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.
Design
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.
Thickness
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
If you live in a place where there is a difficult climate with temperatures that fluctuate widely, this galvanized raised garden bed Kit is 3 in 1: garden bed, detachable mini greenhouse, garden bed and greenhouse 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.
Design
Regarding the material, the sides and posts are made of extra thick galvanized metal that is strong, stable and durable. The base is very resistant and easy to assemble.
If you live in a very windy place, it is ideal that you reinforce the greenhouse (with stakes, etc.). Also, you can put heavy rocks on the bottom for stabilization.
Functions
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…
The cover is small for certain plants, such as tomatoes, so you can get additional poles to increase the height. The zippers on the canopy work well. To assemble it, at least 2 people are needed. Assembly time is about 1 hour.
Pros
- Quality material
- Resistant
- decent size
Cons
- Instructions are a bit difficult
Best Raised Garden Beds:
Vego Garden
This metal garden bed is for people with a good budget, who are not looking for a cheap construction that will be damaged in a couple of weeks and who, on the contrary, want a high-quality product, great finish, minimalist, resistant and versatile.
Durability
It has a VZ 2.0 material made of a steel substrate coated with zinc, aluminum and magnesium, which gives it durability for many years and, in addition, the metal is recyclable.
Design
The modular design allows you to configure the kit in 9 different ways according to your planning. The side edges are a bit sharp, but with gloves, mounting will be comfortable.
Also, the height (17″) is enough to keep rabbits or other animals out and the depth is ideal for roots to grow and better water drainage, therefore, you will have comfort by not bending down much when harvesting your plants. Your back will be grateful.
Assembly
Regarding the assembly, it is simple. You do not need construction knowledge. Just follow the instructions, fill the bed with soil, waste, etc. and in a short time you will have your lettuces. Assembly time is 1 hour.
Pros
- Depth
- High quality material
- Versatility
Cons
- Removing the plastic film is a bit difficult
Some Tips
Place
- Try to locate the raised garden bed 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 the best raised garden beds
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 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
Metal
Most of the raised garden beds 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.
Related Post