Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are both beautiful and functional. Winter is the best time to gather inspiration and plan for the spring growing season. Here are some ideas to get you started on your raised beds next season.

Wood

This is probably the most common type of raised garden bed. The kind of wood you use matters, especially if you plan on growing edible plants. Cedar is considered one of the best woods to use. It’s naturally resistant to rot and decay and requires no chemical treatments. It’s also fairly affordable and materials are easy to find.

Other common materials include redwood and cypress. I have found these to be more expensive and harder to find however. It’s important to avoid treated wood as the chemicals can leach into the soil, affecting its overall health and the quality of whatever you are growing.

Metal

Metal-raised garden beds are another popular option for gardeners. They’re usually made from steel or aluminum and are known for their sturdiness and resistance to weather conditions. Some of these beds will last upwards of 20 years. They are an investment but are worth it if you plan on staying put for a long time. Plus the green of the plants up against that dark metal?! I love it!

Stone

If that old European look is more your style and you’ve got money to spend on it, stone is a great choice for raised beds. Plus stone is incredibly durable and is good at retaining heat, which some plants will love. The downside to stone is cost and will take longer and be more difficult to install.

Other Options

Some other options I have seen for raised beds are vinyl plastic pre-made beds, bales of straw, concrete blocks, bricks, composite decking materials, and even recycled options like old tires and pallets. Vinyl is a cheaper option but is not as durable. Tires and pallets can affect soil health which is important if you are growing food.

When deciding which raised bed choice is for you, it’s important to consider cost, availability of supplies, durability, and the amount of space you have. Would you build it yourself or have to hire help? It’s also good to remember that raised beds are not a necessity and a beautiful garden can also be grown directly in the ground.