There are many raised bed gardens on the market — the options seem endless and may seem overwhelming. They each have their pros and cons and serve their unique purposes, so it’s best to select a product that best aligns with your farming goals and living arrangement. I’m here to help you choose the most ideal option and hopefully give you inspiration for your next raised bed growing project!
🔨 Get your complete guide to building a raised bed here.
1. Simple raised bed
These are standard and straightforward raised beds, often made out of wood, that can be placed any spot where you have space. You can easily purchase this sort of beds online, or even DIY one if you’re handy with tools and want a new weekend project.
The main thing to know about your raised bed is what you want to grow in them. If you are only growing leafy greens, a standard raised bed is fine for your needs. The multi level raised beds are great for growing different types of crops as they require different levels of soil depth. If you wish to grow larger crops, the next option is best for you.
2. Galvanized raised bed
These galvanized raised beds are a nice way to add an industrial feel to your yard. What is great about these beds is that they will last a lot longer than wood. More importantly, they are safe for growing food. Galvanized beds are a lot more lightweight than wood, which makes them easier to move around when time comes to rearrange your backyard. In terms of pricing, they are comparable to wooden raised beds.
3. Raised bed for balcony
These products are great for your balcony as they are raised off the ground and allow for easy access. They are also more space efficient than conventional raised beds. It is also nice to have the bed off the ground to make sure the soil doesn’t drain into the neighbour below — remember, when you’re growing in the city, you have to take others into consideration too. If you plan to garden on your balcony space, be sure to read my ultimate guide to balcony farming here.
4. Fully protected raised bed
This is a great vessel for growing all sorts of crops. The bed is almost 3′ high, which provides ample depth in which you can grow almost any kind of crop. It is made from cedar, so it will last many years and will not rot. Cedar also boasts antibacterial properties, so you know your plants will stay healthy.
It’s important to know that this bed has full net coverage that will accommodate only the first foot of growth for your plants. Since the depth of the raised bed is so high, you can grow nice fruiting crops in here. Again, the fence will only protect your plants during the beginning stages of growth. This product is a major investment, so be sure to evaluate your space and your long-term farming plans to see if it is a worthwhile purchase.
5. Raised bed with deer fence
This fenced bed is a fantastic option for those that live in proximity to a forest or in more remote areas of the city, where nature is more likely to come to you. To prevent deer from invading your crops, the higher the barrier, the better as they can really jump. With this bed, there isn’t much room for deer to land, so that will deter them from getting in. I like this compact design, and it really offers a lot of space to grow food.
I made a large raised bed from a custom pergola, which also protects plants against wildlife and adds an eye-catching centrepiece to the backyard. You can learn how to build one yourself too!
Updated August 26, 2021. Originally published February 18, 2020.