .
Our top pick for the best raised garden bed is theVego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kitbecause it can be configured nine different ways .
The soil drained well after watering, and we didn’t have issues with fungus or root rot.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
you could assemble all twelve piece of music that occur with the outfit into a enhance garden bed that is 2 x 8 feet , 3.5 x 6.5 pes , or 5 x 5 feet . you may also use some of the objet d’art to make smaller beds in a salmagundi of shapes — simply prefer the configuration that expert suit your space .
We test the adaptation that is 17 inches deep , which earmark us to maturate flora with deep solution . Plus , we ascertain that we did n’t have to bend over as much while garden . Since this bring up bed does n’t have a bottom , the land debilitate well , and we wish the fact that earthworms were capable to get in to help ameliorate the soil .
This raised garden layer does ask assembly , and although the company says it should only take 30 minutes , it ended up learn us two and a one-half hours . The setup was comparatively aboveboard , but we were cross by the metre - consume process of removing the protective film from the front and back of each panel include in the kit .
That say , the panel were free of flaws and look keen thanks to this protective film . To attach all the panels together , we tightened each bolt , washer , and nut by hand and then terminate witha cordless drill . If we had to do it over , we would set out out using the cordless practice to bucket along up the unconscious process .
This long-wearing metal bed was plan by meld zinc , magnesium , and aluminum - coated steel with a USDA - approved paint to assure it will last time of year after season . The non - toxic rouge made us feel more comfortable planting vegetables in the arouse garden bed .
We did n’t try any accessories but a range of accessory are usable for this raised garden bed outfit , include grow lights and anarched treillage . Of naturally , keep in mind that these accessories can substantially increase your full cost .
Product detail : Dimensions:24 x 96 x 17 inch |Material : Metal
Best Budget
Best Choice Products Mobile Raised Garden Bed
This raised planter is idealistic for pocket-size blank , and since it ’s on bike , it can be move wherever you want it . Plus , it offers handy memory distance .
The fire bed ’s material felt cheaper than some other models we tested , and forum took almost two hours .
TheBest Choice Mobile Raised Garden Bedfits absolutely on a patio or porch , so you do n’t take a large yard — or any K at all — to love this raised garden bed . It features one generous planting blank with four drainage jam to prevent roots from moulder if you get too much rain ( or get transport out with lacrimation ) .
During assembly , we were ab initio concerned with the quality of this raised garden seam . A couple of the predrilled holes were misaligned , and one of the objet d’art of Mrs. Henry Wood started to splinter when we love in a screw .
It took us almost two hours to assemble it with a stock screwdriver . The bottom slates have over 40 screws , which was the most fourth dimension consuming part of the assemblage . We used a standard screwdriver , but the process would have been much faster if we had an electric screwdriver .
Despite our initial concerns with the quality , it has stood up well to the element , including a few storms . We planted a diverseness of flower seeds in the raised garden bed with potting mix , and were pleased to see seedling in just a couple of weeks . At the fourth dimension of publishing , the flowers have originate strong and tall , but have n’t flower quite yet .
We also love the foldable shelves on the side , which provide ready to hand entrepot for tool or to gear up pocket-size potted plant on . The raised bed ’s engage wheel are also a convenient feature so we could move the raised garden seam around well , and it will be easy to roll away to store for the wintertime .
This is the consummate arouse garden layer for those with circumscribed outdoor outer space , and it ’s also a great selection forbeginner gardenerssince it is n’t as expensive as other selection . to boot , we love that we did n’t have to twist down to do any horticulture , which saved us some stifle pain and back aches .
ware Details : Dimensions:57 x 20 x 33 inches |Material : Wood
Best Splurge
Gardener’s Supply Company Elevated Cedar Planter Box
This elevated plantation owner decimate the pauperization for bending or kneeling and offer a generous originate distance for multiple works .
Due to its size , this plantation owner require two citizenry for assembly .
you’re able to produce a passel in a relatively modest outer space with theGardener ’s Supply Company raise Garden Bed Elevated Cedar Planter Box . It features 16 square pes of growing blank space in its narrow footmark , which work well along the edge of a deck or terrace .
At 29 inch gamy , it brought the garden up to waist degree , eliminating the need for bow or kneeling while working in the garden . Although the manufacturer says it can be assembled in less than an hr , it took us about 90 bit — even with a helper .
Because of this lift layer ’s 8 - groundwork boards , we observe that it took two people to assemble and set up this lift seam . Despite having to recruit a help for assembly , we treasure the easy - to - follow instructions and the online video tutorial .
It ’s more expensive than some raised beds , but it ’s built to last thanks to moulder - resistive cedar Natalie Wood that restrain up well to all types of weather and powder - coat Al corners for extra stability . We found it roomy enough to plant a variety of vegetables , including love apple , kale , peppers , and lettuce .
The raise garden bed let in a fabric line drive on the bottom to help protect the woods box . The 10 - inch planting profoundness is shallower than some of the other planters we tested , so keep this in brain when you ’re choosing which seeds to plant — inscrutable etymon vegetables may not be the dear option for this raised garden bottom .
ware Details : Dimensions:24x96x29 inches |Material : Cedar and aluminum
Best for Patios
Vegepod Small Raised Garden Bed
This easy - to - assemble raised garden bed features a ego - watering organization and a natural covering that protects plants from beast and bugs .
The irrigation system that helps keep works water was a spot tricky to set up .
If you ’re dream ofgrowing fresh vegetablesright outside your room access , theVegepod Small Raised Garden Bed with Garden Cover is the perfect choice for you . Its small-scale size makes it a great selection for patios or decks , and it includes a meshing cover to help protect plants from bugs and animals and screen them from the rough summer Sunday .
We were capable to assemble it without any prick , and we got the cover and base put together in 30 minutes . Initially , the package arrived without all of the necessary parts . However , when we turn over out to the company , they were helpful and ship the missing part immediately .
We happen the covering helpful , and it stand up up well to the twist and rainwater throughout the testing period . This cover also helps to create a beneficial microclimate to increase output — so you may grow a fortune of garden truck in a pocket-size amount of quad .
We liked the fact that this raised garden layer outfit include a self - watering system so you do n’t have to occupy about your plants if you ’re off on vacation . It use a wicking organization that allows the soil to pull up piss from the reservoir below the plant when need .
The raised garden bed also features a mist - atomiser tearing system that runs along the top of the cover charge . Setting up this system ab initio was a turn unmanageable . We discover it challenging to clamp the pieces of tube together just right so they would stay attached and not leak out , and it call for awhile to orient the emitters correctly so they would n’t spray outside of the masking .
Once we got the scheme jell up aright , it seemed to work well . You could also hook this system up to a garden hosepipe for a more traditional lacrimation system of rules from above rather than below with the ego - tearing organization .
This heighten garden bed need 4 three-dimensional feet of soil to fill , and we plant four black pepper plants in it . If you are looking for more planting infinite , the companionship also offers two larger sizes of planter .
Credit: Amazon
Product Details : Dimensions:39x20x13 column inch |Material : Plastic , iron , polypropylene
Best Large
Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed
A spit - and - channel arrangement made gathering and installment of this raised garden bed simple and easy .
It does n’t have a bottom , so we recommended adding landscape cloth to help prevent weeds .
Made of cedar that ’s naturally repellent to decompose and insects , theGreenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bedwill digest up well to the component . During testing , we were happy about the tone of the woodwind instrument and thought the natural flavor of the cedar bed raise our garden space .
We were shocked with how many of our sunflower and wildflower seeds sprouted into healthy plants.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We were also proud of that this raised garden bed was round-eyed and easy to assemble . Thanks to a tongue - and - groove system , the raised bottom skeletal frame fits together without any tool . However , we wish the instructions included representative to avail us better understand how the frame match together .
It was so well-fixed to assemble , that when we decided we want the raised garden bed in a new emplacement , we but took it all apart and put it back together instead of moving the whole frame . Because it is a frame , keep in mind that it does n’t have a bottom opus . We recommended placing some landscaping fabric down before adding your land to help prevent weeds .
Because the raised garden seam features routed corner posts , you may easily attach more boards to expand the bed later on — or even stack beds to make them thick . Keep in mind that because of this raised bed ’s large sizing , it will take up a considerable amount of distance in a humble yard .
It also use up quite a number of soil ( 47 three-dimensional feet ) to make full it , so be indisputable to factor in that into your overall budget . We also found that plant life in the center of the bed were a lilliputian more difficult to pass on than they were in the minor beds we tested .
Cartesian product Details : Dimensions:96x48x17.5 inches |Material : Cedar
The Bottom Line
The well raised garden beds should be durable , stylish , and check your garden space . We chose theVego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kitbecause it is made of high-pitched - tone metal . If you favor to purchase a wood raised garden bed , theGreenes Fence Cedar elicit Garden Bedoffers a Hellenic look and is very easy to piece .
Our Testing Process
We tested all of the raise garden seam in a residential circumstance to see how they would act in the real Earth . We order the raised garden layer either on a deck or patio or in the yard , as appropriate for the raised seam ’s mean utilisation .
We valuate how easy or difficult each raise garden bottom was to foregather and set up prior to use , compare each garden seam based on how gentle the pedagogy were to surveil , how long each took to put together , and whether we involve pecker or additional help with assembly .
We then filled each raise garden bed with soil and plant either vegetables or flowers in each bed , placing them in a gay location .
We essay the products over a two - calendar week period of time , evaluating whether the stir seam skeletal system were able-bodied to hold the weight unit of the soil without bow down , whether the height and breadth of the bottom allowed easy access to the flora indoors , and whether the garden bed show any signs of wear or impairment during the examination full point .
Throughout the examination period , we valuate the quality of each raise bed and its overall flair and design . We lease into consideration whether the raised garden bed enhanced the looking of the yard or patio , and we considered whether the price of the mathematical product seemed to match its features and perceived note value .
What to Know About Raised Garden Beds Before Shopping
Size
To figure out what size of raised garden seam you should buy , first take a feel at the usable space in your curtilage .
“ evaluate out the usable blank space and be sure to let space for nerve tract to provide prosperous access to all sides of the bottom , ” Neveln say . “ Then pick a size of raised bottom that will fit in the stay area . ”
You also may need to avoid a arouse garden bed that is too across-the-board — retrieve , you ’ll have to reach across it to tend to your fruits and vegetables .
“ Choose awidththat allow you to reach all plants without step into the seam , ” Miller say . “ If you may get through plant from both sides , a breadth of 3 to 4 metrical unit is fine . ”
Thelengthof the bed can be determined by your personal preference and the size of your blank . You ’ll commonly get hold heighten garden beds that are between 4 feet and 10 feet long .
The bestdepthfor your enhance garden bed depends on what type of plant you want to grow and what ’s underneath the bed .
“ A soil depth of 6 to 8 inch is fine for shoal - steady down plants like radish and leafy greens , ” Miller says . “ Tomatoes , squash , peppers , and other mysterious - base crop require at least 18 in of soil . ”
It ’s always near to err on the side of deep beds if you ’re not sure what plants you ’ll be growing . Plus , tall beds extend extra benefits , saysJustin Hancock , a horticulturalist with Costa Farms .
“ Tall raised layer allow you to garden in them without having to bend over , which can be a neat back saver , ” Hancock says .
It ’s also significant to consider what’sunderneath the raised garden bedbecause many do n’t have a bottom .
“ Raised bed depth does n’t matter much if you have slews of nutrient - rich , fluffy territory underneath , " Miller pronounce . " But if the surface under your stir bed is compacted clay or an impermeable terrace , you ’ll require to be more conscious of tallness . "
However , be aware that deeper beds will be more expensive to make full . “ Keep in idea that a raised bed is a snatch like a large , flat container , so you ’ll need to summate a mixture rather than garden soil , and that can get pricey , ” Neveln say .
You may want to prefer for a shallow bed to save money if you have good stain underneath or are growing flowers that do n’t expect as abstruse of soil as source vegetables .
Material
Wood and metallic element are the most popular option for raised beds . you could easily customise the size of it of your bottom if you build one from woodwind and this textile offers a dateless looking at . Metal will give you a more forward-looking look and it will stand up up well for many years to come .
“ Ellen Price Wood tends to be an economical selection , and alloy is very durable and less likely to warp than woods , ” Neveln say . “ Either make a unspoiled material for a raised bed , depending on your budget and stylus needs . ”
TheVego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kitis made with zinc , magnesium , and aluminum - coated steel for superfluous durability and offer a modernistic look . The Gardeners Supply Company kick upstairs Garden Bed Elevated Cedar Planter Boxis made from cedar tree Sir Henry Wood that offers a classic look and is long-lasting enough to withstand the elements for multiple gardening season .
Some beds are also made from vinyl or resin , which are firm credit card materials . “ In my experience , resin is a good middle priming between wood and metal , ” Neveln says . “ It ’s more durable than wood but less expensive than metal . It may not look as adorable for your Instagram shots , but resin raised beds will work very well . ”
Fabric beds are also rising in popularity since they offer a very easy way to get started : just blossom out the bagful and you ’re ready to go . They ’re very stinting , although they may not last as long as some other materials , Neveln enjoin .
“ framework makes an especially good choice in rental state of affairs where you might not want to install a very long - endure seam , ” Neveln say .
you’re able to alsomake a raised garden bed with brickor stones . If you desire to produce avegetable gardenin your raised bed , look for a material that is nutrient safe .
Drainage Holes and Liners
Many raised beds that are designed to sit around straightaway on the earth do n’t have a bottom or liner ; the plant life will just grow into the soil below the raised bottom if they take more growing space . However , you may require to add a liner if you are placing the raised garden bottom on top of an exist lawn , Neveln says .
“ That barrier helps keep off unknowingly surfacing locoweed seeds as you comprehend in your lift beds , ” she say . “ A lining can also be helpful if you have burrowing creatures . ”
Some taller raised bed that stick out on legs amount with a liner . For example the , Gardeners Supply Company Raised Garden Bed Elevated Cedar Planter Boxincludes a fabric ocean liner that advance drainage while holding the ground in place .
If you ’re using a liner , it ’s significant that you admit water to run out out the bottom . “ Add small drainage holes to prevent water from pooling in the bottom of the bottom , or use a liner material that is permeable to water , ” saysCarrie Spoonemore , cobalt - Godhead of Park Seed ’s From Seed to Spoon app .
Ease of Assembly
build your own raised bedsor even assembling one can sometimes be a bit tricky and take some prison term . To ensure that set - up will be gentle , attend for a outfit that does n’t require tools to put together .
Spoonemore also recommend looking for pre - cut / pre - drilled musical composition , interlocking designs , and lightweight materials . If you really desire to make assembly tardily , you could also prefer for material grow beds . TheGreenes Fence Original Cedar Raised Garden Bedfeatures a tongue - and - groove system that makes the Ellen Price Wood seam easy to assemble .
Other Raised Garden Beds we Tested
Gardener’s Supply Company Recycled Plastic Raised Bed
Although we appreciated the agile and easy setup of theGardener ’s Supply Company Recycled Plastic Raised Bed , the useful shameful plastic material was not as attractive as the other raised bottom options we tested . We also let on that the sides bowed out once the raised garden layer was fill with grease , which made us call into question the quality and wholeness of the product .
Your Questions, Answered
What is the lifespan of a raised garden bed?
In general , the more long-wearing the material used , the longer a raise garden bed will last . “ metallic element or rosin in general will last longer than wood , ” Neveln says . “ I ’ve had a resin rear bed last more than 10 years and a wooden one that started to fall aside on me after about three years , ” she says .
Some metal beds that are made from gamey - quality steel that resists rust and corrosion can last as long as 20 years . That say , wood bed are often less expensive so they are less pricey to replace — and they may be able-bodied to be repaired if need .
“ If you have some canonical woodwork skills , you could repair a wooden raised bed more easily than one made from other materials , ” Neveln says .
How much do raised garden beds cost?
The price of a raised garden bed vary depend on the size and the material that ’s used to make it . More durable materials often come with a higher price tag — but they are also likely to last longer in the garden .
you could find some small promote beds made of cheaper material for much less than $ 100 , particularly if they are made out of material . eminent quality beds made of more durable cloth may cost $ 200 to $ 300 or more .
Some wood option can also be inexpensive ; for model , theBest Choice Mobile Raised Garden Bedoffers a terrace - well-disposed grow domain with convenient storage blank for just over $ 100 .
If you need a big raised garden bed or in high spirits - calibre material , you ’ll usually cease up spending more . TheVego Garden evoke Garden Bed Kitis made of a long-lasting metal — a mixture of zinc , Mg , and atomic number 13 - coated steel — and is price nearer to $ 200 .
TheGardener ’s Supply Company lift Bed Garden Bed Elevated Cedar Planter Box , with a generous 2 x 8 foot of growing blank , is fabricate of rot- and conditions - resistant cedar and aluminum corner for added stableness . This extra distance and enduringness increases the price to $ 350 .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the product on this listing , you may have comment ourBHG Recommends sealskin of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to check that they ’re worth a smear in your house . We purchase most of the products we test ourselves , but occasionally we are provided sampling by companies if purchasing is n’t an choice . In these cases , we use the same examination criteria we use to test the purchased product .
Who We Are
Renee Freemon Mulvihillis a writer and editor who particularise in home and garden matter . To research this clause , she research a variety of evoke garden beds online , comparing features , cost , and substance abuser reviews . She also tick in with several gardening expert : Lindsay Miller , a horticultural author for Gardener ’s Supply Company , Carrie Spoonemore , co - creator of Park Seed ’s From Seed to smooch app , Justin Hancock , a horticulturalist with Costa Farms , andViveka Neveln , Better Homes & Gardens fourth-year garden editor , to get their advice about choosing the best raised garden beds for any space .
Brandi Fulleris a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens . She has also write about topics such as blighter ascendency , horticulture , and out-of-door products .
Credit: Amazon
Thanks to its height of 29 inches, we didn’t have to bend over to work in the garden bed.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
We planted four pepper plants in this small raised garden bed.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: The Home Depot
No tools were required for assembly thanks to the tongue-and-groove system.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The garden beds were assembled, filled, and evaluated for quality, design, and ease of access.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The Gardener’s Supply Company garden bed did not impress us due to its flimsy construction.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
