How to Choose the Best Raised Beds for Your Vegetable Garden

We are passionate gardeners who love growing our own vegetables and fruits throughout the seasons. Our recent garden transformation focused on maximising our growing potential within the limited space available. At the same time, we wanted to preserve the garden’s functionality, making sure it remained a space for entertaining guests, cooking, relaxing, and enjoying the summer sun. With a wide range of raised beds available and many unique DIY designs to consider, we had to determine which option would be the best fit for our needs.

Careful planning was essential to make the most of our modest 13x10m garden, with half of this area dedicated to growing. In this article, I will share the steps we took to maximise our growing capacity while selecting the ideal raised beds to achieve this.

As a professional handyman, I naturally approach these projects with a DIY mindset. However, we also considered pre-fabricated raised beds to explore whether they might offer advantages we hadn’t considered. The metal planters pictured above allowed us some flexibility in size and shape. We also looked at custom timber raised beds from companies like WoodBlocX. Their modular raised beds allow you to design and order bespoke planters in almost any shape and size, which could potentially save time and money when you need specific sizes. Let’s explore more raised bed options including their strengths and weaknesses.

Types of Raised Beds and Their Benefits

When selecting the right raised bed for your garden, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, aesthetics, cost, and ease of assembly. Below, I’ve compared different types of raised beds and what each offers in terms of practicality and performance.

Corrugated Steel (Galvanised) Raised Beds

These raised beds are made from galvanised steel, offering a modern, industrial look and excellent durability. We implemented 9 of these in our small garden space for ease of installation and longevity.

✅ Durability & Longevity – Galvanised steel raised beds are incredibly durable, resistant to rot, and can last for decades.
✅ Heat Retention – The metal absorbs and retains heat, which can extend the growing season in cooler climates.
✅ Sleek & Modern Aesthetic – Ideal for contemporary gardens with a clean, industrial look.

❌ Can Overheat – In very hot climates, metal beds can warm up too much, potentially stressing plant roots.
❌ More Expensive – Generally costs more than basic timber options.

Basic Timber Raised Beds

A simple and cost-effective option, these raised beds are constructed from standard timber planks. They are easy to build and blend well with natural garden settings but may require maintenance to prevent rot.

✅ Affordable & Readily Available – One of the most budget-friendly and simple raised bed options.
✅ Easy to Build – Can be constructed with minimal tools and DIY experience.
✅ Natural Look – Blends well with most garden styles.

❌ Shorter Lifespan – Untreated wood will eventually rot and may only last a few years.
❌ May Require Maintenance – Needs protection from moisture and pests to extend longevity.

Thick Sleeper Raised Beds

Made from heavy-duty railway sleepers, these raised beds provide a sturdy, rustic structure. They are long-lasting and ideal for deep-rooted plants, but they can be expensive and difficult to move once installed.

✅ Extremely Sturdy & Long-Lasting – Thick railway sleepers (hardwood or softwood) provide a strong, durable structure.
✅ Rustic Aesthetic – Creates a bold, natural look, perfect for traditional or cottage-style gardens.
✅ Deeper Soil Depth – Ideal for growing deep-rooted plants and vegetables.

❌ Heavy & Hard to Move – Once installed, they are difficult to relocate.
❌ Higher Cost – Due to the amount of wood required, they can be more expensive than standard timber beds.

Modular Raised Beds

Modular raised beds are a versatile and customisable option for gardeners who want flexibility in their growing space. These beds are designed with interlocking panels or stackable sections, allowing you to expand, reconfigure, or adjust the height and size as needed.

✅ Customisable & Expandable – You can start small and add more sections over time, making them perfect for evolving garden layouts.
✅ Easy Assembly – Many modular beds come as kits with simple slot-together or screw-in designs, requiring minimal tools or expertise.
✅ Variety of Materials – Available in metal, plastic, composite, and timber, giving gardeners a choice between durability, sustainability, and aesthetics.
✅ Good for Accessibility – Some modular systems allow stacking to create deeper beds or waist-height planters for easy gardening.

❌ Higher Initial Cost – Modular kits can be pricier than basic DIY timber beds, especially for premium materials like composite wood or powder-coated steel.
❌ Limited Customisation – While expandable, you’re often restricted to the manufacturer’s available shapes and sizes.
❌ Potential Weak Points – Some lightweight plastic or composite designs may not be as sturdy as traditional timber or brick beds.

Tiered Timber Raised Beds

Designed with multiple levels, these beds maximise growing space and allow for different soil depths, making them perfect for growing a variety of plants. They are visually appealing but require more effort and materials to construct.

✅ Maximises Space – A great option for small gardens, as the multi-level design allows for more planting in less space.
✅ Ideal for Different Crops – The tiers create varying soil depths, making them suitable for a mix of shallow and deep-rooted plants.
✅ Visually Appealing – Adds structure and depth to a garden layout.

❌ More Complex to Build – Requires careful planning and construction.
❌ Can Be Costly – More materials and labour are needed compared to a single-level bed.

Waist Height or Standing Raised Beds

Elevated beds, such as VegTrugs, are designed for accessibility, reducing strain on the back and knees. They are ideal for patios and balconies, but their limited soil depth makes them unsuitable for deep-rooted plants like carrots and potatoes.

✅ Perfect for Accessibility – Designed to be at a comfortable height, reducing the need for bending or kneeling.
✅ Great for Small Spaces – Works well on patios, balconies, or areas with limited ground space.
✅ Prevents Soil Contamination & Pests – Elevated design reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases and deters ground-dwelling pests.

❌ Limited Growing Depth – Not ideal for deep-rooted vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
❌ Can Dry Out Quickly – Due to being raised off the ground, soil may need more frequent watering.

Prefabricated Timber-Framed Raised Beds

Pre-made kits that are easy to assemble, offer a convenient balance between affordability and durability. They come in various sizes and styles but provide less flexibility for customisation.

✅ Quick & Easy to Assemble – Typically sold as a kit, making installation straightforward.
✅ Variety of Sizes & Styles – Available in different wood types and dimensions to suit different needs.
✅ Good Balance of Cost & Durability – More durable than basic timber beds but still affordable.

❌ Less Customisation – Limited to the pre-set designs and sizes available.
❌ Potentially Shorter Lifespan – If not treated or maintained, wood may degrade over time.

DIY Timber-Framed Raised Beds

Custom-built wooden beds that allow full control over size, shape, and materials. They can be a cost-effective solution using reclaimed wood but require woodworking skills and time to construct.

✅ Fully Customisable – Can be built to fit any garden space or design preference.
✅ Cost-Effective – Can be made using reclaimed wood or budget-friendly materials.
✅ Satisfaction of DIY – Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on projects and want to tailor their raised beds to specific needs.

❌ Requires Time & Skill – Needs careful planning, cutting, and assembly.
❌ Wood Selection Matters – Using untreated wood may lead to a shorter lifespan, requiring additional treatment or replacement over time.

Brick Raised Planter Beds

A highly durable and permanent option, brick raised beds provide a classic, elegant look and excellent insulation for plants. However, they are labour-intensive and costly to build and cannot be easily relocated.

✅ Extremely Durable & Long-Lasting – Brick is weather-resistant, does not rot, and can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
✅ Strong & Sturdy Structure – Unlike timber or metal, brick beds will not warp, bend, or degrade over time.
✅ Thermal Mass Benefits – Bricks absorb heat during the day and release it at night, helping to regulate soil temperature.
✅ Elegant & Timeless Aesthetic – Provides a classic, high-end look that blends well with traditional and modern garden styles.

❌ Expensive & Labour-Intensive – Requires more materials, time, and expertise to construct compared to timber or metal beds.
❌ Permanent Structure – Once built, a brick raised bed is difficult to modify or relocate.
❌ Drainage Considerations – Proper drainage must be planned, as bricks do not allow for natural water runoff like timber.

Which Raised Bed is Right for You?

The best raised bed for your garden depends on your priorities. If longevity and durability are key, corrugated steel, thick sleepers, or brick raised beds are excellent choices, with brick offering a permanent and highly durable solution. For those looking for a budget-friendly and customisable option, basic or DIY timber-framed beds work well. If accessibility and compactness matter most, a VegTrug or tiered raised bed might be the best fit, allowing for efficient use of space while making gardening easier.

Why do You Need Raised Bed Planters?

The first and most important question in this article is why we need raised beds or planters at all. Could you not just grow your veggies and fruits directly in the soil? While it’s true that many plants can grow directly in the ground, planters offer several advantages. Here’s why you might need planters for your garden:

Space Optimisation

Not everyone has access to a large garden or fertile ground. Raised beds allow you to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers in small spaces like patios, balconies, and rooftops. They’re perfect for urban gardening or homes with limited space.

Better Soil Control

Planters let you control the quality of the soil, ensuring your plants get the right nutrients. This is especially useful in areas with poor or contaminated soil where growing directly in the ground may not be ideal.

Improved Drainage

Good drainage is crucial for plant health. Planters allow you to better manage water flow, preventing waterlogging and root rot, which can be problems in compacted or heavy clay soils.

Pest and Weed Management

Growing in planters can reduce problems with pests like slugs and snails and help minimise weeds. Keeping plants elevated and contained makes it easier to spot and address issues before they become major problems.

Mobility and Flexibility

Unlike in-ground planting, planters give you the flexibility to move plants around as needed. You can adjust their placement based on sunlight, season, or aesthetic preferences. In colder months, portable planters allow you to bring plants indoors to protect them from frost.

Aesthetic Appeal

Planters add structure and beauty to a garden. Whether you choose sleek metal containers, rustic wooden boxes, or creative DIY designs, they enhance the visual appeal of any outdoor or indoor space.

Water Conservation

Planters help retain moisture efficiently, reducing water waste compared to traditional garden beds. Self-watering planters and container gardening techniques can further optimise water usage, making them an eco-friendly choice.

My DIY Raised Bed Building Experience

I’ve been making planters for many years now and have created some truly stunning and unique planting and seating containers ideal for growing and relaxing alike. The best materials for this kind of work has always been wood but it’s important to remember that wood does rot, especially in moist conditions. The wet soil can store stagnant water that can slow eat away at any type of wood, bother non-treated and treated. Therefore, if you are planning your own wooden planter build, be sure to protect the wood and cover the inside with a non-porous material to prevent this from happening.

I’ve used oak sleepers, greenwood sleepers, and various types of treated construction timber for building planters. In my experience, thicker timber not only looks better but also lasts significantly longer. If your budget allows, investing in 200mm thick greenwood or oak sleepers is well worth it for their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Even with thick timber, applying a protective treatment is a good idea to enhance longevity. When properly treated and maintained, timber sleepers can last over 20 years as a planter, making them a long-term, sturdy option for any garden.

Planter Depth – How Deep Should a Raised Bed be for Vegetables?

The depth of a planter for vegetables depends on the type of crops you want to grow. Here’s a general guide:

• Shallow-Rooted Vegetables (15-20cm / 6-8 inches)
  Ideal for lettuce, spinach, radishes, spring onions, and herbs.
• Medium-Rooted Vegetables (30-40cm / 12-16 inches)
  Suitable for carrots, beetroot, onions, peppers, and bush beans.
• Deep-Rooted Vegetables (45-60cm / 18-24 inches or more)
  Necessary for potatoes, tomatoes, parsnips, sweetcorn, and deep-rooted brassicas like cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

For best results, aim for at least 30cm (12 inches) of soil depth for general vegetable gardening, but deeper beds will provide more flexibility for different crops. If placing planters on a hard surface, such as concrete, a depth of 45cm (18 inches) or more is recommended to ensure proper root development and moisture retention.

The Importance of Soil – What is the Best Soil for Raised Bed Vegetable Growing?

The best soil for raised bed vegetables should be nutrient-rich, well-draining, and moisture-retentive while promoting healthy root growth. A good mix includes:

1. Ideal Raised Bed Soil Mix

A balanced raised bed mix typically consists of:
✅ 50% Topsoil – Provides structure and essential minerals. Use high-quality screened topsoil (loamy is best).
✅ 30% Compost – Enriches the soil with organic matter, improving fertility and microbial activity. Use a mix of compost types (e.g., garden compost, well-rotted manure, mushroom compost).
✅ 20% Aeration Materials – Improves drainage and prevents soil compaction. Options include:

• Horticultural sand (for better drainage)
• Perlite or vermiculite (for aeration and moisture retention)
• Coconut coir or peat moss (for moisture regulation)

2. Specialised Soil Mixes (Depending on Crops)

• Leafy Greens & Herbs – More compost-heavy mix (40%) to provide nutrients.
• Root Vegetables (Carrots, Potatoes, Beets) – Loose, sandy soil with fewer nutrients to prevent misshapen roots (e.g., 50% sandy topsoil, 30% compost, 20% sand/perlite).
• Fruiting Vegetables (Tomatoes, Peppers, Squash) – High in organic matter with good drainage (add extra compost and aeration material).

3. Additional Soil Enhancements

• Mulch (Straw, Wood Chips, or Leaves) – Retains moisture and suppresses weeds.
• Organic Fertilisers (Bone Meal, Fish Emulsion, Seaweed Extract) – Boosts essential nutrients throughout the season.
• Worm Castings – Improve soil structure and microbial activity.

4. Things to Avoid

❌ Heavy Clay Soil – Poor drainage leads to waterlogging.
❌ Excessively Sandy Soil – Drains too fast, causing nutrient loss.
❌ Unscreened Topsoil – May contain weeds, pests, or contaminants.

What Should be in the Bottom of Raised Beds and Planters?

The bottom of a raised bed should promote drainage, prevent weeds, and support healthy root growth. Here are some options based on your soil conditions and needs:

1. Best Materials for the Bottom of Raised Beds

✅ Nothing (Direct Soil Contact) – Best for Deep Beds

• If placing the bed directly on garden soil, leave the bottom open to allow deep root growth and natural drainage.
• Loosen the ground beneath before filling to improve drainage and aeration.

✅ Cardboard or Newspaper – Best for Weed Suppression

• A thick layer of cardboard (overlapping) or newspaper will suppress weeds and grass while allowing roots to penetrate as it decomposes.
• Best for beds placed on existing lawn or areas with weed problems.

✅ Hardware Cloth (Wire Mesh) – Best for Pest Prevention

• A galvanised wire mesh (¼ inch or 6mm) at the base will block burrowing pests (moles, voles, rats) while allowing water and roots to pass through.
• Ideal for areas prone to underground pests.

✅ Gravel, Stones, or Sand – Helps Drainage (But Use with Caution!)

• A thin layer of coarse gravel or sand can help improve drainage in clay-heavy soil but may also create a water table effect, leading to water pooling.
• Only recommended if drainage is a major issue.

✅ Wood Chips or Straw – Temporary Drainage Layer

• A bottom layer of coarse organic material (wood chips, straw, twigs) can improve drainage and slowly break down into nutrients.
• Works well in deep beds (45cm/18in+) but not necessary for shallower ones.

2. What to Avoid in the Bottom of Raised Beds

❌ Plastic Sheets or Landscape Fabric – Can restrict drainage and prevent deep root growth.
❌ Thick Gravel Layers – Can create a perched water table, trapping excess moisture instead of improving drainage.
❌ Treated Wood or Synthetic Materials – May leach chemicals into the soil.

3. Best Setup for Different Raised Bed Types

• Deep Beds (45cm/18in+ on soil) → Leave open or use cardboard for weed suppression.
• Shallow Beds (Under 30cm/12in on hard surfaces) → Use wire mesh and organic materials (straw, compost).
• Beds on Lawns or Weedy Areas → Use cardboard or newspaper to kill grass.

Conclusion

We’ve been enjoying growing our own food for several years, but only in the last couple of years have we taken things more seriously—upping our game to produce more of what we eat. A good raised bed or planter can make the process much easier and more enjoyable, helping to maximise space, improve soil quality, and create a more efficient growing environment.

Finding the best raised bed planter for your garden is a balance between longevity, budget, DIY skills, and aesthetic preferences. Some gardeners prioritise durability and low maintenance, opting for brick or corrugated steel beds, while others prefer the customisation and affordability of timber or DIY options. Accessibility, soil depth, and the type of crops you plan to grow all play a role in making the right choice.

Whichever option you choose, investing in a raised bed can transform your gardening experience, helping you grow healthier, more productive plants while making the most of your available space. Happy growing! 🌱