Recommended Elevated Garden Beds for Gardeners of All Ages & Mobility
Gardening is a wonderful activity with a slew of health benefits that can be enjoyed by gardeners and growers of all ages and mobility! In today’s blog we are showcasing pros and cons of 3 different “elevated-bed” options that enable gardeners with a varied mobilities to engage in gardening in a healthy manner.
Our first option is Urban Gardener Cedar Raised Garden Bed With Trellis pictured above.
Elevated garden bed option that is mobile, sturdy and allows for the growing of a variety of plants.
PROS:
deep enough garden (around 15 inches deep) bed to plant a variety of plants and vegetables including tomatoes, yet not so deep that you need a ton of materials to fill the bed
the trellis allows you more plant growing options
the materials are high quality and should last for several seasons
the whole bed is on wheels which enables the gardeners to move the bed to whatever location they see fit/what is most convenient for them at the time-its not static in one place like most garden beds.
the height of the elevated bed allows the gardeners to stand at the bed and comfortably garden without bending over or squatting down. You can also sit on a stool and garden with this bed as well.
CONS:
Compared to the other options featured in this article, its the most expensive at $399.
it only comes in one size
The Ketter Urban bloomer is another elevated garden bed and this one is self-watering.
Best for Beginners and More Economical Option
PROS:
More reasonably priced at around $110-120.
made of plastic and is durable through the Seasons.
Self-watering and you can see when more water needs to be added.
at a great height in which to comfortably stand and garden.
CONS:
once it is filled with soil and plants, this may be too heavy to re-locate if desired. Not on wheels.
planting depth allows for planting of greens and herbs but it may not support the depth needed for all vegetables.
I have personally used this 3rd option showcased above.
Allows for Various Configurations and Is a Sturdy Option
PROS:
Sturdy and well made materials.
Maintains nice appearance throughout Seasons.
With a depth of 32 inches, the Gardener can grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
A nice height at which to stand and garden comfortably, no bending or squatting required.
Can be built in a variety of shapes allowing flexibility of layout.
to fill the bottom of these tall beds, under the soil you may recycle:
logs/sticks from your yard
leaves from your yard
egg cartons (no Styrofoam or plastic)
compost
cardboard (tape removed/plastic removed)
CONS:
once built and filled with materials, you cannot move the bed easily.
medium price of $299.
you can self-assemble but assistance may be needed if you are a novice.
because of the height of the beds its recommended that you fill the first half of the bed with the materials above rather than filling with only raised bed soil which may get pricey. (Compost is recommended for mixing with soil)
If you have questions or want more recommendations, please reach out to cat@soilorganicsolutions.com !