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Raised garden beds are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance their growing space. The best raised garden beds offer benefits, such as improved soil conditions, better pest control, and easier maintenance. Our expertise at Savvy Gardening stems from years of hands-on gardening in raised beds and thorough research, ensuring that our recommendations are practical and reliable.
We’ve narrowed our favorites to a list of six. We meticulously evaluated various factors, including durability, material quality, ease of assembly, and user reviews. Our selections aim to provide you with high-quality options that cater to different needs, budgets, and preferences. Below, you’ll find more details on the best raised garden beds available and the qualities to look for while shopping for one.
Our top picks:
- Tara’s favorite raised garden bed: Sprout Box 17-Inch Tall Modular 9 in 1, $189 at Sprout Box
- Niki’s favorite raised garden bed: Smart Pot Round Raised Bed, $54.99 at Walmart
- Jessica’s favorite raised garden bed: Behlen Stock Tank, $179 at Home Depot
- Best budget raised garden bed: Best Choice Products Outdoor Wooden Raised Garden Bed, $74.99 at Amazon
- Best raised garden bed with legs: Gardener’s Supply Company Raised Garden Bed, $339.99 at Gardener’s Supply Company
- Best DIY raised garden bed: Panacea Raised Bed Black Metal Corner Brackets, $37.43 at Home Depot
Reviews of the best raised garden beds
1. Tara’s favorite raised garden bed: Sprout Box 17-Inch Tall Modular 9 in 1
If you want to maximize your gardening potential this season, the Sprout Box 17-Inch Tall Modular 9 in 1 Garden Bed is one of the best metal raised garden beds to consider. What’s fantastic about this garden bed is its versatility. You can play around with nine configurations, perfect whether you’re dealing with a spacious backyard or a cozy corner on your patio. It’s taller than most raised beds, making it easier on your back during those long gardening sessions. Plus, it’s designed to outlast traditional wood beds, giving you more bang for your buck over the years. I’ve had mine through a few seasons, and it still looks as sharp as the day I set it up. This bed is a top-notch choice for gardeners looking to invest in their hobby, combining functionality and durability.
Tara’s tips:
The Sprout Box 17-Inch Tall Modular 9 in 1 Garden Bed offers unparalleled versatility with its nine possible configurations, accommodating anything from a spacious backyard to a narrow patio corner.
The specs:
- Dimensions: Several, depending on configuration
- Material: Aluzinc galvanized steel
- Assembly: Yes
The pros:
- Highly customizable configurations
- Elevated height for easier access
- Durable against weathering
- Enhances garden aesthetics
The cons:
- If you use one of the smaller configurations, you’re wasting panels
- Limited color options (if that’s important to you)
Buy the 17” Tall Modular 9 in 1:
2. Niki’s favorite raised garden bed: Smart Pot Round Raised Bed
As a seasoned gardener, I’ve tried all sorts of setups, from DIY wooden beds to large plastic containers, but I’ve got to say, I’m quite fond of Smart Pot Big Bag Beds like the Smart Pot Round Raised Bed Original. This fabric bed combines the best of durability and flexibility. They’re a breeze to set up and plant, making them perfect for growing a variety of vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers. What really sets these beds apart for me is their portability and storage ease—you can empty them and fold them away during the off-season, which is a huge space saver. If you’re looking for a practical and efficient gardening solution that makes no compromises on quality, this Smart Pot bed is an excellent choice.
The specs:
- Dimensions: 50″ round
- Material: Fabric
- Assembly: No
The pros:
- Easy to set up
- Portable and foldable
- Encourages plant health
- Durable fabric material
The cons:
- High initial cost
- Limited color options
Niki’s tips:
Having experimented with various raised beds, I prefer the Smart Pot Big Bag Beds for their ease of setup, suitability for growing various plants, and convenient storage options for winter.
Buy the Smart Pot Round Raised Bed:
3. Jessica’s favorite raised garden bed: Behlen Stock Tank
If you’re interested in raised bed gardening and need a sturdy, hassle-free solution, consider the Behlen 2 Stock Tank. I love using this stock tank for raised beds because its dimensions—six feet long and two feet wide—make it easily accessible from any side. Whether you choose the one-foot depth or opt for the deeper two-foot model, both offer ample space for your plants to thrive. These tanks are incredibly durable, designed to withstand harsh weather, and they give your garden a sleek, industrial look. Plus, they’re easy to set up! Just position, fill with soil, and you’re ready to grow everything from carrots to cosmos—a top choice for gardeners seeking longevity and style in their gardening endeavors.
The specs:
- Dimensions: 2’ x 2’ x 6”
- Material: G90 galvanized cold rolled steel
The pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy setup and use
- Resistant to weather conditions
- Optimal depth for root growth
- Adds aesthetic value to gardens
The cons:
- Higher cost than traditional beds
- Heavy and difficult to move
- Requires drainage modification
Jessica’s tips:
I love the practicality of stock tank raised beds, available in different dimensions with one- or two-foot depth options, making them easily accessible and versatile.
Buy the Behlen Stock Tank:
4. Best budget raised garden bed: Best Choice Products Outdoor Wooden Raised Garden Bed
The Best Choice Products Outdoor Wooden Raised Garden Bed marries affordability with quality. This gem is a standout for budget-conscious gardeners looking to maximize their growing space without breaking the bank. We love that this bed blends simplicity with functionality. The wooden panels are sturdy, ensuring your soil stays well-contained, and the size is just perfect for fitting a variety of plants without overwhelming your backyard space. Assembly is a breeze, which means you can spend more time planting and less time fussing with tools. It’s also quite durable for its price point, which is a big win in our book. Whether you’re planting herbs, veggies, or flowers, this raised bed offers great value and will help kickstart your garden dreams on a friendly budget.
The specs:
- Dimensions: 96″ x 24″ x 10″
- Material: Chinese Fir
The pros:
- Ample planting space
- Durable fir wood construction
- Easy assembly design
- Natural aesthetic appeal
The cons:
- Susceptible to weathering
- Limited depth for root growth
What others are saying:
The Best Choice Products Outdoor Wooden Raised Garden Bed has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon from more than 3,700 reviews.
Buy the Best Choice Products Outdoor Wooden Raised Garden Bed:
5. Best raised garden bed with legs: Gardener’s Supply Company Raised Garden Bed
The Elevated Raised Bed from Gardener’s Supply Company offers a combination of durability, affordability, and clever design. We have been using this model for over seven years, and it’s still in excellent condition, which speaks to its quality. It’s perfect for those who want a garden bed that doesn’t require bending or kneeling, making gardening more accessible to different people. The setup is a breeze, and its compact size fits neatly in small spaces yet offers ample room for your plants to thrive. Currently, we grow strawberries in it, and they flourish! This bed is a mobility-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned gardeners looking to maximize their gardening success with minimal hassle.
$339.99 at Gardener’s Supply Company
The specs:
- Dimensions: 8′ x 2′ x 29″
- Material: Cedar and metal (legs)
The pros:
- Premium cedar construction
- Durable and long-lasting
- Mobility-friendly
- Enhances garden aesthetics
The cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Assembly required
Buy the Gardener’s Supply Company Raised Garden Bed:
6. Best DIY raised garden bed: Panacea Raised Bed Black Metal Corner Brackets, 4-Pack
If you’re ready to dive into DIY raised bed gardening, then you absolutely need to check out the Panacea Raised Bed Black Metal Corner Brackets. We’ve been using these brackets in our garden setups and can’t recommend them enough for anyone looking to customize their space. They’re incredibly sturdy, and they’re perfect for slotting in your choice of lumber. We personally go for cedar because it’s the best wood for garden beds. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and works well with these brackets. The brackets are not just functional; they add a sleek, finished look to your garden beds.
The specs:
- Dimensions: 4.5” x 1.6” x 11.75”
- Material: Metal
The pros:
- Durable steel construction
- Easy assembly and installation
- Attractive black powder coat
The cons:
- Limited to specific lumber sizes
Buy the Panacea Raised Bed Black Metal Corner Brackets, 4-Pack:
Other Raised Garden Beds We Researched
Keter Urban Bloomer
The Keter Urban Bloomer is a convenient raised garden bed for small spaces, but it has its limitations. The garden features a sleek, modern design and includes a self-watering system and drainage tap, making it highly convenient for low-maintenance gardening. However, it doesn’t measure up to our top picks for the best raised garden beds. The size and depth of the bed restrict what you can grow, and the plastic construction may not be as durable or eco-friendly as natural wood options. The Keter Urban Bloomer is available at Amazon for $106.35.
VegTrug 8 Pocket Herb Garden
The VegTrug 8 Pocket Herb Garden is designed to grow herbs and small plants. Niki has been using one for the past four years to grow a mixture of kitchen herbs. It features a tiered structure that provides separate compartments for different plants, making it an attractive option for those with limited space or those looking for a compact herb garden solution. However, its specialized pockets, while perfect for herbs, offer limited space for larger plants or vegetables that require more room for their roots. Although it’s an attractive option, your money would be better spent on other versatile raised beds that can accommodate a wider variety of plants. The VegTrug 8 Pocket Herb Garden is available at Amazon for $99.98.
Greenes Fence Original Pine Raised Garden Bed
The Greenes Fence Original Pine Raised Garden Bed provides an eco-friendly gardening solution with its untreated, organic pine structure. It ensures the safety of growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits. This garden bed is praised for its simplicity and ease of setup, making it an attractive choice for novice gardeners looking to start their garden without hassle. However, untreated pine can be less durable than other materials so you may end up replacing these beds more often. The Greenes Fence Original Pine Raised Garden Bed is available at Amazon for $133.99.
Why you can trust us
The Savvy Gardening team includes Jessica Walliser, a horticulturist and award-winning author of seven books; Niki Jabbour, an award-winning author of four books and a well-known garden speaker; and Tara Nolan, a garden writer, speaker, and author of two books. Our combined extensive expertise and practical gardening experience equip us to offer insightful guidance to assist you in making well-informed choices.
The recommendations we provide on raised garden beds are not just based on our personal experiences, but are also influenced by our ongoing engagement with the gardening community through books, radio shows, and gardening presentations. We deeply understand gardeners’ needs and preferences, particularly regarding the functionality, durability, and design of gardening solutions. Our extensive experience in gardening, continuous educational efforts, and publications in well-regarded gardening media are a testament to our reliability. We’ve been growing in raised garden beds for years, and our picks for the best raised garden beds are valuable and trustworthy for any gardener.
What to know about raised garden beds
When searching for the best raised garden beds, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you select the right model for your gardening needs. Here’s a breakdown of the essential criteria:
Type
Material: Choose from wood, metal, plastic, or composite materials. The best raised garden bed material is durable, has aesthetic appeal, and is resistant to rot and pests.
Height: Consider the height/depth of the bed. Taller beds require less bending, making them ideal for those with mobility issues.
Shape: Raised beds can be rectangular, square, round, or even tiered. Select a shape that fits well in your garden space and suits your planting plans.
Features
Drainage: Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Look for beds with built-in drainage systems or design your bed layout to promote water flow.
Accessibility: Features like wide edges for seating can make gardening more comfortable. Consider elevated or table-style beds for even easier access.
Assembly: Some beds come pre-assembled, while others require some construction. Check the complexity of assembly before purchasing.
Sustainability
Eco-friendly materials: Opt for sustainably sourced or recycled beds to reduce environmental impact.
Longevity: Investing in a durable bed can mean fewer replacements and less waste over time.
Adaptability: Look for modular designs that can be expanded or reconfigured as your gardening needs change.
What is the best wood for a raised garden bed?
Cedar and redwood are the best woods for raised garden beds due to their natural resistance to rot, decay, and pests. This makes them highly durable and ideal for outdoor use. These woods also do not require chemical treatments to withstand the elements, making them safer for growing edible plants.
What is the best soil for a raised garden bed?
The best soil for a raised garden bed is a mix of topsoil, compost, and other organic matter. This combination ensures good drainage while retaining enough moisture and nutrients to support robust plant growth. Adding compost enriches the soil, providing essential nutrients and improving soil structure, which is crucial for healthy root development and overall plant health.
What are the best plants for raised garden beds?
Thankfully, raised garden beds support the growth of a wide variety of plants due to their improved soil quality and drainage.
- Vegetables: The loose, fertile soil of raised beds benefits tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, and peppers.
- Herbs: Basil, thyme, and cilantro grow well in raised beds, where they can be easily managed and harvested.
- Flowers: Raised beds provide excellent drainage for annuals like marigolds and zinnias and perennials, such as daylilies and lavender.
- Root vegetables: Potatoes, beets, and radishes benefit from the deep, loose soil that allows their roots to develop freely.
- Strawberries: These fruit plants excel in raised beds, where they can be easily contained and their fruit kept clean and accessible.
Raised garden bed planting tips
If you are looking for more practical tips on gardening in a raised bed, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few that you might find helpful:
- Choosing raised bed designs
- Planning out a raised bed garden space
- A 4×8 raised bed layout
- Planting a raised bed
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
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