Best Materials for Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds can be great for the urban gardener. From any gardener with knee or joint problems, they’re much more ergonomic. Many urban gardeners have contaminated or compacted yard soil, while raised beds can be filled with clean, fresh dirt. If done well, raised beds can also be a beautiful landscape element.
So what material should you use for raised beds?
This depends on your needs, budget, and personal preferences. Some things to consider include:
- Cost. Generally, high quality and durable materials are also going to be more expensive. Soft pine wood is less expensive, but will decay rapidly in most climates and need to be replaced in a few years. Metal or stone garden beds will be a more expensive investment but could last a lifetime.
- Longevity. The weight of soil and moisture in gardens will take a toll on many materials. Longevity usually needs to be weighed against cost. Wood will decay faster, but some types of wood will be longer lasting than others.
- Safety. Many cheap materials for garden beds can be scrounged up and salvaged, but may not be safe to use for growing food. Wood pallets and reclaimed wood are often treated with chemicals that aren’t safe for consumption. Old railroad ties might be fine for edging flower beds, but should not be used around your fruits and veggies. New, pressure-treated lumber is also not recommended.
Options for Raised Garden Bed Materials
- Wood. Untreated wood is an economical choice. For safety, purchase new lumber or confirm the source. Cypress or cedar will be more expensive than pine, but will also be more durable and last a few more years. Consider the thickness of your lumber as well. Two-inch boards will usually be a good choice, while thinner boards will warp and wear rapidly.
- Metal. While more expensive, metal is a good choice for durability, especially in wetter climates. Beds can be made yourself from corrugated metal sheets. Prefab metal containers, such as water troughs, will work well. There are also some great metal garden bed kits, such as Birdies Garden Beds. While pricey, they are beautiful and made to last for decades.
- Stone/Concrete/Brick. Garden beds made from stone, concrete, and brick will last for decades, even if they are costly. But the permanence may be a downside for some—once installed, they aren’t easily moved. These materials can be stacked dry but should be glued with stone adhesive if the walls are tall or on a slope.
- Found and Recycled Materials. Consider safety first when looking at these options, but many are safe! Found and recycled materials can be free or cheap. Get creative! Wine barrels are food-safe and can be cut in half for beautiful planters. Logs can be cut vertically to edge beds, as can rounds of large bamboo. Willow branches can be woven together for gorgeous gardens.
Hopefully, this information will help you make an informed choice when starting your garden beds. Next you can move on to filling those beds and planting delicious food!
