Spring planting may seem like a long way off, but if you’ve been thinking about trying a raised bed kit this year, now is a great time to determine which type is best for you.
Why do you want raised garden beds? They offer many benefits. Raised beds can prevent grass paths from spreading across planting beds, prevent soil compaction from stray footprints, improve drainage, prevent erosion and extend the growing season. Filling a flower bed with good soil is cheaper and less of a headache than remodeling your entire garden to improve soil texture.
Like any DIY woodworking project, building a raised bed is a fairly simple project, but it can still be intimidating if you’re not particularly handy. Fortunately, there are many kits available to make setting up a raised bed easy for even the clumsiest green thumb. Which raised bed kit is best for your garden and planet?
First of all, raised beds are not the same as planters. Unlike containers, the raised ends allow the roots to extend into the ground. The best raised bed for your garden will depend on a number of factors including aesthetics, ergonomics and building materials. The materials used in a double bed can affect its aesthetics and ergonomics, and is a major environmental factor. Raised beds are most commonly made of natural wood, composite, plastic, or metal. Each of these materials has costs and benefits, and there may not be a clear winner for the environment in all situations.
plastic
Even though they are made from recycled plastic and are technically recyclable, we do not rate raised beds made from HDPE due to the fact that few communities can actually recycle plastic and the role plastic plays in marine pollution.
wood
Naturally rot-resistant woods, such as cedar or black locust, are the best woods to use for garden beds. Redwood is an excellent choice if you can find a sustainable source. After EPA forbidden Selling residential CCA (chromated copper arsenate) treated lumber, ACQ (alkaline copper quart) and CA-B (copper azole) treated lumber has become standard treatments. However, organic standards exclude all types of pressure treated wood.
- natural yard
Oregon-based Naturalyards cedar raised beds are held together with rust-resistant aluminum pins and crossbars, requiring no tools for assembly. SFI certified wood is saturated with a non-toxic sealant that prevents the boards from rotting. Because it contains no UV blockers, cedar will naturally fade to a silver-grey color. Naturalyards raised beds are available in rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, L-shaped and U-shaped, with optional trim, plaid and custom sizing.
- Greenes Fence Company – Cedar
Greenes Fence Company, headquartered in Ohio with manufacturing and distribution centers throughout the United States, produces raw products. cedar raised bed Assemble by pushing the board into the groove of the pillar. Among the most affordable double bed kits, the simple modular design allows them to be stacked or combined into more complex L or U shapes.
- Gardener’s Supply Company – Cedar
15 inches deep from Gardener’s Supply Company. cedar bed Made from SFI certified untreated western red cedar planks screwed to aluminum corners with plastic caps. They are all 3 feet wide and come in a variety of lengths.
composite
Most composites are a blend of wood fibers and recycled polypropylene treated with UV protection. Composites are hailed as a sustainable alternative to natural wood because they are made from waste materials and do not rot. However, wood/plastic composites are not recyclable because they are made from two different waste materials that cannot be separated.
- Gardener’s Supply Company – Sienna Composite
Gardener’s Supply Company’s composite board, which has a wood-like texture, is made from 38% post-consumer recycled plastic and 62% sustainable hardwood fiber, and the corner brackets are made from ABS plastic resin. Although made from recycled materials and expected to last for decades, composite boards cannot be recycled.
- Durable GreenBed
The Oregon-based company makes raised bed kits using Faswall, a unique woodchip/Portland cement composite with more than 60% recycled content. Natural, biodegradable and non-toxic, these beds are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, including tiered, rectangular and L-shaped. They are tall enough to sit down. A potential bonus is that the rough texture of the wall may deter slugs.
metal
Galvanized steel is recyclable and rust resistant. Lasts from 30 to 70 years. However, galvanized coatings contain zinc and chromium, which can leach into the soil over time. These essential micronutrients are toxic in larger quantities. Galvanized containers are generally recognized as safe because high levels of zinc or chromium can kill plants before they can grow and eat them. However, there is no clear answer to the question of whether galvanized steel is suitable for food crops.
- greens fence company – metal
Available in only one size, this bed can be assembled by sliding together without tools using a keyhole lock. Made from galvanized powder-coated steel and available in four colors.
- Gardener Supply Company – Modular
Available in nine configurations, these Australian-made galvanized steel, alu-zinc coated raised beds offer a planting depth of 15 inches. Clip-on PVC strips on top of the rolled edges are not sustainable, but improve safety. Aluzinc powder coating is said to extend the life of a planter by up to six times over regular galvanized steel.
comparison chart
Click the image below to download a printable comparison chart.
This article was first published on January 7, 2019, and was updated in May 2024.
