Raised garden beds quick picks
Whether you have a spacious backyard, a small patio or a city balcony, raised garden beds are a convenient (and very customizable) way to start a garden. They require less maintenance than traditional gardens and don’t involve as much bending over, but they still allow you to get your hands in the dirt and grow vegetables, herbs and flowers.
But how do you find the best raised garden bed for your outdoor space? We asked five expert gardeners for their recommendations and tips on what to look for.
Selecting a raised garden bed that fits your needs and space requirements is the first and most important step. You need to think about the height and width as well as how easy it is to access the planter box when transplanting, watering and harvesting. “A raised bed that is too wide will make it difficult to reach plants in the center of the bed,” says Nicole Dillon, master gardener, micro-flower farmer and owner of Breemar Flower Farm.
But, ultimately, there isn’t an overall “best” size for a raised garden bed. “I make sure the size and depth of the bed can accommodate my plants’ root systems and ensure it has good drainage to prevent root rot,” says Carrie Spoonemore of Park Seed.
Dimensions are also important when it comes to who will be using the raised bed. “For example, a 2.5-foot-tall bed can make it difficult for gardeners with smaller kids to participate in the planting since it’s hard to reach,” says Alex Betz, a landscape designer for Plant by Number.
Plus, anyone with mobility issues or who wants to minimize bending over a lot will benefit from a taller raised bed. “Some gardeners prefer more accessible, taller raised beds so they can use a garden stool to tend to the garden with minimal need to lean over,” Betz says.
Experts look for well-made and durable materials so the raised garden bed will last many seasons. “I prioritize durable, rot-resistant materials that will last for many years,” Spoonemore says.
And if you have a small area, like a deck or terrace, “a garden bed made from a light material, such as a metal, can be really helpful,” says Emily Murphy, author of “Grow Now” and “Grow What You Love.”
Your gardening goals can change over time, though, so consider a model that is adaptable and adjustable. “I look for raised bed kits that are customizable and sturdy so they can grow and adjust as gardening needs change,” Betz says.
Best metal raised garden bed
Both Dillon and Spoonemore recommend Vego Garden’s Raised Beds, which are made of galvanized steel, for their durability and versatility. “Despite being a bit pricier, their durability ensures they’ll last for years, making them a smart investment for any gardener,” Spoonemore says. Dillon agrees, saying, “I’ve had mine for three years and they show zero wear and have a life expectancy of 20 years.”
We like that these raised beds come in several fun colors, including Olive Green and Terra Cotta. They’re also deep enough to accommodate plants with large or expansive root systems, such as potatoes and carrots. “Their sturdy construction provides excellent support for root systems, allowing for healthy growth and abundant yields,” Spoonemore adds.
Best cedarwood raised garden bed
Betz is a big fan of raised garden beds made of wood, especially cedar. “The natural oils in the cedar make it more rot- and insect-resistant, so it outlasts other wood,” he says. Cedar can handle a variety of weather conditions too. “Cedar is very durable, which makes it better for colder climates when the beds overwinter and can freeze,” Betz adds.
The Gardener’s Supply Company Deep Root Cedar Raised Beds come in several different sizes, all 14 inches deep so you can grow an array of crops. Betz has grown tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, peas, beans, basil, parsley and thyme in these raised beds.
Best raised garden bed for small spaces
A vertical raised garden bed is a great way to utilize unused space, especially if you don’t have much of an outdoor area. “Vertical systems allow you to grow a massive amount of food, flowers and herbs in a small footprint,” Dillon says. “I recommend the GreenStalk Garden because it has an integrated watering system that delivers the right amount of water to each tier.”
This vertical planter is designed for growing lettuces, herbs and shallow root flowers. Plus, if you tend to forget to water your plants or head out of town often, there’s an option for automatic watering. “You can install an automated irrigation system, which is perfect for the busy gardener, making it virtually maintenance-free once planted,” Dillon adds.
Best raised garden bed for urban gardening
Murphy likes this wooden raised garden bed from Outsunny for urban gardens. It has three tiers that maximize space and a trellis for vining plants to grow upward or cascade down. “The two lower tiers are a great size and depth for greens, herbs, strawberries and other daily garden-to-kitchen edibles,” she says, “while the top tier is perfect for snap peas, green beans and container-variety determinate tomatoes.”
This raised garden bed has four wheels on the bottom (with two that lock), so you can move it around your small patio space or balcony and even bring it inside as needed. Plus, there are two hidden shelves on the back — perfect for storing your gardening tools out of sight!
Best raised garden bed for those with limited mobility
Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist for Flowerbulb, uses tall raised garden beds to prevent back pain. “They reduce the pain of bending often associated with gardening and can bring back the joy of gardening to a large number of people,” she says.
She recommends this one from Birdies Beds for anyone who wants an easily accessible raised garden bed. It measures 29 inches tall, and it’s made of metal for durability (though it’s still easy to move around). “[It’s] portable and easy to take with you if you move and can be placed right over cement or asphalt,” Montgomery adds.
Best raised garden bed with wheels
You might want a raised bed with wheels so you can move it around for better sun placement or bring it indoors during the colder months. Murphy likes the Vego Garden Rolling Garden Bed, which is similar to the first option on our list and from the same brand. It’s made of stainless steel and has heavy-duty wheels, making it aesthetically cool and super convenient to move around. This raised bed, Murphy says, “is light, allows for drainage and the self-watering option helps solve how to water your veggie garden consistently.”
Easiest raised garden bed to assemble
The Frame It All raised garden beds stand out because they are easy to assemble. “Frame It All has a simple snap-lock system and unique brackets that allow for flexible designs,” Betz says. You just have to add garden soil and you’re ready for planting.
The raised bed is mildew- and weather resistant, and it’s made from food-safe recycled plastic so you can grow veggies, herbs and fruits. Betz says that Frame It All beds are resistant to rotting, splintering and warping too. "They’re also stronger than wooden beds and don’t break down or fade over time," he adds.
Easiest raised garden bed to move around
Spoonemore recommends a fabric container for anyone with limited space or who wants a simple and practical method to start gardening. “I like the convenience of fabric containers, and their easy setup and longevity make gardening a breeze,” she says. “They are easy to move around, making them perfect for renters or those with limited gardening space.”
She also loves that there’s no assembly required: You just unfold the fabric pot, add potting soil and you're ready to plant. Growing in a fabric container also has the perk of better drainage and airflow. “The aerated fabric promotes optimal airflow and growing conditions by allowing excess heat release in summer, efficient water drainage and encouraging lateral root growth,” she adds. The Smart Pot Fabric Raised Garden Bed is especially great for vegetable gardening; Spoonemore has successfully grown strawberries, lettuce and decorative flowers in these fabric pots.
Best raised garden bed for a balcony
Gardener’s Supply Company
Dillon recommends this elevated planter from Gardener’s Supply Company for balconies, in either the 2-foot-by-4-foot or the 2-foot-by-2-foot size. Made of cedarwood with aluminum legs, this sturdy planter box is great for growing herbs and flowers. The raised bed has a self-watering option, which is ideal for anyone who may forget to water or is concerned about water dripping down. “The self-watering feature makes for a mess-free watering experience,” Dillon says. “Your balcony stays dry, and there is no risk of dripping on neighbors either.”
Best raised garden bed for kids
Gardening is a hobby that everyone can participate in, including children. A raised bed designed for kids makes it so much easier for little ones to sow seeds, dig, plant and harvest just like their parents. It’s made of cedarwood and is just over 25 inches tall, so children can work comfortably without bending over or kneeling. “The kids’ VegTrug provides kids a dedicated space for growing their own garden,” Murphy says. “It’s compact and provides enough space for kids to grow some of their favorite garden veggies.”