Raised Garden Bed Buying Guide
Why Garden in a Raised or Elevated Bed?
Raised beds allow gardeners to grow vegetables and flowers in improved soil and often yield higher productivity than planting directly in the ground. They warm up faster in spring, drain better after heavy rain and can be filled with custom soil mixes to suit specific crops. Beds can be built low to the ground (raised) or lifted onto legs (elevated). Elevated beds, sometimes called planter boxes, bring gardening up to waist height – ideal for decks, patios or gardeners with mobility limitations. Choosing between a raised or elevated model depends on available space, desired soil depth and how much bending you’re willing or able to do.
Materials Matter
Most raised beds use either wood or high‑density plastic. Untreated cedar and other rot‑resistant woods create a rustic, organic look and are naturally safe for growing food. Over time the wood will weather to a silver grey and may benefit from a protective seal or stain. Plastic beds made from UV‑protected high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) mimic the look of wood but resist cracking, warping and pests; they require little upkeep but may cost more. Consider how each material will look in your yard and how long you plan to leave the bed in place.
Raised vs. Elevated Beds
Raised beds (on the ground) provide more growing space and are typically less expensive. They allow deep‑rooted plants like tomatoes and carrots to send roots into native soil below. However, you must kneel or bend to weed and harvest.
Elevated beds lift the soil off the ground and sit on legs or a stand. They are perfect for patios or decks, keep critters out and reduce bending – a boon for people with limited mobility. Their soil volume is smaller and they generally cost more per square foot.
Top Garden Bed Picks
1. Lifetime 60054 Raised Garden Bed Kit – Modular HDPE bed with season‑extending enclosure (See our full review HERE)
Material & durability: Constructed of UV‑protected, BPA‑free HDPE plastic. The simulated wood design is durable, doesn’t rot and requires virtually no maintenance.
Assembly: The interlocking boards slide together without tools, and the kit includes clips and Velcro fasteners to secure the cold‑weather enclosure. Each kit can be set up in less than an hour.
Extras: Comes with a clear vinyl enclosure for early‑season planting; the enclosure helps warm the soil and protect plants from frost.
Modularity: Stackable walls allow you to create beds 18 inches high when two kits are combined. Additional kits can be joined to enlarge the bed.
Pros: Low‑maintenance and long‑lasting; includes an enclosure to extend the growing season; stackable design offers flexibility.
Considerations: Narrower than some wooden beds; plastic may not blend seamlessly into rustic landscapes. Requires manual turning of soil if assembled at a low height.
2. Gronomics Rustic Elevated Garden Bed 24″ × 48″ × 32″ – Back‑friendly planting height
(See our full review HERE)
- Ergonomic height: With a height of 32 inches and a 9‑inch soil depth, this planter eliminates the need to bend over and is perfect for people with mobility or back‑strain issues. The raised platform keeps soil off the ground, making it suitable for patios and decks.
Natural cedar: Made from rough‑sawn western red cedar that is naturally rot‑ and insect‑resistant.
Tool‑free assembly: Uses a dovetail design so the boards slide together without screws or nails; the bed assembles in minutes.
Capacity: Holds approximately 5.4 cubic feet of soil; enough for lettuce, herbs or a small crop of root vegetables.
Pros: Standing‑height design makes gardening accessible; suitable for decks and small spaces; no tools required for assembly.
Considerations: Smaller growing area and soil depth than ground‑level beds; cedar will weather and may need periodic staining to extend its life.
3. Greenes Tiered Cedar Raised Garden Bed (4 ft × 12 ft) – Multi‑depth design for varied crops (See our full review HERE)
Tiered planting: The tall‑tiers version provides three planting levels (roughly 7 inches, 10.5 inches and 14 inches high) giving deep‑rooted vegetables more room while offering shallower tiers for herbs and flowers. It holds up to 46.7 cubic feet of soil.
Open‑bottom frame: Like all Greenes beds, this kit forms a ground‑level frame that sits directly on soil or grass, allowing plant roots to penetrate native soil.
Easy assembly: Boards slide into corner posts using dovetail interlocking joints; no screws or tools are needed.
Modular & expandable: Multiple Greenes Original beds can be connected or stacked with add‑on parts to customize length or height. Decorative tops can be attached to corner posts with a screwdriver.
Natural and safe: Made in the USA from untreated cedar that is naturally rot‑ and insect‑resistant; the wood is organic and safe for growing vegetables.
Pros: Provides different soil depths for various crops; large capacity; tool‑free assembly; cedar weathers attractively.
Considerations: Requires bending or kneeling for planting and weeding; being untreated, the cedar will gradually weather and may need periodic sealing to prolong life.
4. Greenes 4 × 8 Cedar Raised Garden Bed – Spacious ground‑level bed
(See our full review HERE)
Room to grow: This bed measures 4 feet wide by 8 feet long and 14 inches high and holds around 37.3 cubic feet of soil—plenty of space for tomatoes, peppers or a salad garden.
Simple, tool‑free assembly: The dovetail interlocking system lets the boards slide into routed corner posts; decorative caps are included for a polished look.
Stackable & expandable: Multiple beds can be connected or stacked to create a larger garden or deeper soil profile.
Durable cedar: Untreated cedar resists rot and insects and is safe for edible plants. Each board is 11⁄16 inch thick with 2.5‑inch square corner posts.
Pros: Large soil volume for serious vegetable gardens; modular system; chemical‑free wood.
Considerations: Low height requires bending; wood will age and may need sealing; a critter guard may be necessary to keep out rabbits and other animals.
5. Greenes Elevated Cedar Garden Bed 24″ × 48″ × 31″ – Compact patio planter
(See our full review HERE)
Elevated design: Standing 31 inches tall, this bed allows you to garden without bending.
Untreated cedar: Crafted from chemical‑free, rot‑ and insect‑resistant North American cedar.
Easy assembly: Uses Greenes’ dovetail design; panels slide together and the kit comes with a fabric liner.
Ideal for small spaces: Its compact footprint is perfect for patios, balconies and decks. The 24 × 48‑inch bed holds 4.8–6.2 cubic feet of soil depending on the model.
Pros: Brings gardening up to waist height; includes liner to retain soil; suitable for herbs and salad greens.
Considerations: Limited soil volume; cedar may weather; higher cost per square foot compared to ground‑level beds.
How to Choose the Right Bed
When selecting a raised or elevated bed, consider:
Space and location: Measure your garden area or balcony. Ground‑level beds like the Greenes 4 × 8 kit demand more real estate, while elevated models fit comfortably on decks or patios.
Height and accessibility: If bending and kneeling are difficult, an elevated bed such as the Gronomics Rustic or Greenes Elevated model will make gardening more comfortable. Raised beds placed on the ground require kneeling but offer more soil volume for deep‑rooted crops.
Material preference: Plastic beds (e.g., Lifetime) offer a maintenance‑free solution and modern look. Cedar beds provide a classic appearance and are naturally rot‑resistant but will weather over time and may require sealing.
Soil depth and volume: Consider what you plan to grow. Deep‑rooted vegetables need at least 12 inches of soil, which tall beds or tiered designs provide. Shallow herbs and lettuces can thrive in 6–9 inch depths.
Assembly and customization: Most kits featured here assemble without tools and can be expanded. Choose a system that allows you to build the shape and height you need.
By understanding the differences between raised and elevated beds and comparing the features of these kits, you can select the garden bed that best fits your space, budget and gardening ambitions. Whether you’re planting a balcony herb garden or a full‑scale vegetable plot, there’s a raised bed here to help you thrive this season.