Discover the 10 Best Raised Garden Beds of 2025 for Your Backyard

Raised garden beds are popular options for many backyards. They allow users to put a garden practically anywhere, even if the yard isn’t suitable for installing a traditional ground-level garden. Raised-bed gardening is touted as a back saver, since these beds reduce the distance the gardener needs to bend to tend to the plants. They elevate the garden space so there’s less need for bending and they help the soil warm up faster in spring so you can get an early start on the gardening season. They can also help keep weeds and pesky critters, like moles or deer, at bay.
Raised beds allow you to start fresh with healthy soil, rather than amending what you already have (which is probably not ideal for vegetables). Raised beds stay warmer than the soil in the ground, which allows you to extend your growing time in the fall and the spring. Raised beds give plants’ roots more vertical space to dig down so that you can fit more plants horizontally in a tighter space. Raised beds drain more quickly than in-ground beds. Raised beds increase comfort and ease when tending or harvesting your garden. Raised beds are a beautiful hardscaping piece in their own right, adding beauty to the garden all four seasons, even when nothing is growing.

Top 10 Raised Garden Beds for 2025

1. Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed

We were excited to open the box that the Greenes Fence cedar raised garden bed came in and put it together. Cedar is a naturally weather-resistant wood, and there was no question that it was natural cedar¡ªthe fresh aroma of the wood confirmed it. The side and end boards slide into the corner posts via dovetail-type slots. Most went in fairly easily, although a few required tapping with a mallet to get them to slide in the slots. Cedar caps added a nice finishing touch to the tops of the posts¡ªand the screws are included¡ªbut we found they were slightly large and prone to split the wood, so we used #8 self-tapping screws to reduce the risk of the wood splitting. The kit features durable 11/16-inch-thick boards, which we found to be about the right thickness. We placed the 4-foot-by-8-foot Greenes garden bed on a level section of the yard and then filled it with potting soil.
Since this raised bed is open on the bottom, it drains freely, making it well suited for fruits, vegetables, and flowers that require ample drainage. The sides are 14 inches high, which is just about right for pulling an occasional weed or picking a ripe green pepper without back strain. We were impressed with the quality of this raised bed, and it looks sharp, too. Get the Greenes Fence raised garden bed at Amazon.

• Pros: Natural cedar aroma, weather-resistant, easy assembly with dovetail slots, open bottom for drainage, 14-inch height reduces back strain.
• Cons: Included screws may split wood, some boards need mallet to assemble.

2. Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kit

This stylish bed is made of high-quality metal and can be set up into a variety of configurations to suit your specific space. The assembly took two and half hours. Our top pick for the best raised garden bed is the Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kit because it can be configured nine different ways. You can assemble all twelve pieces that come with the kit into a raised garden bed that is 2 x 8 feet, 3.5 x 6.5 feet, or 5 x 5 feet. You can also use some of the pieces to create smaller beds in a variety of shapes¡ªsimply choose the configuration that best suits your space. We tested the version that is 17 inches deep, which allowed us to grow plants with deep roots. Plus, we found that we didn’t have to bend over as much while gardening. Since this raised bed doesn’t have a bottom, the soil drained well, and we liked the fact that earthworms were able to get in to help improve the soil.
This durable metal bed was designed by combining zinc, magnesium, and aluminum-coated steel with a USDA-approved paint to ensure it will last season after season. The non-toxic paint made us feel more comfortable planting vegetables in the raised garden bed. Get the Vego Garden Raised Garden Bed Kit at Amazon.

• Pros: Modular design with nine configurations, 17-inch depth for deep roots, durable metal with non-toxic paint, good drainage.
• Cons: Assembly takes 2.5 hours, removing protective film is time-consuming.

3. City Pickers Patio Raised Garden Bed

The City Pickers Patio raised garden is designed for growing a couple of tomatoes, a few lettuce plants, or a handful of herbs. Right off the bat, we loved the price, which is very affordable compared to the other beds we tested, and the design is well thought out. Even better, there’s minimal assembly with this raised bed. The City Pickers garden bed comes with a one-piece molded-polyethylene tub that holds a drain rack in the bottom and has a spot for a watering tube on one inside corner (rack and tube included). Get the City Pickers Patio Raised Garden Bed at Amazon.

• Pros: Affordable, minimal assembly, well-designed with drain rack and watering tube.
• Cons: Limited to small-scale gardening, plastic material less durable than metal or wood.

4. Land Guard Galvanised Raised Garden Bed Kit

Made from galvanised metal, the Land Guard Galvanised Raised Garden Bed Kit is a long lasting bed and my top pick for the best raised garden bed overall. The double layer of anti-corrosion galvanising ensures this raised bed will be a long lasting addition to your garden. The corrugated construction gives this raised bed an industrial look that pairs beautifully with brightly coloured flowers, fruits and vegetables. The oval shape provides a less formal aesthetic than square or rectangular beds, making this a lovely choice for more relaxed garden settings. It measures 121 x 61 x 30 cm. It doesn’t take up too much space, and is instead a good ‘medium’ size bed, suitable for most gardens. You’ll still be able to easily access the centre of the bed. It takes just 20 minutes to set up, and the base is open so it can be used to plant deep rooted plants, as well as shallow rooted herbs and vegetables.
Take care when assembling this bed, as the edges are very sharp. It weighs just 4.57 kg, which means it’s lightweight enough to move around the garden. The metal isn’t particularly thick, so you’ll need to be careful not to lean on the edges during installation. Once set up and filled with soil, it feels a lot sturdier. Stylish, long lasting and available in a range of colours, this raised bed is our top choice for most gardens. Get the Land Guard Galvanised Raised Garden Bed Kit at Amazon.

• Pros: Anti-corrosion galvanizing, stylish oval shape, quick 20-minute setup, lightweight at 4.57 kg.
• Cons: Sharp edges during assembly, thin metal requires careful handling.

5. VegTrug Medium Raised Bed Planter

Neat and compact, this raised bed planter is perfect for homegrown herbs and veggies. It has plastic caps on the feet which make it perfect for patios, so you could install it just outside of your kitchen for easy access to your homegrown produce. It measures 80 cm tall, which makes it a comfortable height for most gardeners, including children. Elderly gardeners don’t need to stoop low to access their plants, while it’s also the perfect height for wheelchair users. It can be placed on any surface, used to transform balconies, small deckings and rooftop terraces, allowing those with smaller outdoor spaces in urban areas to develop their green thumb. There’s a V-shaped base with a depth of 42 cm. This should be ample space for most herbs and veggies. It arrives treated with a food-safe preservative, but this will need reapplying once a year. Get the VegTrug Medium Raised Bed Planter at Amazon.

• Pros: Compact for small spaces, 80 cm height ideal for accessibility, food-safe preservative.
• Cons: Annual preservative reapplication needed, limited depth for some plants.

6. Sunnydaze Raised Metal Garden Bed

This unit is fairly easy to assemble, but the process is a bit time-consuming due to the number of nuts and bolts. Also, keep in mind that this option is large, so it’s best for larger backyards or other areas with the right amount of space. This raised garden bed has an open base to protect plant roots by preventing excess water from accumulating. Measuring 48 inches across and 12 inches deep, it’s suitable for growing deep-rooted plants such as watermelons, pumpkins, and squash. There’s plenty of room to grow larger crops of vegetables or multiple vining plants. We also love that it’s available in two larger sizes as well as five colors¡ªsilver, gray, green, brown, and blue¡ªso you can choose an option that blends in or adds a pop of color to your yard. Get the Sunnydaze Raised Metal Garden Bed at Amazon.

• Pros: Large size for deep-rooted plants, multiple color options, open base for drainage.
• Cons: Time-consuming assembly, requires ample space.

7. Keter Urban Bloomer

If you’re in need of a beginner-friendly, easy-to-set-up raised garden bed, then the Keter Urban Bloomer is a solid pick. It’s compact size makes it ideal for small spaces in your backyard. Its water gauge is easy to read and signals when your plants need to be watered. In addition, this bed includes a drainage system that can fully be controlled and a water system with a reservoir that prevents rot decay caused by overwatering your plants. It’s a bit expensive, so choosing this bed will depend on your budget. Get the Keter Urban Bloomer at Amazon.

• Pros: Beginner-friendly, compact, water gauge and controlled drainage system.
• Cons: Higher price point, drainage holes may clog.

8. Foreman Raised Garden Bed With Castors

You don’t need a huge plot of land to exercise your green thumb with a raised garden bed, and most are designed for indoor-outdoor use. This generously-sized garden box is a fantastic value. It’s made from fir wood, with a handsome grain stained in a deep, rich brown. The interlocking corners of the one-inch-thick boards are connected with wood dowels, which makes the piece sturdy. There’s plenty of room for multiple plants, but it isn’t too large for a deck, patio, or balcony. It also comes in a 24-by-24-inch square. Get the Foreman Raised Garden Bed With Castors at Amazon.

• Pros: Sturdy fir wood, castors for mobility, suitable for indoor-outdoor use.
• Cons: Wood may require maintenance to prevent rot.

9. Galvanized Steel Raised Bed by Outland Living

This raised metal garden bed is made of galvanized steel, making it durable and capable of holding a lot of weight. In addition to its steel construction, the manufacturer has also coated the garden bed with a protective layer that prevents rust from accumulating, avoiding corrosion issues. Many customers said that this planter was easy to assemble, requiring only a screwdriver and half an hour to complete. They also said that the final product looked significantly more expensive than it was. Get the Outland Living Galvanized Steel Raised Bed at Amazon.

• Pros: Durable galvanized steel, rust-resistant coating, easy 30-minute assembly.
• Cons: Holds less soil than some models, potential drainage issues.

10. Selections Metal Raised Vegetable Bed

Metal is a great choice for raised beds thanks to its informal appearance and durability. The Selections Metal Raised Vegetable Bed measures 100 x 100 x 30 cm and is the perfect size for a small vegetable garden. Even better, there’s two of these beds included. Get the Selections Metal Raised Vegetable Bed at Amazon.

• Pros: Durable metal, includes two beds, ideal for small gardens.
• Cons: Thin sides feel flimsy until assembled, sharp edges during setup.

Comparison Table of Top Raised Garden Beds

Testing Scenarios and Performance

To evaluate these raised garden beds, testers assembled nearly a dozen models and subjected them to gardening-specific tests. They had to be durable enough to support the weight of the soil mix, and they had to be designed so that plants had both root space and adequate drainage. Each one also had to live up to the seller’s claims, for the most part. For instance, the Greenes Fence Cedar Raised Garden Bed was tested on a level yard section, filled with potting soil, and used to grow vegetables. Its open bottom allowed free drainage, preventing waterlogging. The Vego Garden Kit was tested for its modular assembly, taking 2.5 hours to configure into a 2 x 8 ft bed, and its 17-inch depth supported deep-rooted plants like carrots. The City Pickers Patio bed was tested for small-scale herb gardening on a patio, where its minimal assembly and watering tube proved efficient, though its plastic build raised durability concerns over time.

Buying Guide for Raised Garden Beds

• Location: DO look for the light. Most of our herbs, veggies, and annual flowers appreciate plenty of sun, so select a raised bed site that receives approximately 8 hours of sunlight per day. The more sun, the better. DON’T install your raised bed in a wet area. Raised beds need to drain well so your garden soil isn’t continuously soggy. Avoid those low, wet spots on the property.
• Material: It’s important not to skimp here ¡ª investing in your raised bed material will prevent early rotting, cracking, or other unsavory outcomes. Wood is at the top of her list of preferred raised garden bed materials: specifically, untreated wood made of strong, rot-resistant materials. Metal is also a good option, and it’s slightly more durable than wood. As for plastic? Save this cheap, lightweight material for smaller flower pots and container gardens.
• Size: When it comes to the size of your raised garden bed, bigger isn’t always better. After all, you need to think about how you’ll access the plants. It’s best to keep them a maximum of 4 feet wide, so you can reach the center without stepping on your soil. Aim for at least 1 foot of depth to accommodate the roots of various plants.
• Budget: A 4′ by 4′ wooden raised garden bed can be purchased for between $50 and $150. Beds made from more expensive woods, like cedar or redwood, or those that are larger, can cost as much as $300. Raised garden beds made of wood can cost anywhere from $20 to $100, although their plastic counterparts can be purchased for a small fraction of that price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for a raised garden bed?

The best material depends on your needs. Cedar wood is popular for its natural rot resistance and aesthetic appeal but requires maintenance. Galvanized metal is durable, rust-resistant, and ideal for long-term use. Plastic is affordable and lightweight but less sturdy for heavy soil loads.

How deep should a raised garden bed be?

A depth of 12-16 inches is ideal for most plants, accommodating deep-rooted vegetables like tomatoes or carrots. Shallower beds (6-12 inches) work for herbs and shallow-rooted plants like lettuce.

Can I place a raised garden bed on concrete?

Yes, raised beds can be placed on concrete if they have a bottom or are elevated. Ensure proper drainage to avoid water pooling, and consider a deeper bed (10-12 inches) to provide enough soil for roots.

How do I maintain a raised garden bed?

Regularly check for wood rot or metal rust, reapply food-safe preservatives for wood beds annually, ensure proper drainage, and refresh soil nutrients each season. Cover beds in winter to protect from harsh weather.

Conclusion

Raised garden beds offer a practical, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing solution for backyard gardening. Whether you choose the durable Vego Garden Kit, the budget-friendly City Pickers Patio, or the stylish Land Guard Galvanised bed, each option caters to different needs and spaces. For more gardening tips, explore resources from Gardener’s Supply or HGTV.