Best Raised Garden Beds of 2024: Reviews and Buying Guide

What Factors To Consider When Buying Raised Beds

Raised garden beds are a fantastic addition to any garden, providing a range of benefits such as improved soil quality, better drainage, and easier access to gardening tasks. If you're considering purchasing raised garden beds, here are a few key factors to consider in your buying decision:

1. Material: Raised garden beds are available in various materials, each with its own advantages. Common options include wood, metal, and plastic. Wood is a popular choice due to its natural look and durability. Cedar and redwood are particularly resistant to rot and insect damage. Best Galvanized Raised Garden Beds offer a sleek and modern look, but they can heat up quickly in direct sunlight. Plastic beds are lightweight, affordable, and easy to assemble, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other options.

2. Size and Shape: Consider the available space in your garden and the amount of plants you plan to grow. Raised beds come in various sizes and shapes, including rectangular, square, and circular. Make sure to choose a size that fits your gardening needs and fits well within the space you have allocated.

3. Height: The height of the raised garden bed is an important factor, especially if you have mobility issues or prefer not to bend down too much. Taller beds can be more comfortable to work with and may also deter pests. However, keep in mind that taller beds may require additional soil and amendments.

4. Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial for the health of your plants. Look for raised garden beds that have adequate drainage holes or a design that allows excess water to escape. Poor drainage can lead to waterlogged soil and root rot.

5. Assembly and Maintenance: Consider the ease of assembly and maintenance when choosing a raised garden bed. Some beds come with pre-drilled holes and easy-to-follow instructions, while others may require more advanced DIY skills. Additionally, think about the long-term maintenance requirements, such as sealing or staining wooden beds to prolong their lifespan.

6. Budget: Set a budget for your raised garden bed purchase. Prices can vary depending on the material, size, and brand. Consider the long-term benefits and durability of the bed to make an informed decision about how much you are willing to invest.

Reviews of 3 Top Raised Garden Beds

1. Step2 Classic Wood Raised Garden Bed

This wooden raised bed kit from Step2 is a top seller. It features cedar walls and a simple snap-together assembly without any tools required. The standard 26" x 39" size works for most home gardens. With 19.5" tall sides, it provides ample space without being too high to reach over. Assembly only takes about 30 minutes. The large space makes it suitable for ambitious vegetable gardens or flowers. It's a great entry-level choice for easy assembling.

2. NewTechWood Composite Lumber Patio Raised Garden Bed

Made of all-weather Composite Lumber (wood-plastic composite) boards, this raised bed from NewTechWood offers durable rot resistance without needing paint or stain. Start with a 24" x 36" bed and later add another bay to make it larger. The boards simply lock together easily with no tools required. At 8" tall, it's accessible for all gardeners but also prevents soil from washing or blowing away. The material stays cool to the touch and won't warp like wood over time. Low maintenance with child-friendly smooth surfaces makes it a top choice for families.

3. Best Choice Products 6x3x1ft Outdoor Metal Raised Garden Bed

Crafted from heavy-gauge steel with a powder-coated rust-resistant finish, this deluxe metal raised bed is built to last for decades with proper care. Assembly requires just a few bolts tightened by hand. At 12" tall, it's ideal for those with limited mobility. Slanted sides aid with planting and weeding.

Unsharp edges and smooth finish pose no safety hazard for kids or pets. Its substantial construction and lifetime warranty give excellent long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.tion and lifetime warranty give excellent long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.

How to Protect Your Raised Beds

Once constructed, there are some additional steps you can take to protect your raised beds and maximize their lifespan:

• Seal wooden beds with an outdoor-safe water sealant or plant-based linseed oil to prevent rotting from moisture. Reapply every 1-2 years.

• Use landscape fabric underneath the soil to prevent weeds from growing up into the bed.

• Lay down mulch on top of the soil to retain moisture and block weed growth. Replenish it annually.

• In colder areas, create insulation around wooden beds with leaves, evergreen boughs or even bubble wrap to prevent freezing in winter.

• Consider a tarp or raised cover to keep beds dry during heavy rains or snow.

FAQs

Q: How much soil do I need to fill a raised bed?
A: As a general rule, plan on around 1-2 cubic feet of soil per square foot of raised bed area. Measure your bed dimensions to calculate the space.

Q: Can I grow anything in a raised bed?
A: Yes, almost any type of vegetable, herb, flower or plant can be grown in a raised bed as long as it receives enough sun and the soil conditions suit it. Just adjust plants' spacing as needed.

Q: How do I protect wooden raised beds from rotting?
A: Use a water-resistant wood like cedar or pressure treated pine. Seal the wood annually with exterior water sealant. Allow for airflow underneath and keep the soil level a few inches below the top of the bed walls.

Q: Should I add anything to the soil before planting?
A: In most cases, you'll want to mix in some compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient levels before planting. A general purpose fertilizer or lime can also be added if a soil test indicates any deficiencies.

Q: What are the differences between Potting Soil vs Potting Mix?
A: The main difference between potting soil and potting mix is

Potting soil contains mostly soil components like compost, peat moss or coconut coir to retain moisture and provide nutrients.

Potting mix contains additional materials beyond soil, like perlite or vermiculite, to improve drainage and aeration for container gardening. It will have a lighter, less compact texture than potting soil.