Buying a Raised Garden Bed: Best Options for Your Garden

Which are the Best Raised Garden Beds

To choose a raised garden bed, think about how and where it will be used. You can take into account the following scenarios to make your decision:

1. Garden Beds for Homes

If you're looking for raised beds for your backyard, you can opt for ones with a wooden frame. Beds made of rough cedar planks are durable and long-lasting at an affordable cost. Casters at the base make them easy to transport seasonally.

Additionally, these compact garden beds are stackable and fit small yards well. They have vertical ridges, so plants' roots can grow between stack layers, making them perfect for backyard garden beds.

2. Garden Beds for Community and School

Many people use raised beds in public places and are likely to be moved or disturbed often. Opting for plastic or galvanized steel beds is recommended in such a case. They do not rot and will last for years. Their non-porous surface is hard to scratch and bug-free.

Some even select folding beds, which have an adjustable height. This makes them suitable for both children and adults’ heights. They come with a hydraulic system that adjusts the bed to a suitable position by simply raising or lowering it.

3. Garden Beds for Elders

Mobility problems should not restrict gardening. Continuing with our last example of adjustable beds, are beds with casters. These beds can be wheeled alongside wheelchairs and made accessible for the elderly. This makes planting, tending and harvesting possible for anyone. Elevated raised beds are another great option. Such gardening beds can also help reduce soil compaction and make it easier to control moisture levels. This leads to healthier plants and less time spent watering and maintaining your garden.

What Are the Best Materials for Raised Garden Beds?

Various materials are used to construct raised garden beds. However, they can vary in price, durability and weather resistance. Some common materials that are used to make raised beds are:

1. Wooden Garden Beds

Wood is a popular material for the construction of raised beds, with cedar and redwood being very popular. Cedar is more expensive than pine but does not decay as quickly.

A common problem with wooden beds is that they decay with time. However, some preventive measures, such as plastic sheeting and painting, can delay the decaying process.

2. Plastic Garden Beds

Thick plastic resin beds provide reasonable durability at a fair price. They are often lightweight, making it easy to relocate beds, especially when moving homes. However, they are susceptible to expansion during long sun exposure and are prone to wear and tear over time.

3. Metal Garden Beds

Steel and aluminum beds have a longer lifetime, but they also have a higher initial cost. They are usually preferable for use in public spaces or residential areas.

They are often paired with mesh panels for good airflow and drainage. Thicker sheets are recommended for the walls, as thin sheets can easily bend.

Good to Know

If you prefer metal garden beds, it’s best to use those made of galvanized steel. Other metal garden beds can rust when exposed to moisture.

4. Some Other Options

Raised garden beds made of concrete blocks are cheaper, making them suitable for areas where aesthetics are not a huge factor. Some gardens reuse recycled plastic lumber and old railroad ties as raised beds. However, refrain from using any material that would release toxic substances into the ground.

Benefits of a Raised Garden Bed

Growing plants at a slightly elevated platform has added benefits compared to conventional gardening. Let’s recap how raised garden beds benefit plants by making them healthier and more robust.

Better Drainage: They have superior drainage systems compared to soil gardens. These systems can be designed according to need and also allow for quick cleaning.
Accessibility and Mobility: Raised gardens come with adjustable height systems that allow people from various heights to access them. They can also have wheels, which make them easier to move.
Extended Seasons: Raised beds allow for the introduction of artificial weather conditions. This results in longer fruiting periods and more yield.
Fewer Weeds: These gardens can be pruned easily, making removing hidden weeds very easy. This makes soil nutrients available to the plants.
Better Plant Health: You can observe the health of the plants closely throughout the season and protect the beds from external influences. This protects them from harsh weather and from diseases.
Easier Maintenance: Raised gardens are very convenient to use and clean. This makes their maintenance easier and quicker as well.

Considerations While Buying a Raised Garden Bed

1. Size

Beds can range from very large to very small. Home beds range between 2 and 4 feet in width, depending on the kind of bed or the house size. The longer varieties are available in sizes from 4 to 20 feet in length.

Measure the place where you’ll be placing the beds first and use a piece of paper to sketch a tentative layout. This will help you plan your layout.

Tip

The best size for garden beds depends on how much space you have. Smaller beds suit narrow spaces and allow you to access all parts of the bed.

2. Material

Lumber and synthetic materials are often used to make garden beds. Cedar and redwood woods last longer but can be expensive. Plastic beds are another viable choice. They do not decay or require painting and are cheaper in the long run.

Metal and concrete beds can often last decades, but they may be challenging to shift later. They also get very hot in the summer sun.

3. Height

The standard bed heights range from 12 to 18 inches. This allows you to access the gardens without bending down, saving you from straining your back. Measure a suitable height for the bed so you can work on the garden without bending too much.