Metal Raised Garden Beds Buyer Guide
Metal raised garden beds might be the perfect option to build a stylish and practical garden. They’re durable and create the ideal soil environment for plants. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert gardener, choosing the right raised bed matters.
Our 2025 detailed buyer’s guide is here to make your decision easier. From sizing to installation tips, we’ve got you covered. No complicated steps—just straightforward advice to answer all your questions. Let’s explore how to find the best metal raised garden bed for your space. Ready? Let’s get started!
Bottom or No Bottom? Pick the Right Raised Bed
Vegega provides bottomless raised garden beds, and we recommend starting with a bottomless raised bed unless you have a specific reason to add one. Bottomless raised beds are great for natural drainage and root growth, while garden beds with a bottom are ideal for hard surfaces and pest control.
Add a Bottom If:
- You’re gardening on a balcony and want to keep it tiny.
- You need to keep small pests out.
- You’re dealing with sloped terrain and heavy rains.
Go Bottomless If:
- You’re gardening on a balcony and want to keep it tiny.
- You need to keep small pests out.
- You’re dealing with sloped terrain and heavy rains.
Will Metal Raised Beds Move Over Time?
One of the most common questions is whether metal raised beds will move or shift, especially since they don't have a fixed base. However, the weight of the soil and other filler holds the garden bed firmly in place. Even on slightly sloped surfaces, the raised beds remain stable on various grounds, such as grass, cement, or wooden decks.
How Filling Methods Keep Your Raised Bed Stable
1. Lasagna Filling Method
The Lasagna filling method uses alternating green and brown organic materials, compost, and soil layers. These layers break down over time and turn into rich, loamy soil that plants adore.
2. Hugelkultur Filling Method
Hugelkultur involves filling the bottom of the garden bed with logs, branches, and other woody debris. These layers break down over time, becoming a nutrient food for beneficial microorganisms.
Ready to fill your bed the right way? Check out our analysis of the comparison of the two filling methods.
Will Soil Leak from Metal Raised Beds on Concrete or Decks
Our bottomless metal raised beds are designed to keep soil exactly where it belongs—inside the garden bed. With proper setup, you can prevent soil from escaping and get a water-out, soil-in garden bed. Here are the best practices for preventing soil leakage.
- Choose Permeable Liner: Line the bottom of the garden bed with materials like landscape fabric or geotextile cloth. This allows water to drain while keeping soil particles contained. View article about the liners for garden bed.
- Use a Base Layer: Placing some coarse material (gravel or small stones) at the bottom can enhance drainage and prevent soil from seeping out.
- Choose Quality Soil Mix: Opt for well-structured soil mixes that retain moisture without being overly loose, reducing the risk of soil escaping. View the best soil for raised beds.
The Right Raised Bed to Deter Burrowing and Climbing Pests
Burrowing pests like gophers, voles, and moles can destroy your garden overnight. Choosing the right raised bed height—combined with our stainless steel mesh—creates a strong defense.
Common Burrowing Pests
| Behavior | Depth Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Gophers | Burrow from below, chew roots from beneath. | Up to 18 inches |
| Voles | Shallow diggers, attack plant roots and stems. | Less than 12 inches |
| Moles | Dig tunnels, disrupt soil structure, indirectly harm plants. | Up to 24 inches |
| Ground Squirrels | Dig burrows, damage roots and young plants. | 12–18 inches |
Common Climbing Pests
| Behavior | Heigth Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoons | Climb and reach into garden beds, steal fruits and vegetables. | Up to 15 inches reach |
| Deer | Browse plants from above, can reach down into low beds. | Up to 48 inches reach |
| Rabbits | Jump into low beds, nibble on young plants and leaves. | Up to 24 inches jump |
| Squirrels | Climb and dig, steal seeds and young plants. | Up to 36 inches jump |
How to Choose Special Shapes Raised Garden Beds
Regular raised garden beds fit every place in the yard, but special shapes, like L-shaped or heart-shaped planters, can upgrade and shine your garden. Whether working with garden corners or maximizing small areas, here’s how to use unique shapes to elevate your garden design.
L-Shaped Raised Garden Beds
Best Placement:
✓ Corner spaces (e.g., house corners, fence corners)
✓ Dividing areas (e.g., separating vegetable and flower gardens)
Design Advantages:
→ Saves space + Increases planting area
U-Shaped Raised Garden Beds
Best Placement:
✓ Surrounding trees or decorative features (e.g., fountains)
✓ Creating an entryway welcome area (e.g., porch sides)
Design Advantages:
→ Three-sided design growing various crops
Heart-Shaped Raised Garden Beds
Best Placement:
✓ Entryway welcome spot (creates a warm first impression for visitors)
✓ Kids’ garden corner (inspires children’s love for nature)
Design Advantages:
→ Space optimization (curved design fits corners or irregular spaces)
Other Unique-Shaped Raised Garden Beds
Final Thought
Regular raised garden beds fit every place in the yard, but special shapes, like L-shaped or heart-shaped planters, can upgrade and shine your garden. Whether working with garden corners or maximizing small areas, here’s how to use unique shapes to elevate your garden design.
