I like functionality more than the average person. But when it starts affecting the aesthetics, it’s over for me. If you’re a bit confused, I’m talking about regular in-ground gardens.
Sure, they have functionality but when it comes to aesthetics, raised garden beds are bound to take away the win.
The problem is you’re going out of nature’s way to make things more convenient for you. When you let manufacturers do it, a lot of times they mess up. So, it’s up to you to choose the best raised garden beds.
Lucky for you, I’ve been in this game for quite some time now. With my experience and keen eye, I handpicked a few products along with describing their traits.
Best Raised Garden Bed Kits 2023 : Review
- Best Overall – Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed,
- Best Elevated Plant Bed – Foyuee Planter Box with Elevated Garden Bed
- Best Metal Raised Garden Bed – Zizin Metal Raised Garden Bed
- Best Metal Raised Garden Bed – Foyuee Galvanized Garden Beds
- Best Tall Garden Bed kit – Jumbl Raised Canadian Cedar
- Best Muti Tier Garden Bed – Yaheetech 3 Tier Raised Garden Bed
Let’s start without wasting any more time, shall we?
01. Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Kit – Elevated Wood Raised Garden Bed Kit
The Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Kit with its durable raw material and modular design makes it stand out among the rest. Expanding is a piece of cake thanks to the stackable design. But that’s not all-
Environment-friendly Raw Wood
The entire frame is made out of naturally treated cedar wood. Instead of chemical treatment, they went with the natural approach to keep things environmentally friendly. While a lot of you might not care about that, what you do care about is it won’t cause irritations on your skin.
Versatile Stackable Design
The garden bed is made with 4-way routed corner posts. What this means is you can stack the boards one over another with no tools whatsoever. I won’t get into the details but don’t worry, they did a pretty good job with the instruction manual.
Moving Around is No Problem
No, it doesn’t come with any wheels. But thanks to the easy assembly process, you can shift them around any time you want. You could change the design of the garden based on the season and the crops you’re growing.
Solid Construction
The cedar wood construction is already rock-solid. What’s more, is that you get 3 different options,
- Premium- Thickness: ¾’’, Height: 5 ½”, Texture: sanded and smooth
- Original- Thickness: 11/16”, Height: 3 ½”, Texture: rustic and unsanded
- Value- Thickness: ½”, Height: 3 ½”, Texture: rustic and unsanded
Depending on your preference, you can go for either one. But all of them will have the insect-repelling properties of the cedar.
Pros
- Naturally treated cedar wood doesn’t rot while repelling insects
- The effortless assembly process is perfect for beginners
- Modular designs can be stacked over one another
- 3 different wood types are available for extra durability
Cons
- Extensive rainwater for a long time might damage the wood
Verdict
For the price you’re paying, there’s no better alternative. It’s versatile, modifying it is no hassle and it’ll last 3 to 4 years easily. Put in a coat of stain or paint and the durability will be even better.
02. Keter Raised Garden Bed with Self Watering Planter Box
When it comes to convenience, the Keter Urban Bloomer Raised Garden Bed is on a different level. From watering to seed sprouting, it doesn’t leave much work for you. On top of that, the polypropylene and resin construction is fitted with a stand to make things even easier for you.
Self-watering System with Reservoir
The raised planter box has its own reservoir along with a self-watering system. Keep the reservoir full and half of your job is done. The watering system will make sure the roots have the right amount of moisture at all times. While low water levels are dangerous, high levels of water or overwatering are even more deadly.
Intuitive Water Gauge and Drainage Tap
So, it has its own reservoir. But how would you know when to fill it up or not? Well, the water gauge will take care of that. What’s even more interesting is how it works.
It’s basically shaped like a leaf. When the water level is low it rises and shows the red part. When the water level is high, it starts showing the green part. Interesting, right?
Detachable Seed Sprouting Tray
It’s nothing special. They made a separate spot for a seed tray. It’s like every other seed tray you’ve seen. But hey, it’s better than nothing. And you can always remove the tray if you don’t want it.
Weatherproof Construction
The Keter Elevated Urban Bloomer is made out of a combination of polypropylene and resin. In other words, it’s made out of plastic. But durability speaks for itself. Even though it might start fading after a few years, you never have to worry about rot or anything like that.
Pros
- The elevated design prevents back pain
- An automated watering system saves you from carrying large watering cans
- The water gauge lets you know when to fill up the reservoir
- Plastic construction is practically indestructible from weather
Cons
- Functional item but a little pricey for its small size
Verdict
I like how the Keter Urban Bloomer Raised Garden Bed works. It’s the perfect above-ground garden box to get you started. It has all the features you could ever need. But the price is a bit high. I guess you have to sacrifice a little bit if you want more functionality.
03. Vegepod Raised Garden Bed – Best Premium Features
New to gardening? Always had a brown thumb? Well, let me introduce you to the Vegepod Raised Garden Bed. The raised herb garden boxes are equipped with a self-watering system along with a cover to protect against pests and bugs. If you’ve got your wallet by your side, it’ll be hard to let this one go.
Self Watering System with Overflow Hole
The self-watering system works as a wick system, a basic form of hydroponics. It doesn’t take much longer for the plant roots to figure out where the moisture is coming from. As a result, they can survive as long as a month without any watering. Moreover, there are overflow drainage holes protecting the soil from overwatering.
Commercial-grade Protective Cover
The commercial-grade protective cover protects against wildlife, pests, and the scorching hot heat of the sun. The advanced raw material ensures sufficient water and airflow. Compared to plastic covers, this canopy enhances growth instead of doubling up on the heat.
Built-in Mist Sprayer
The VegeCover features a built-in mist sprayer. The mechanism is pretty simple. Just attach any standard hose and it’ll start spraying. Add in a time with the tap and you’ll be totally stress-free on your vacations.
Portable Design with Optional Wheels
The Vegepod Raised Bed wouldn’t be a perfect package if it didn’t have a stand. And if you like to move around, there’s one with wheels. But you’d have to buy it separately.
Pros
- A self-watering system waters the plants on their own
- The commercial-grade canopy protects against wildlife and sun
- Polypropylene and plastic build won’t be subjected to rust
- Built-in mist sprayer keeps plants moisturized
Cons
- You need to buy the stand separately. Also, it’s rather expensive for its size.
Verdict
The Vegepod Raised Bed checks out all the right boxes, except. It’s pricey as heck. I mean, they even charge extra for the stand. And the one with the wheels is even more expensive. I agree it’s the perfect raised garden kit to get anyone started but only if you’re willing to spend the bucks.
04. Patiomore Wooden Garden Bed – Best Affordable
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When you’re starting out, you never know what to get. Either you choose something low-quality or go something too expensive. The Patiomore Wooden Garden Bed can solve that problem. It’s an affordable raised garden with the right size, ideal for beginners.
Made out of Durable Natural Fir Wood
The Patiomore Wooden Garden Bed is made using 100% natural fir wood. That’s not all. The wood didn’t go through any chemical treatment to prevent irritation or any other reaction with the soil.
Practical Function with Beautiful Looks
These raised garden planters aren’t anything out of the ordinary. But even then their plain and simple looks will undoubtedly complement the beauty of any outdoor decor. It’s beautiful and does its job flawlessly.
No Need to Lean Over
The raised bed is already 2.5-tall, the perfect height for a small balcony or a group of these. It could’ve been a little taller but 30-inches is okay I suppose. If you work carefully, you might just avoid back pain.
Quick Assembly Process
Remember the assembly process of the Greenes Fence Raised Garden? This is quite similar to that. You stack up the pieces together and that’s it. The process won’t take more than 20-minutes, along with reading the manual.
Pros
- The effortless setup process won’t take more than 20 minutes
- The simple design enhances the beauty of any garden
- Sturdy construction made to last
- An elevated stand eliminates the need to lean over
Cons
- Sometimes the bottom part can’t handle the extra weight
Verdict
You can’t go wrong with this raised garden. Sure it doesn’t have any flashy features. But maybe you don’t need all those bells and whistles. And that’s exactly what this is. But eventually, you might want to switch to something bigger.
05. Hudson Screwless Vinyl Garden Bed – Best Design
If it’s a matter of looks, the Hudson Screwless Vinyl Garden Bed will always take away the crown. The elegant design itself is a beauty. On top of that, the screwless design makes it an even better deal. And did I mention it’s made out of waterproof vinyl?
Tool-free Installation
You don’t need any kind of tools to set up the Hudson Screwless Vinyl Garden Bed. Simply stack up the pieces over one another and you’ll be done before you know. And it doesn’t have that many pieces, so, another plus point.
Waterproof Vinyl Construction
In basic terms, it’s made out of vinyl. But nerds like me are not satisfied with such little information. That said, the primary material is food-grade phthalate and BPA-free composite. It’s not only water-resistant but also waterproof. No matter how much environmental torture it faces, it won’t break.
Timeless Elegant Design
The elegant white color resembles a timeless design that goes hand in hand with any outdoor setting. You could use it to grow vegetables or add in a couple of beautiful flowers.
Tall Enough to Grow Deep Root Crops
It’s almost a foot deep. While it might not be enough to grow a mid-sized tree, it’s more than enough for growing deep root vegetables such as carrots and beets.
Pros
- The timeless white design is a different presence itself
- No need to use tools or screws for the installation
- Waterproof vinyl boards won’t rot
- Cleaning is much easier because of a waterproof material
Cons
- There’s no floorboard meaning you have to lean over
Verdict
All in all, there’s no denying it’s a well-constructed raised bed. But the question is, do mind leaning over? If you do, I suggest you look elsewhere. There’s no way to lift from the ground. But you’re only here for the looks, then go for it. After all, it’s a real beauty to look at.
06. Yaheetech 3 Tier Raised Garden Bed – Best 3-tiered Design
Until now, you’ve seen regular raised garden beds with standing legs. But Yaheetech took it up a notch and made a 3-tiered garden raised bed. With this much space at this price, it’s a hard bargain.
Sufficient Growing Space with 3 Tiers of Bed
You get plenty of outdoor space to grow different types of plants. Thanks to the 3-tiered design, you can mix in a variety of flowers and vegetables in the best raised garden beds. It’s kind of like an open canvas, except it grows plants.
Customizable Design Suits to Your Needs
Having plenty of outdoor space isn’t the only advantage of this product. You can either stack up the raised garden boxes together to make a 3-tiered setup or you can have individual best raised garden beds. But keep in mind, the latter won’t give you the height advantage.
Rock-solid Construction Made Out of Wood
Being made from sturdy 0.6’’ natural fir wood, there’s no question about the durability. But it doesn’t have any protective layer. So, it might start decaying after a couple of years. Put in a layer of stain or any other protector and it should be good for a few more years.
Super-easy Assembly Process
Similar to other previous raised garden beds, the setup process is relatively stress-free. Even though you need a couple of screws and hardware, the manufacturer will ship you those inside the package.
Pros
- The 3-tiered design is ideal for growing different crops
- Plenty of space in each tier for a lot of vegetables
- The wood construction won’t break easily
- Stress-free assembly process
Cons
- Assembly takes some time with a screwdriver. You can solve it with a drill machine.
Verdict
A lot of people go for raised garden beds because they don’t want something small to grow vegetables. But there’s no doubt this raised garden will eat up a lot of space. If you’re okay with that then go for it. Although do keep an eye on the 3-tiered design from Giantex.
07. Giantex Raised Garden Bed Kit Elevated Planter Box for Vegetables Fruits Herb Grow
Giantex Outdoor Vegetable Planting Box is Ideal for Small Patios, backyard Decks and Apartments or Anywhere You’ would Like to Plant Vegetables, Herbs, Or Flowers.
The Moisture Stays in Check
An elevated height gives you an upper hand for avoiding back pain. But there’s another benefit. The moisture is always kept in check. You see the added airflow along with gravity extends a hand to ensure the plants don’t suffer from overwatering.
Variety of Options for Everyone
Even though the model I’m reviewing is an elevated garden beds. There are 3 different variants of this same product. You can check best raised garden bed reviews too.
Everything Comes Inside the Package
Each of the legs requires 6 screws. So, you can imagine, the assembly process will take a little time. But what’s surprising is, the instruction manual explains everything like it’s a piece of cake and it really is. Moreover, you don’t need to buy any separate tools as they’re shipped inside the package.
Sturdy Construction Made Out of Wood
The entire frame is made out of thick cedar wood for enhanced durability. No matter how much soil you put in, it’s going to hold the bed. But then again, you need extra maintenance because of that.
Pros
- Ideal size for keeping in small balconies
- Made from naturally treated cedar wood for increased durability
- 3 different options are available
- Fewer risks of overflowing thanks to the elevated design
Cons
- The wood soaks in moisture with extensive rain
Verdict
Overall, there’s no major complaint about the Giantex Raised Garden Bed Kit. It’s not expensive and it offers plenty of options to choose from. No matter what type of raised garden you prefer, Giantex has got you covered.
Things to Consider When Buying a Raised Garden Bed (Buying Guide)
You might think looks are all that matters for a raised garden bed. But little do you know there are a whole list of factors to consider. Either way, don’t worry, I’ll make sure you don’t miss any points-
Choose the Type of Raised Garden Bed You Want
The 3 types aren’t that complicated. But if you want to know which one suits you better, you don’t need any advanced knowledge, but a basic idea is a must.
Raised Ground Beds
Raised ground beds are the simplest form of garden beds. These can be as high as 6 to 8 inches and don’t need a frame to surround the bed. In terms of structural complexity, they’re the easiest to build.
Half of your work is done when you finalize a size and shape. In most cases, they get up to 2.5-feet. However, you can make them as wide as 5-feet, considering you can access them from both sides.
Supported Raised Beds
Long story short, supported raised bed gardens to have a support frame that holds the raised garden. If you think about it, the support frame is what’s making it a ‘raised’ garden.
The material choice is up to you. Depending on your budget and preference, you can go anything from wood to composite plastic materials.
If it’s properly made, you can’t go wrong with supported raised bed gardening. They beautify the outdoors while protecting the plants from wildlife and footsteps. Match a couple of them with your outdoor decor and it’ll blend in perfectly.
Containerized Raised Beds
Containerized best raised bed kits and supported raised beds are somewhat similar. But containerized beds are way taller. Usually, they have a tall wall of around 10-15 inches.
People who are in wheelchairs or have extreme back pain are ideal candidates for containerized raised beds. These raised beds are already a beauty. But to put a cherry on top, they act as barriers on pathways keeping people away from the plants.
Decide on a Material
Most raised garden bed manufacturers stick to wooden raised gardens for looks and affordability. But there are other options like concrete, stone, woven willow, etc. Nevertheless, these three are the most well-established materials-
Wood
Cedar and fir, these two kinds of wood that are widely used for this purpose. But most people don’t use a chemical treatment as they’ll be growing food in it. If you ask me, I’d say it’s a better option to put in a protective layer.
After all, it’s wood. When it’s in contact with dirt and water for a prolonged period of time, it’s going to rot.
Metal
Metal garden bed aren’t that popular as wood frames. But metal garden bed as a material is more durable than wood. Considering it’ll have a protective layer, enhances its durability even more.
Plastic or Composite
Plastic or composite materials are getting more and more popular. You can give any shape to it. If you don’t look closely, you won’t even realize how well these can replicate other textures.
Figure Out the Location and Size
Location
Whether you’re growing flowers or vegetables, the plants need 8 hours of sunlight if you want to see optimal growth and health. The more sun the plants get, the better it is.
Whatever you do, don’t set up the raised garden in a shady, wet area. Other than that, make sure you have a water supply nearby as you’ll be needing in the growing season.
Length and Width
The first step is to ensure you can reach the garden from both sides. This way you can avoid stepping over the garden. That said, don’t forget to leave some walking room around the garden bed.
The ideal width for a raised garden is 4-feet. You’ll have plenty of space while being able to work on it from both sides. But if you can only reach from one side, 3-feet in width would work better.
On the other hand, you don’t have any restrictions on the length. Unless you have a building or obstacle on the way, you have complete freedom.
Height
Raised garden beds reach up to 36-inches. But in general, they stay between 6 to 12 inches. The math here is simple. The deeper the soil is, the more room for the root.
However, with deeper soil, you need better support to hold it. Be it wood or metal, it needs to have extra strength to hold that much weight.
It Should be Easy to Assemble
Unless you have experience with lumber, you have no idea how complex building a DIY raised garden bed can get. This is where ready-made raised bed kits steal all the spotlight.
Most of the time, they come in stackable shapes. Simply stack the pieces over one another and that’ll be it.
Consider It as an Investment
You wouldn’t want your wooden raised garden bed to break down after a few years, would you? If not, you should consider investing some money in it. If you’re taking the DIY approach, you can save money on the raw materials.
But when buying a ready-made product, that’s not something you can do. Where to buy raised garden bed kits? Instead of searching for the cheapest product, look for a garden bed with a good reputation and build quality.
Look Out for Special Bed Features
The extra features are what add up to the value. From automatic watering system to protective covers, there’s a bunch of features to look out for-
Elevated Stands for Back Pain
A lot of raised garden beds come with tall stands for people with back pain. Thanks to those, you don’t have to lean over to work on your plants.
Protection from Wildlife Abundance
Protective covers aren’t really common with raised garden beds. I’ve only seen the Vegepod Raised Garden Bed to have this feature. On top of that, it’s got a built-in mist sprayer on the canopy too.
Self-watering Features
A lot of garden beds have a separate water reservoir paired up with a self-watering system. Thanks to these you can stay stress-free on your vacations.
Portability
Some raised garden beds let you attach wheels on the bottom and others come with them pre-installed. You might not move it around that much but it’s nice to be able to do that.
Why Should I Use a Raised Garden Bed?
Aesthetics isn’t the only good side of raised garden beds. Here’s a whole list of advantages of raised garden beds-
Better Viewing Angle for Plant Health and Pests
With raised garden beds, you have a better angle at your plant. You can look out for bugs and pests. Not to mention, some wildlife species can’t climb over raised beds.
Extra Convenience
You don’t need to lean over anymore. I mean you have to lean over to some extent. But that’s nothing compared to growing vegetables in the ground.
No Dealing with Soil Issues
Does your area have heavy clay or hardpack dirt? No matter what the case is, raised garden beds don’t deal with those problems. You add in separate soil and fertilizer. So, there’s no risk of those things.
Long Growing Season
The soil in raised garden beds stays warmer than usual. This essentially means the growing season becomes longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should a raised bed garden be?
8 to 12 inches is sufficient enough for raised garden beds. If you want to grow deep root vegetables, 12 to 18 inches should be more than enough. Fill it up with a porous growing medium and the plant will have all the growing space it needs.
What do I put on the bottom of a raised garden bed?
The bottom part of a raised garden should be filled up with organic materials such as wood chips, leaves, straw, grass clippings. After some time, the organic material will turn into compost while the cardboard won’t let weeds grow.
Should I line my raised garden bed?
Lining your raised garden bed will protect it from extreme temperatures, keep away gophers and moles, and most importantly, prevent weeds. The durability will also get a boost. Try using landscape fabric even though cloth fabric will work too.
What can I plant in a 4×8 raised vegetable garden?
Fill it up with plants you like to eat. If you’re a fan of salads, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers are a good option. Don’t miss herbs, peppers, onions, and potatoes are great if you love cooking. But make sure you grow one vegetable you’re new to.
Should I put cardboard in raised beds?
Putting cardboard on the bottom prevents weed growth. It does take longer to decompose than grass or other organic material. But it’s worth not having to deal with weeds growing everywhere.
What do you fill raised beds with?
The simplest way to fill a raised bed is to put a 1:1 mixture of compost and topsoil. However, don’t apply the same method for every plant as they have different requirements.
How much topsoil do I need for a raised bed?
You need around 1 cubic yard of soil for a 10-inch tall 4×8–foot raised bed. The amount gets half if the depth is reduced to 5-inch. An easy way to figure out how much soil you need is to multiply all the measurements(length, width, height) together. Then divide the answer by 27.
Final Words
Well, that’s been it. I know I announced the Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Kit as the best raised garden bed. However, the Keter Urban Bloomer Raised Garden Bed has a special spot in my heart.
It went above and beyond with the functionalities. I don’t know about you but for me, they scored top marks on customer satisfaction. Anyway, let me know in the comment section if you’ve ever had any bad experiences with these products. You never know when a product’s reputation goes downhill, right?