Top 20 Best Raised Garden Bed Ideas

20 Must-Try Raised Garden Bed Ideas for Your Backyard Oasis

Top 20 Best Garden Bed Ideas to Get Creative in Your Backyard!

In this article we look at the best raised garden bed ideas for 2023

Are you looking to start a vegetable garden or add some flowers to your yard? Have you considered raised garden beds? If not, you might want to give them a try!

Raised garden beds are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. Not only are they a great aesthetic to your garden, but they also offer several benefits that traditional garden beds may not.

When it comes to raised garden beds and raised flower beds, the options are virtually endless. You can choose from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, brick, or even recycled materials like old tires or pallets. You can also choose the size and shape of your bed to fit your specific needs and space requirements.

So, whether you’re looking to start a vegetable garden or add some colourful flowers to your garden, raised garden beds are worth considering. With their many benefits and endless options, they’re sure to add some beauty and functionality to your outdoor space

Wooden Raised Garden Bed Ideas

Wooden raised beds are a popular choice because they’re relatively easy to build, affordable, and look great in most gardens. You can build them out of a variety of woods, including cedar, pine, and redwood. The main downside of wooden raised beds is that they can be prone to rotting and weather damage over time, especially if not treated with a sealant or stain.

Source @deannacat3

These wooden raised garden beds are nicely incorporated into the overall garden. With gravel around the raised beds, a nice patio area and garden lights, it makes for a very attractive garden. 

Source @organicgardenclub

Your wooden raised garden beds don’t need to be rectangular. Having different shaped beds makes your garden more interesting and your plants won’t mind!

You can decide the height of your wooden garden beds to your requirements. The higher the beds, the more soil you will need, but this can also be a benefit as you will have good drainage and some plants need more depth to grow.

This wooden raised garden bed is not very deep, but there is enough soil for the plants which are growing in the bed. The different boxes make a creative raised bed. 

Source @idojardins

There are two different raised garden beds in this garden. The wooden edge at the front raised garden bed is simple to make and creates a neat and aesthetically pleasing garden edging. 

Your wooden raised garden beds don’t need to be the same height either. In this lovely garden, the central garden bed is low while the garden beds on either side are deeper. This creates depth in your garden design. 

This is a great example of using all the available space possible. The peas don’t need a lot of space to grow, and the fence can support them when they are growing tall. Very clever use of space.

10 Vegetable Ideas which do Welll in Raised Garden Beds

 10 vegetables for raised garden beds :

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a great choice for raised beds because they love warm soil, and raised beds tend to heat up faster than traditional garden beds. Additionally, they need good drainage, which raised beds provide. Tomatoes also benefit from the additional space and support provided by raised beds, which can result in larger, healthier plants and more abundant harvests.

• Peppers: Peppers are another heat-loving crop that thrives in raised beds. They also benefit from good drainage, which can help prevent issues like root rot. Additionally, peppers tend to have a shallow root system, so the additional soil depth provided by raised beds can help them grow stronger and produce more fruit.

• Squash: Squash plants require a lot of space to grow and spread out, making raised beds a great option for containing them. Additionally, the soil in raised beds tends to be looser and more fertile, which can help squash plants produce more fruit. Raised beds can also provide better drainage, which can help prevent issues like powdery mildew.

• Beans: Beans are a great option for raised beds because they tend to have a shallow root system and prefer well-drained soil. Additionally, they can benefit from the added support of trellises or cages, which are easier to install in raised beds. The loose soil in raised beds also makes it easier for bean plants to establish strong root systems and produce more beans.

• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are another crop that benefit from the additional space and support provided by raised beds. They also prefer warm soil and good drainage, both of which are features of raised beds. Additionally, the loose soil in raised beds can make it easier for cucumber plants to establish strong root systems and produce more fruit.

• Lettuce: Lettuce is a great crop for raised beds because it prefers well-drained soil and can be sensitive to over-watering. The soil in raised beds tends to dry out more quickly than traditional garden beds, which can help prevent issues like fungal diseases. Additionally, the added soil depth provided by raised beds can help lettuce plants establish stronger root systems and produce more leaves.

• Kale: Kale is a hardy crop that can do well in a variety of growing conditions, including raised beds. The loose soil in raised beds can make it easier for kale plants to establish strong root systems and produce more leaves. Additionally, raised beds can help prevent issues like root rot, which can be a problem in poorly drained soil.

• Radishes: Radishes are a fast-growing crop that can do well in the loose, fertile soil of raised beds. They prefer well-drained soil and can benefit from the additional space provided by raised beds. Additionally, the loose soil in raised beds can make it easier for radish bulbs to grow large and firm.

• Carrots: Carrots can be challenging to grow in heavy or compacted soil, making raised beds a great option for this crop. The loose, well-drained soil in raised beds makes it easier for carrot roots to grow long and straight. Additionally, raised beds can help prevent issues like soil-borne pests and diseases.

• Beets: Beets are another crop that can benefit from the loose, fertile soil of raised beds. They prefer well-drained soil and can grow larger and more flavourful in the loose soil of raised beds. Additionally, the added soil depth provided by raised beds can help beet roots grow larger and more robust.

In general, many types of vegetables can thrive in raised garden beds due to the benefits of good drainage, loose soil, and additional space and support. However, it’s always a good idea to test your soil and choose plants that are well-suited to your growing conditions.

Raised beds can also be customized to suit different plant varieties and growing methods, such as using trellises for climbing plants or installing drip irrigation systems for water-loving crops.
there are many different vegetables that can do well in raised garden beds.

From heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers to fast-growing crops like radishes and carrots, raised beds can provide the ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of plants.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, raised beds can be a great option for maximizing your garden’s productivity and success

Source @shegrowsawildgarden

This raised garden bed has been painted and has long poles on the corners of the beds, to make it more secure and to make the garden beds part of the garden design in an original and aesthetically pleasing way. 

Source @texasyardninja

This raised garden bed is a combination of metal and wood and is another example of how the raised garden bed can fit into the garden following the rule of best fit.

This lovely Peter Rabbit Garden is a great example of creative garden design. The ‘bedpost’ corners of the wooden garden bed give it a stylish finish. 

Metal Raised Garden Bed Ideas

Metal raised garden beds: Metal raised beds are becoming increasingly popular because they’re durable, long-lasting, and can add a modern look to your garden.

They’re typically made from materials like galvanized steel or Corten steel, which are resistant to rust and weather damage. The main downside of metal raised beds is that they can be more expensive than other types of raised beds.

Source @rootedgarden

This metal edging of the raised garden bed is great if you are looking for modern garden design. The raised garden beds separate the plants from the other sections of the garden and the metal edging gives it a contemporary feel. 

Source @metalgardenbeds

These long steel raised garden beds are long lasting. These are narrow and long, perfect for a long garden when you don’t want a large part of the garden taken up by garden beds. 

These steel raised garden beds are powder-coated against rust and corrosion, making them long lasting. They are very weather-resistant and very practical for outdoor use. They are a popular alternative from wooden raised beds. 

Source @rootedgarden

These nearly symmetrical raised metal garden beds are beautiful. The trellis between the garden beds will support climbing plants like beans making it even more aesthetically pleasing! 

Another great example of how raised garden beds can be different shapes, to fit the available space in the garden as much as possible.

Stone Raised Garden Bed Ideas

Stone raised garden beds: Stone raised beds are a great option if you’re looking for something that’s both functional and decorative.

They’re durable, long-lasting, and can add a natural look to your garden. The main downside of stone raised beds is that they can be expensive to have installled.

Source @mjservices.11

Raised garden beds are often used to separate the flower bed from the driveway. It creates a nice design and keeps the driveway clean. 

A nice example of excellent front garden design and curb appeal. 

What do you put on the bottom of a raised garden bed on soil?

When building a raised garden bed, it’s important to properly prepare the area where it will be located. This includes deciding what to put on the bottom of the bed before filling it with soil. Here are some options for what you can put on the bottom of your raised garden bed:

Landscape fabric:

One option is to lay landscape fabric over the ground where you plan to put the raised bed. This will help prevent weeds from growing up into the bed. However, be sure to leave drainage holes in the fabric to allow excess water to escape.

Cardboard or newspaper:

Another option is to lay down several layers of cardboard or newspaper on the ground. This will also help prevent weeds from growing up into the bed. The cardboard or newspaper will eventually break down and become part of the soil.

Gravel or rocks:

Some gardeners choose to put a layer of gravel or rocks on the bottom of the bed to improve drainage. This can be especially useful if the area where you’re building the bed is prone to flooding or standing water. However, it’s important to note that too much gravel or rocks can cause drainage problems and create uneven soil moisture

Logs or branches:

If you have access to logs or branches, you can use them to create a bottom layer in your raised garden bed. This will help improve drainage and provide additional organic matter as the logs or branches decompose over time.

Nothing:

In some cases, it may not be necessary to put anything on the bottom of your raised garden bed. If the area where you’re building the bed has good soil drainage and is relatively weed-free, you may be able to simply fill the bed with soil.

Ultimately, what you put on the bottom of your raised garden bed will depend on your specific situation and preferences. Be sure to consider factors like soil drainage, weed control, and organic matter when deciding what to use. And remember, the most important factor in a successful raised garden bed is good quality soil, so be sure to fill your bed with a high-quality soil mix that’s appropriate for the types of plants you’ll be growing.

Source @greencatgardens

This high stone raised garden bed from natural stone is a great addition to any garden. While this might be too expensive to create for veggie pads, it certainly creates a stunning garden design.

Concrete raised garden bed ideas:

Concrete raised beds are a good option if you’re looking for something that’s low-maintenance and long-lasting. They’re resistant to weather damage, pests, and rot, and can be customized to fit any size or shape. The main downside of concrete raised beds is that they can be expensive and difficult to install, especially if you’re building them yourself.

Source @thebrickbungalow

These concrete raised garden beds will last a lifetime! It’s great how they have been levelled against the incline, making it easier to plant crops. Imagine these full of plants and vegetables!

This stunning modern garden has raised garden beds beautifully installed around the perimeter of the garden, creating a contemporary design.

Do raised beds need compost or topsoil?

Yes, raised beds typically require a combination of compost and topsoil to provide the best growing conditions for plants. Here’s why:

Compost is an essential ingredient for raised garden beds because it provides a source of nutrients for plants, helps retain moisture in the soil, and promotes healthy root growth. Compost is made from decomposed organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps, and it can be added to your raised bed in several ways.

One option is to make your own compost by setting up a compost bin or pile in your backyard. This allows you to recycle your food and yard waste while creating a rich, nutrient-dense soil amendment for your raised bed. Another option is to purchase compost from a garden centre or landscaping supply store.

In addition to compost, topsoil is also important for raised garden beds because it provides a base layer of soil for plants to grow in. Topsoil is the top layer of soil in your garden, and it contains the essential nutrients and microorganisms that plants need to thrive. When selecting topsoil for your raised bed, look for a high-quality product that is free from contaminants and has a good balance of organic matter and mineral content.

When preparing your raised bed for planting, you should aim to have a mix of approximately 60% topsoil and 40% compost. This will provide a good balance of nutrients, drainage, and moisture retention for your plants. You can either mix the topsoil and compost together before adding them to your raised bed, or layer them separately.

One thing to keep in mind is that the amount of compost and topsoil your raised bed needs may vary depending on the size and depth of your bed, as well as the types of plants you plan to grow. For example, plants with deeper root systems may require more soil, while shallow-rooted plants may do better with a shallower layer of soil.

Overall, compost and topsoil are both essential ingredients for a healthy and productive raised garden bed. By providing your plants with the right mix of nutrients, moisture, and drainage, you can help them thrive and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

How do you fill a raised garden bed cheaply?