How do you determine the best raised garden bed to setup for your garden?
Galvanized beds may be more durable and able to last longer outdoors, but are they harder to setup? Watch our Building a Galvanized Raised Garden Bed video to see how easy they are to assemble.
Building A Galvanized Raised Garden Bed
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Choosing which Garden Bed Type to Purchase:
There are four types of material commonly used in building raised garden beds: Galvanized, Cedar Wood, Plastic and Fabric Raised Beds. Below we will examine the pros and cons of each type to help you determine which one to purchase for your garden. You can also click our quick links to Amazon's best selling raised garden beds to help you shop each style below:
Galvanized Raised Garden Beds:
Pros:
- Durability: Galvanized steel is highly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for long-term use.
- Stability: Steel beds provide excellent structural stability, especially for larger or deeper beds.
- Heat Retention: Steel can absorb and retain heat, which can help warm the soil earlier in the spring and extend the growing season.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Galvanized steel beds can have a modern and sleek appearance, adding visual interest to your garden.
Cons:
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- Cost: Galvanized steel beds can be more expensive compared to other materials, initially.
- Heat Retention: While heat retention can be a pro, in hotter climates, it may lead to overheating of the soil, potentially damaging sensitive plants.
- Weight: Steel beds can be heavy, making them difficult to move once installed.
Pros:
- Natural Look: Cedar wood has a warm, natural appearance that blends well with garden surroundings.
- Rot Resistance: Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, providing longevity to the garden bed.
- Lightweight: Cedar is relatively lightweight compared to other types of wood, making it easier to assemble and move.
- Insulation: Cedar wood provides good insulation, helping to regulate soil temperature and moisture levels.
Cons:
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- Cost: Cedar wood can be more expensive upfront compared to some other materials.
- Maintenance: While cedar is naturally resistant to decay, it may still require occasional maintenance such as sealing or staining to prolong its lifespan.
- Limited Height: Cedar boards are typically available in standard dimensions, which may limit the height options for raised beds.
Pros:
- Affordability: Plastic raised beds are often the most affordable option, making them accessible to a wide range of gardeners.
- Lightweight: Plastic beds are lightweight and easy to move, assemble, and disassemble.
- Durability: High-quality plastic beds can be durable and resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage.
- Low Maintenance: Plastic requires minimal maintenance and does not need staining or sealing like wood.
Cons:
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- Aesthetic: Plastic beds may not have the same visual appeal as natural materials like wood or metal.
- Limited Aeration: Plastic does not breathe like wood, which may affect soil aeration and drainage.
- Heat Retention: Plastic can absorb and retain heat, which may lead to overheating of the soil, particularly in hot climates.
Pros:
- Air Pruning: Fabric beds promote air pruning of roots, which can lead to healthier root systems and better plant growth.
- Portability: Fabric beds are lightweight and foldable, making them easy to transport and store.
- Good Drainage: Fabric allows for excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy root development.
- Affordability: Fabric beds are often more affordable than other materials, particularly for larger sizes.
Cons:
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- Durability: Fabric beds may degrade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight and harsh weather conditions.
- Limited Aesthetic: Fabric beds may not offer the same visual appeal as more traditional materials like wood or metal.
- Support: Fabric beds may not provide as much structural support as other materials, particularly for taller beds or heavy soil mixes.
Consider these factors along with your specific gardening needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences when choosing the right material for your raised garden beds. Each type has its own advantages and limitations, so it's essential to weigh them carefully before making a decision.
Another thing to consider when looking at raised garden beds is the style of your bed. If you're looking to terrace your garden, or looking for planters that can fit on your deck or patio, here are a few links to Amazon products that may help you style your garden as well:
- Garden Beds with Legs
- Extra Deep Raised Garden Beds
- 3-Tiered Raised Garden Beds
- Raised Garden Beds with Trellis
- Raised Garden Beds with Cover
- Raised Garden Beds with Legs
- Organic Soil
- Soil Amendments
Frame It All Uptown Brown 'The BANAUE' - 6' X 6' Raised Garden Bed (TERRACED) 1" Profile
$341.99 (as of October 6, 2024 10:45 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)24 square feet of planting area Garden will assemble in a 6’ x 6’ square foot location Create unique designs with 270 degree pivoting brackets. Earth-friendly boards made from recycled plastic are durable and all-weather with a textured wood-grain fi... read more
EDOSTORY Metal Raised Bed Garden Bed Kit, 8x4x2ft Tall Galvanized Planter Raised Garden Boxes Outdoor, Large Metal Raised Garden Beds for Flowers, Vegetables, Herbs
25% OffGenerous Growing Space: With ample room for plants to grow, this raised garden bed kit measures 8x4x2 ft and provides the ideal space for a wide variety of plants and vegetables. Heavy-Duty Galvanized Steel: The 8x4x2 ft Galvanized Raised Garden Bed ... read more
Highpro Wooden Raised Garden Bed with Legs, 48x24x30in Elevated Planter Box Stand Outdoor with Large Storage Shelf and Bed Liner for Backyard, Patio, Natural Cedar Wood
13% OffLarge Planting Space: Overall Dimensions: 48.8" L x 24" W x 30" H, Highpro wooden raised planter box with legs designed with a large bed space (7CuFt) deep enough to provide your plants and vegetables with ample room to breathe and grow healthy, Stan... read more
Backyard Expressions 48"x34" Raised Garden Bed - Elevated Wood Planter Box for Healthy Plant Growth, 440 lb Capacity - Natural Color
11% OffGenerous Planting Space: Ample bed space provides your plants and vegetables with room to thrive, promoting healthy growth and robust yields. Efficient Drainage System: Prevents waterlogging and mineral buildup, maintaining soil freshness and ensurin... read more
TMEE 4FT Raised Garden Bed with Legs, Elevated Garden Box for Vegetable, Flower, Herb, Wood Planter Load Up to 250 Pounds for Gardening in Backyard Patio - Easy Assembly, 30in Height
$49.99 (as of October 6, 2024 10:45 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)【RAISED GARDEN BED LINER】:Separates wood from the soil, keeping the wooden garden planter in excellent condition. OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 48"(L) x 23"(W) x 30"(H); Weight Capacity: 385 lb 【100% NATURAL FIR WOOD】: Herb garden is crafted from natural fir w... read more
MIXC Wooden Raised Garden Bed with Legs, 48”L X 24”W, Elevated Reinforced Large Planter Box for Vegetable Flower Herb Outdoors - Beam and Column Structure - Unmatched Strength Outlast
24% OffReasonable Size and Wood Combination: MIXC raised garden beds is made of untreated fir wood, which resists warping and splitting over time better than cedar. The support part is made of Pinus radiata with better load-bearing properties. Overall Dimen... read more
SnugNiture 2 Pcs 6x3x1FT Raised Garden Bed Galvanized Planter Garden Boxes Outdoor, Deep Root Planter Raised Bed for Vegetables Flowers Herbs,Brown
30% OffDESIGN YOUR GARDEN: The raised bed measures 72" (L)x 36" (W)x 12" (H). The garden bed provides ample space for planting vegetables, flowers, fruits, etc.Note: This product does not include a bottom panel. DURABLE & STABLE: Galvanized raised garden be... read more
Land Guard Metal Raised Garden Bed for Gardening, 8x4x1.5ft Galvanized Raised Garden Bed, Planter Boxes Outdoor for Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers (Silver)
20% OffOversized size: 96"(L) x 48"(W) x 18"(H) rectangular planters for outdoor plants, you can have oversized space to grow your favorite vegetables, flowers and plants. Hard and strong material: This herb garden planter outdoor is made of upgraded coated... read more
TOUFUN Raised Garden Bed 8x4x1.5ft, Galvanized Raised Garden Beds Outdoor for Vegetables Flowers, Steel Large Deep Root Planter Box, Tall Raised Garden Bed Kit with Gloves and 2 Compost Bags, Gray
$61.99 (as of October 6, 2024 11:02 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)✔ Generous Size: A 1.5FT galvanized raised garden bed providing ample space for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. ✔ Built to Last: Constructed with durable, stable thickened steel and an evaluated coating paint, ensuring anti-corrosion, anti-ru... read more
Utopia Home 2 Pack Galvanized Raised Garden Bed, 4ft x 2ft Lightweight Planter Boxes Outdoor with Easy Assembly, Large Garden Bed for Vegetables, Fruits, Flower - Silver
8% OffPack Of 02 Raised Garden Bed- Add a new level of convenience to your gardening experience with the Galvanized Raised Garden Bed. Enjoy expanded yield and a more assembled garden layout with this garden accessory, each sized at 120 cm X 60 cm x 30 cm.... read more
