Whether you were born with an instinctive green thumb, or you've made “gardening” on your New Year's resolution list every year without ever making a trip to your local Home Depot for supplies, people know you when they see a seed sprouting into a plant. There's something magical about it. helped make it happen. Like any other hobby, gardening can be made simpler with proper preparation. For example, the benefits of using raised beds include improved soil drainage, easier weed control, and easier access to plants.
That's why we've chosen Nick, aka Nick Cutsumpas, a gardener, landscaper, farmer, and “plant expert” who knows that choosing the right flower beds can make a big difference to the success of your garden. Below, Cutsumpas offers advice on double beds based on your environment, living space, and more. Plus the best things to shop for from his personal side.
Take a glance at the best garden beds:
What to look for when buying a high bed
When it comes to finding the best raised beds for your garden, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It is important to consider the environment in which you are gardening and what your end goals are. How much space do you have? What is the climate like? Do you want to invest in a piece that you will cherish forever? What types of plants do you plan to grow? Of course, aesthetics are important when adding a new structure to your backyard, but when purchasing a raised bed, Cutsumpas says, “the most important thing to evaluate is the material.”
ingredient
Wood finishes look more natural, but they won't last forever. This is especially true in humid climates, where “they decompose faster than in dry environments.” However, if you live somewhere that doesn't often experience muggy summer days, you may prefer an organic approach and choose wood options such as “redwood and cedar are naturally rot-resistant” for gardeners who need to replace their gardens. How many years. Still, if functionality is at the forefront of your double bed wish list, “a metal bed will last much longer.” Recent increases in lumber prices have brought the prices of both materials to similar levels.
size and shape
Besides the material, the size and shape of the raised bed are also important factors to consider. Because more space means more maintenance and work. If you have the square footage in your yard to run a large bed, go for it. But Cutsumpas says new gardeners “will be surprised how many plants can fit in a standard 3-foot by 6-foot bed.” This is for people who work from the balcony of a small apartment or simply don't want to bite off more than they can chew. The shape of the bed is an important but commonly underestimated factor, but choosing a size that “allows all areas of the bed to be reached and adequate pathways between” can create an overall more functional garden.
Drainage
Standing water around your precious plants can cause their roots to ripen and attract pesky pests and diseases, so make sure you choose a raised bed with adequate drainage. Some materials, such as cedar, are naturally resistant to rot and wick away excess moisture more effectively than other types of wood. However, if you choose a metal or plastic raised bed, you'll want to make sure it has adequate (and effective) drainage holes to get the water somewhere.
Shop 7 raised beds for every type of gardener.
Best Metal: Vego Garden 9-in-1 Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit — $190.00
A modern take on the classic double bed, the Vego Garden is a double bed available in a range of stunning color finishes that combines longevity and modernity while promising a lifespan of over 20 years. The mid-shank height allows quick and easy access to the garden while keeping pests at bay. Each bed is fully modular, allowing you to choose from nine configurations to suit your needs and is easy to install. Weather-resistant recycled metals and food-safe materials have also been very successful. Additionally, a solid colored raised bed setup will look great in any garden.
size: 17 inches tall, customizable length
ingredient: VZ 2.0 material made of zinc, aluminum, magnesium + steel substrate coated with USDA certified paint
- 7 modern color options
- Fast and customized assembly
- Made from recyclable and food-safe materials
- Lifespan of over 20 years
- Compatible with additional features and accessories
- Liner not included.
- Storage during the off-season is difficult.
Best Lumber: Gardener's Supply Company Deep Root Cedar Raised Bed — $270.00
Cutsumpas' favorite choice for her garden is a cedar bed from Gardener's Supply Company. The brand's mission is to leave behind. “This is a B-corp, an employee-owned company that makes the highest quality garden products. The beds come in all shapes, sizes and materials,” he says.
At 14 inches deep, this bed is perfect for both deep-rooted vegetables and shallow-rooted herbs. In terms of durability, cedar is naturally resistant to rot, and aluminum edges are designed to withstand weather and corrosion over time. Quick and easy to set up, these planters look great and produce even better-looking crops season after season.
size: 4' x 4' x 14″
ingredient: Cedar panel, aluminum corner
- Made in the USA
- weather resistant material
- Fast and customizable setup
- variable
- High value
- Free shipping is not provided
Best Splurge: Eartheasy Deer Proof Cedar Complete Ruged Garden Bed Kit — $2,125.00
Featuring multiple beds in one, this extensive setup is your one-stop shop for creating the garden of your dreams. The deep 20-inch raised beds throughout this kit retain more moisture than shorter beds and, of course, open up the possibility of growing larger plants without trampling the roots. Intentional details like wheelchair accessibility, an optional automatic watering system, and a fence that acts as a trellis make this kit worth the price tag.
size: 12' x 8'
ingredient: cedar
- All-in-one setup
- Fences keep pests out.
- automatic watering system
- Thoughtful and intentional features
- Wide, deep beds for larger plants
- Longer assembly time
- more expensive option
- Needs a lot of space
Best for Small Spaces: Lettuce Grow Small Outdoor Farm Stand — $574.00
If there is not enough space to place an existing bed, Cutsumpas recommends trying hydroponic plants, which grow in water rather than soil. teaHis upright farm stand can grow 18 to 36 plants (depending on the size chosen) simultaneously in a short space, using only a small amount of water. Cutsumpas decided where to grow lettuce. Being right next to your outdoor bed yet close to the kitchen makes it easier to access fresh herbs and leafy greens.
size: 4’3″ x 22″
ingredient: BPA-free food grade plastic
- Small (renter-friendly) footprint and modular design
- It uses less water than a traditional bed.
- Self-watering and self-fertilizing
- Depending on the size you choose (S, M, L), it can hold 18 to 36 plants.
- Connect with app
- Lettuce cultivation requires special seed pods.
- High value
Top Rated: Goplus Gray Plastic Raised Garden Bed — $95.00
This freestanding tiered planter takes up little space but produces big results. All plants are placed in a staggered pattern so that they get enough sunlight and water no matter what plastic beds are placed on the structure. Each bed is removable so you can easily give them individual TLC or move things around as needed.
size: 27 inches x 22.5 inches x 45 inches
ingredient: Iron, polypropylene
- compact size
- available
- Easily accessible portable bed
- stepped drainage system
- variable
- Some gardeners may not like plastic beds.
- Small surface area of each bed
Best Aesthetics: Williams-Sonoma Raised Garden Planter in Moss Green — $300.00
Perhaps the most Instagrammable bed we'll find, the Williams Sonoma gives us the same vibe that Dakota Johnson's infamous green kitchen did when it hit the internet in 2020. Low shelves provide storage space for watering cans, compost and other gardening tools. In the off-season, the bed itself can be folded flat for compact storage. Best of all, the increased height prevents bending and kneeling, giving your knees and back some much-needed rest.
size: 47 inches x 22 3/4 inches x 30 1/2 inches
ingredient: Galvanized steel with weather-resistant, powder-coated finish
- aesthetic design
- Foldable for easy storage
- taller
- No tools are required for assembly.
- accessory storage rack
Best for Herbs: VegTrug Herb Garden — $110.00
Made from durable cedar, these herb beds are ideal for dry climates, according to Cutsumpas. Eight separate pockets allow for easy hub removal, and each pocket is equipped with a pre-formed liner that safely biodegrades over time. Available in two finishes. Gray washing blends perfectly with a stone patio, while natural finish options are more advantageous for those with a garden rooted in nature.
size: 22 inches x 30 inches x 31.5 inches
ingredient: cedar
- Shelves to store other garden tools
- It is tall so no bending occurs.
- 8 separate plant pockets
- Two color finishes
- biodegradable liner
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil should I use in a raised bed?
Start your high bed journey off on the right foot by choosing our premium, nutrient-dense organic blend. Find a blend specially formulated for raised beds that provides the perfect balance of aeration, drainage and moisture retention – essential ingredients for a thriving garden oasis. Look for a balanced mix rich in compost, peat moss, vermiculite or perlite for optimal soil structure and fertility.
What grows best in raised flower beds?
Flowers, herbs, and vegetables all go well in flower beds, but be sure to do your homework before planting. Some vegetables may have longer root systems that require more space. Others, especially herbs like mint, like to take over and grow vigorously, so it's best to plant them separately.
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