Do you have limited space for your crops, have a sore back from weeding or seeding, and are you looking for high quality, easy to assemble, good capacity raised garden beds? These options may be for you.
Best Raised Garden Beds: Land Guard Galvanized
This raised garden bed is lined with anti-corrosion galvanized steel sheets so that it can last for many years.
Likewise, it is designed with an open base (no bottom) to prevent water accumulation, decay, protect plant roots and allow the roots of your tomatoes, herbs or flowers to better absorb nutrients.
When you put it together, you will perceive that it is small, but it is efficient. You can fill the post holes with gravel. It is often awkward to insert certain bolts or nuts, therefore it is recommended to assemble it with 2 people.
Also, the thickness is double: the average thickness of this galvanized flower pot sheet reaches 0.78 mm, and the thickest part can reach 1.56 mm, so the stability is great.
On the other hand, the edges of the panel are sharp, so you may need gloves for assembly. To prevent children or anyone from getting cut, you can add some rubber, foam or its equivalent to the edges.
Pros
- Robust
- Easy to move
- Price
- Kit with additional parts
Cons
- Assembly time
- Sharp edges
Best Raised Garden Beds: Quictent
The galvanized raised garden bed Kit is 3 in 1: Garden Bed, Detachable Mini Greenhouse, Greenhouse Garden Bed Combination.
It holds approximately 18 cubic feet of soil, providing plenty of growing space for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. So, you will be able to customize your crops.
Regarding the material, it is made of extra thick galvanized metal that is strong, stable and durable. If you live in a very windy place, it is ideal that you reinforce the greenhouse (with stakes, etc.).
As it has 2 screens, the multi-purpose garden bed allows air to enter during the day, providing good ventilation, a growing environment for plants and protection. Your plants will be happy and protected from pests, rain…
Pros
- Quality material
- Resistant
- decent size
Cons
- Instructions are a bit difficult
Best Raised Garden Beds: Once more
This elevated garden bed features a durable, strong and durable anti-rust frame. The corner brackets are made of very resistant steel.
The top corner covers are strong plastic. The side edges are a bit sharp, but with the included gloves, mounting will be comfortable.
Regarding the assembly, it is simple. Just follow the instructions, fill the bed with soil, waste, etc. and in a short time you will have your lettuces.
The metal planter kit protects plant roots, provides good drainage, maintains soil and nutrients, keeps you away from pests.
Pros
- Resistant
- Size
Cons
- Removing the plastic film is a bit difficult
Best Raised Garden Beds: Keter Urban Bloomer
Keter Urban Bloomer is for small plants or herbs and includes a water gauge, drainage system and a water reservoir for you to check the watering level and prevent the soil from getting too wet.
As for the water gauge, it’s easy to read and tells you when to water your plants. The drain tap allows you to manually remove excess water from the reservoir. For heavy rains, it is better to cover it with a tarp or plastic.
Concerning the kit, a seedling tray is included. This will help you keep track of each seedling until they are ready to be planted in deeper soil.
Pros
- Water control
- Easy to assemble
- Good height
Cons
- Positioning the cross braces in the slots can be difficult
Best Raised Garden Beds: VegTrug
VegTrug is made of durable cedar wood and you can grow up to 8 different varieties of herbs or flowers. In addition, it has a height of 31” (80 cm), which allows easy harvesting without the need to bend down.
Pros
- Quality wood
- Storage shelf
Cons
- It could have wheels
Some tips
Place
- Try to locate it in a north-south orientation so that the plants receive enough sunlight.
- Also, try to place it in a place to anticipate strong gusts of wind.
- Place it near a water source since you will need to water frequently and, in an area, where the water can drain easily without damaging the surface below it.
Logistics
- The space between beds should be wide enough to walk comfortably, push a wheelbarrow, and transport vegetables or flowers.
- Plants can be alternated in a zig-zag pattern in the row to fit more in the bed.
- You can rotate vegetables from similar families to avoid the accumulation of pests or problems.
Performance
- Check frequently for signs of infestation. Check undersides of leaves for insect eggs, etc.
- It is important that you remove the first two suckers from the crop to allow air movement around the base of the plant.
- Large plants, such as cucumbers, will need a lot of space. So, you have to support them with wire or ropes. Tomatoes should be staked or caged.
- Perennial crops like asparagus, radish, herbs should be planted separately.
- For tall plants, place them on the north side, so they do not shade other plants.
- Try to harvest vegetables during the cool hours of the day.
- Clean tools after use.
- Do not apply fertilizer directly to roots or stems.
- Do not apply fertilizers or pesticides without reading the instructions on the product.
- To know the correct soil moisture, you can find out with your hands. When you stick your finger into the soil, it should feel slightly damp, like a sponge that has been wrung out.
Soil Mix
Having a soil mix rich in organic matter and with good water retention capacity will help the plants. If you are buying a soil mix, look at the materials that make up the mix. A mixture of half compost and half topsoil is functional.
Protection
It is important to add a layer of landscape fabric under the raised bed to prevent weed growth. Also, putting straw, wood chips or on the ground, once the plants have germinated, can counteract weeds.
How to choose a raised garden bed
There are multiple options and the selection depends on aesthetics, purpose, type and number of plants, and your budget.
Material: the most popular are the models made of metal, wood and plastic. Metal and plastic beds tend to last longer than wooden beds.
Dimensions: take into account the length and width so that it sits correctly in the installation place. The width of the bed should be such that you can freely reach its center on both sides. A comfortable width is approximately 35-40” (90-100 cm).
Drainage: Holes allow excess water to drain away to prevent plant roots from rotting.
Depth: 10-12” (25-30 cm) is common. Certain crops require a depth of up to 18” (45 cm).
Some raised garden bed benefits
- With optimal soil fill, plants often perform above average because they have a higher nutritional value than garden soil.
- Water is conserved since it is provided to beds and not furrows, for example.
- Fertilizer is used only on the soil where the plants grow.
- They keep weeds out.
- The temperature in the beds is much more beneficial than on the ground.
- Protection against various animals, pests and weather conditions.
Some types of raised garden beds
Metal
Most of the models are made of sheet metal, iron and/or galvanized steel with aluminum and/or zinc. A key benefit of galvanized steel is that it is coated with zinc which protects the metal from corrosion. The zinc coating is also completely food safe.
Wood
Thermal insulation is usually less effective than with metal or plastic, but there are also models with thick boards that also insulate decently.
Plastic
They are especially for balconies and terraces. They are characterized by good thermal insulation, strength and flexible design.
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