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These easy-to-assemble raised garden beds are great for those who have a lot of space to work with.
Beds are stackable, allowing for users to create deeper gardens up to 18 inches if multiple are purchased. Made of durable, high-density polyethylene which will withstand weather and harsh climates.
These beds are very sturdy but are made of plastic, which may bow.
Strong metal, a stylish design, and a roomy interior make this raised garden bed an excellent pick.
Constructed of metal that's built to last. Provides drainage plants need to thrive. Not overly complicated to assemble. Available in a choice of sizes, from medium to large. The open bottom is a nice touch.
The metal has some sharp edges, so it's important to be careful when putting the pieces together.
You can't go wrong with this spacious raised garden that will fit in a lot of different spaces.
Made of beautiful Canadian red cedar that's rot-resistant. The bed has drainage holes and comes with a liner to help retain soil moisture. Its features are easy to assemble, and it's built to last.
It requires power tools to be assembled and it takes many screws.
Flexible design that is also space-savvy, making it popular for decks or smaller gardens.
Easy to build and collapse when necessary. Made with weather-resistant resin that won't fade in direct sunlight. Durable, stable, and wobble-free. Can attach to other FlexSpace garden beds.
Some consumers needed to drill drainage holes in the boxes.
Super sturdy and stylish. Perfect for those who can't commit to fixed gardening space.
The material is durable and the versatility is unparalleled. Allows for gardening anywhere because the wheels make it easy to move around and can double as a garden cart.
The assembly takes some time and you need your own tools.
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Getting started with gardening doesn’t have to be back-breaking work. You don’t need to live in an area with loamy, fertile soil either. With a raised garden bed, there’s no digging, tilling, or struggling required.
If you live in a locale with poor-quality soil, simply fill the bed with a good soil mix, and you’re ready to go. Perfect for any gardener, raised beds are easier to maintain and require less manual labor to set up than in-ground gardens. They’re also well-suited for wheelchair users and elderly individuals who may not be able to bend over comfortably or stand for long periods. Raised gardens are also a fun project for kids.
With a little planning, you can transform your backyard, front lawn, or balcony into an appealing gardening space full of edibles and flowers. But first, you’ll need to find the right raised garden bed for your needs.
Avoid buying raised garden beds on a whim. First, consider what you want out of your garden. Are you interested in planting flowers, or are you keen on planting an array of tasty vegetables? Do you want to transform your entire lawn space into an edible landscape? Think about the final layout and arrangement of your beds. Do you need to invest in materials for a path?
There’s no shame in starting small, but have a vision in mind so that when you decide to expand later on, you’re not left with a hodgepodge of mismatched garden accents and accessories.
It’s so tempting to eyeball an area and assume a bed will fit. Don’t do it, though. Measure your intended gardening space, so there’s enough room for the raised bed and for you to walk around. Quick planning tip: lay out masking tape to better visualize your future garden area.
You can’t just plop a raised bed anywhere on your property. Most plants require at least six hours of sunlight to thrive. Think you’ve found the perfect spot? Spend a day tracking the sunlight in that area to be sure it’s perfect for a raised bed. But don’t place your raised bed too far from your home; you’re less likely to travel out on a rainy day to check on your crops or harvest goodies for dinner.
A tall raised garden bed is an excellent option for anyone with back issues. The only downside is that you’ll need a lot more soil to fill it in. If you have plenty of fall leaves each year, use them to add volume to the bed before filling it in with dirt. For wheelchair users, a tall table-style raised bed provides an accessible gardening space.
Are you comfortable lugging out your toolbox, or do you prefer when items are pre-assembled? Not all raised beds are quick to assemble, and some may require the use of a few tools. Often, raised beds are packaged flat for easy shipping, but pieces click together easily out of the box.
Regardless of where you live, a raised bed must be sturdy in order to stand the test of time. Your garden box will be exposed all year round to the elements, from harsh sunlight to heavy rain. Here are a few raised bed materials to consider:
A few raised beds include accessories, such as pest covers, cold-frames, digging implements, plant markers, and trellises. Raised beds that include these types of accessories, however, are often way overpriced.
This feature is typically only available in smaller table-style raised beds. Self-watering takes the guesswork out of caring for your plants. New gardeners often have trouble discerning when to water. First-time plant parents tend to over-water their plants thinking that more is better. Another reason to consider this type of raised bed? If you often take a vacation in the middle of the gardening season, self-watering containers often hold enough water to last plants at least a week.
If sunlight seems to jump around your gardening space, wheels easily allow you to provide your plants with plenty of sun exposure. Wheeled units are also perfect for small areas like patios. Move them out of the way when guests arrive for a BBQ.
The ability to add-on allows users to expand their gardening efforts year after year or to add height for greater accessibility.
Pre-assembled garden boxes are pricier than those that require assembly. Wooden raised beds are the most expensive. Find plastic and fabric boxes for well under $100 but expect to pay at least $100 for a wooden raised bed. Wooden tabletop beds, wheeled units, and boxes with accessories, such as trellises and pest covers, will likely cost over $200.
The Yaheetech 3-Tier Wooden Raised Garden Bed is a unique choice for adding visual interest to your garden space. The tiered structure makes it an ideal bed for planting sprawling fruit, such as strawberries. The Giantex Raised Garden Bed is a compact tabletop-style box made of rot-resistant cedar. Your back will thank you since the waist-high bed eliminates the need for bending. The stylish basket-weave finish of the Keter Elevated Garden Bed looks great sitting on a patio or balcony. We love the self-watering design and handy rain gauge, both of which cut the chances of leaving plants thirsty. On the flip side, a controlled drainage system prevents overwatering. The Vita Gardens Bed is a great starter option for new gardeners. The walls click into place without the need for tools, and there’s a handy grid to help perfectly space out your plants.
Q. How can I prevent weeds from infiltrating my raised bed?
A. The good news is that a raised bed filled with brand-new soil won’t have many weeds to begin with. To prevent the weeds in your yard or lawn from growing upward and invading your bed, choose a raised bed with a solid bottom or place a barrier at the bottom of the bed, like cardboard or plastic mulch.
Q. Is it possible for a wheelchair user to garden?
A. Absolutely. Choose a tabletop-style gardening bed and check that the height allows for comfortable gardening in a seated position.
Q. Squirrels and other small mammals are still able to reach my garden plants and are enjoying the buffet. What can I do to deter them?
A. Consider a pest cover to prevent animals from picking through your produce. Fabric covers or netting may help deter hungry rabbits and squirrels and will keep insect pests from munching on your greens.
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