The Hardworking Garden Bed That Keeps Critters Out (2024)

The Hardworking Garden Bed That Keeps Critters Out (1)

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If you’re new to the landscaping game, the idea of investing in the best raised garden beds may seem a bit confusing and unnecessary—especially if you have a perfectly good lawn to cultivate. Since they warm up faster and drain better than traditional gardens, they actually allow for a longer (and usually, more successful) growing season.

And we’re not the only fans of raised garden beds. Jaclyn Rutigliano, the co-founder of Hometown Flower Co., is also a firm believer in elevating your crops. "They’re especially useful in areas where you’re unsure of the type of soil you’re working with, or the soil isn’t in ideal conditions for what you’re growing," she tells House Beautiful. With a raised bed, you’re starting your journey with fresh soil—meaning you know the exact conditions and how to adjust your process based on which crop you’re growing.

Additionally, Rutigliano says they’re better for weed maintenance, drainage, and pest management. Not to mention, they’re ideal for people who live in big cities and may not have a sizable lawn at their disposal. The best part? Raised garden beds are also designed for whatever you want to grow. "People usually think that the best raised garden beds are only for vegetables, but they’re great for flowers as well," Rutigliano shares. "You can grow your very own cut flower garden in your backyard!"

When bringing one of these beds into your outdoor space, grab a ready-made option or go the budget-friendly route by building one yourself. "You can easily customize them to your preferred dimensions and stain or paint the wood to match your outdoor decor," according to Rutigliano. Otherwise, take a peek at some of our favorites from gardening havens like Terrain, Williams Sonoma, and more.

Best Overall

GSC Deep Root Raised Bed

Best Overall

GSC Deep Root Raised Bed

$269 at Gardener's Supply Company

Pros

14-inch depth allows for deep root planting
Rot-resistant
Available in multiple sizes and woods

Cons

Expensive

If you want a classic raised garden bed that does exactly what it's supposed to do (no more, no less), opt for one made entirely of cedar or cypress because bugs and pests tend to stay away from such types of wood. This one, available in both types of wood and several sizes, also happens to be rot-resistant making it one of our favorites. "The 14-inch depth allows for deep root planting," Rutigliano adds.

Dimensions	48" L x 48" D x 14" H
Material	Cedar or cypress
Assembly	Yes

Most Winter-Friendly

Terrain Concrete Barrel Trough

Most Winter-Friendly

Terrain Concrete Barrel Trough

Now 56% Off

$69 at Terrain

Pros

Water- and frost-resistant

Cons

Doesn't Ship until March 23

Technically, this isn't a raised garden bed because it doesn't exactly work for deep planting, but it's so stylish and slender that we felt it deserved a spot on our list. It's inspired by vintage dolly tubs, but a bit more durable. For instance, it's hand-crafted using lightweight fiber clay that is resistant to everything from rain to frost, so feel free to leave it outside all winter.

Dimensions	31.5" L x 8.7" D x 7.9" H
Material	Fiberclay
Assembly	No

Most Affordable

Incbruce Wooden Raised Garden Bed Planter

Most Affordable

Incbruce Wooden Raised Garden Bed Planter

Now 27% Off

$36 at Amazon

Pros

Ideal for small spaces
Includes a baffle to create two growing spaces

Cons

Only 10 inches tall

Costing less than $50, Amazon's affordable pick is perfect for a long, skinny lawn. Coming in at eight feet long and only 25 inches wide, it's ideal for any small space. You can also use the baffle to create two separate growing areas depending on what you're looking to garden—flowers on one side and produce on the other, for example.

Dimensions	96.1" L x 25" D x 10" H
Material	Fir wood
Assembly	Partial

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GRO Products Vertical GRO System

Best Vertical

GRO Products Vertical GRO System

$320 at Williams Sonoma

Pros

Includes three movable planting boxes
Boxes are lined and feature draininage holes

Cons

Expensive

Another raised garden bed that works well in small spaces? This GRO Products freestanding vertical system made of untreated cedar. It may be able to squeeze into tiny nooks without a hitch, but it isn't exactly on the small side. In fact, it features three sizable planting boxes that you can move up or down depending on how tall your goods grow. Each box also comes with a heavy-duty liner to protect the wood and provide decent drainage for the soil.

Dimensions	28" L x 21" D x 48" H
Material	Cedar
Assembly	Yes

Best Accessories

GSC Elevated Planter Box

Best Accessories

GSC Elevated Planter Box

Now 25% Off

$240 at Gardener's Supply Company

Pros

Includes pivoting trellis
Made by hand in Vermont

Cons

Planters cannot hold regular soil, topsoil, sand, clay, or rocks

"I like this option because it includes a trellis, which is great for companion planting," Rutigliano tells us. "With something like this, you can maximize your bed to also include vines like peas."

On top of that, the trellis pivots so none of your plants will burn or grow too fast.

Dimensions	48" L x 24" D x 40" H
Material	Cedar or cypress
Assembly	Yes

Most Self-Sufficient

Latitude Run Madge Raised Garden

Most Self-Sufficient

Latitude Run Madge Raised Garden

$294 at Wayfair $156 at Overstock

Pros

Self-watering
Available in multiple colors
Rust- and weather-resistant

Cons

Can hold only 2.5 cubic feet of soil

Available in a jet black and a soothing espresso, this Latitude Run raised garden bed can double as living patio furniture—especially because it's rust- and weather-resistant. What sets it apart is also the self-watering feature making it a low-effort, high-reward silhouette.

Dimensions	44.9" W x 19.4" D x 30.7" H
Material	Plastic
Assembly	No

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Most Sustainable

West Elm Raised Nest Indoor/Outdoor Planter

$579 at West Elm

Pros

Made using recyclable polyethylene
Resistant to chipping, fading, and mildew

Cons

Expensive

Suitable for indoors and outdoors, this raised planter also comes with a self-watering system, minimizing your plant parent responsibilities. Since it's crafted using recyclable polyethylene, it's resistant to chipping, fading, and mildew.

Dimensions	36" L x 18" D x 36" H
Material	Recyclable polyethylene
Assembly	No

Most Portable

FOYUEE Raised Planter Box

Most Portable

FOYUEE Raised Planter Box

Now 17% Off

$58 at Amazon

Pros

Includes wheels for easy transportation
Accessible shelf for easy storage
Affordable

Cons

Difficult to clean

You may not be able to tell from the photo, but this raised planter box sits atop a set of wheels, making it easy to move in and out of the sun—or just about anywhere that suits your plants's fancy. This charming cart also includes a shelf to store all of your gardening essentials.

Dimensions	37.4" L x 15.7" D x 31.5" H
Material	Wood
Assembly	No

Most Durable

Birdies Raised Bed With Base

Most Durable

Birdies Raised Bed With Base

$150 at Gardener's Supply Company

Pros

Features a coated steel body and a protective thermoplastic base
Ideal for deep-rooted plants

Cons

Heavy

Perfect for a patio or deck, this raised garden bed boasts a durable coated steel body and a protective thermoplastic base. The durability aside, it's ideal for planting produce or anything with deep roots because the base is a whopping 15 inches tall.

Dimensions	43" L x 20" D x 15" H
Material	Coated steel
Assembly	No

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Most Diverse Soil Depths

VegTrug Raised Bed

Most Diverse Soil Depths

VegTrug Raised Bed

$400 at Williams Sonoma

Pros

Offers a range of soil depths
Crafted of FSC-certified sustainable fir

Cons

Expensive

For anyone growing veggies, you may want to consider snagging Williams Sonoma's best-selling raised garden bed. The deep V-shaped bed isn't just stylish, it also offers your plants—deep-rooted vegetables, ground-hugging herbs, and everything in between—a range of soil depths. Truly nothing is off-limits when it comes to this unique raised bed.

Dimensions	73" L x 30" D x 32" H
Material	FSC-certified sustainable fir
Assembly	Yes

Easiest to Assemble

Greenes Fence U-Shaped Raised Garden Bed

Easiest to Assemble

Greenes Fence U-Shaped Raised Garden Bed

$340 at Wayfair

Pros

Weather-proof
Assembles without tools

Cons

Large

For those looking to host a variety of plants, this U-shaped raised bed is an excellent choice for sectioning them off. While it may look complicated to put together, it doesn't require a single tool. Simply slide the untreated wood frames into their respective interlocking joints and call it a day.

Dimensions	96" W x 96" D x 10.5" H
Material	Wood
Assembly	Partial

Best Pest-Repellent

Quictent Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed

Best Pest-Repellent

Quictent Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed

$70 at Amazon

Pros

Includes mesh cover
Affordable

Cons

Only 12 inches deep

Our final suggestion comes with a cover, so you can turn your raised garden bed into a mini greenhouse if needed. It also works extra hard to keep pests—bugs, rodents, and pretty much anything else—from getting into your fresh flowers, herbs, and produce.

Dimensions	46.25" L x 34.25" D x 11.8" H
Material	Galvanized steel
Assembly	Yes

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What are the types of raised garden beds?

According to Rutigliano, there are three main types of raised garden beds.

Raised ground beds that require no additional materials other than soil and don't include any type of building support frame.
Supported raised beds which consist of a mound of soil surrounded by a supportive frame that's low to the ground.
Finally, containerized raised beds, which are essentially elevated planters.

What type of soil do you use in a raised garden bed?

Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't use traditional garden soil in raised beds. Rutigliano suggests opting for a light potting mix.

Why trust us?

We received expert advice from Jaclyn Rutigliano, the co-founder of Hometown Flower Co.—which connects avid botanists with local farmers. It also doubles as a digital florist, offering fresh, local varieties delivered in the brand's signature "flowers in a bag" style. She's the ideal floral expert and you can count on her tips above to deliver!

The Hardworking Garden Bed That Keeps Critters Out (2024)

FAQs

How do I keep rodents out of my raised garden bed? ›

Install wire mesh below and alongside raised beds

Mice and small rats can squeeze through holes the size of a dime. Keep this in mind as you work to prevent underground and above ground access. Mesh wire should be laid along the bottom and sides of raised garden boxes – preventing burrowing access.

How do I protect my garden bed from pests? ›

Fencing is the most effective way to protect your garden from pests and keep unwanted visitors out. A fence that's two to three feet tall will work for most rabbits, although persistent ones may try to burrow underneath. To deter them, extend the fence about a foot underground.

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Do coffee grounds repel rodents? ›

Coffee grounds sprinkled around your garden can repel rodents as they do not like the smell of coffee. Rodents do not like the smell of human hair. If you know someone who has a salon or barber shop, ask if you can take some hair out of their trash can and sprinkle that around your garden.

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How to keep rodents out of a vegetable garden? ›

In addition to mint, most rats and mice are put off by strong herbal scents, such as basil, echinacea, garlic, and thyme. To keep away the rodents, plant a border of these herbs around the outside of your garden.

Learn More ›

What is the best animal repellent for vegetable gardens? ›

A mix of garlic and chili powder is excellent for deterring animals from your garden. Make sure areas under decks and sheds are secured so skunks and other animals cannot get underneath to nest. To deter raccoons and squirrels, boil a cup of cayenne pepper and habanero chilies in a pot of water.

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What is the cheapest way to keep animals out of your garden? ›

Mesh Covers to Go Over Your Raised Beds. This is the easiest type of barrier to add, but it's actually quite effective at keeping insect pests and smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels out of the garden. You need a mesh fabric like tulle or agfabric from the garden center or floating row covers that fit your beds.

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What is the best natural animal repellent? ›

Essential oils of lavender, mint, pyrethrum, geranium and paste of garlic can be sprinkled or sprayed around plant bases to keep problem animals at bay. Planting Geranium, rue, basil, sage, pyrethrum, garlic and onions near doorways can discourage insects and rodents from entering the house.

Learn More Now ›

What is the best animal deterrent for gardens? ›

For example, motion-activated sprinklers are effective at deterring deer and rabbits, while netting can be used to keep birds and squirrels out of your garden. Fencing is also a good option for keeping a wide variety of larger animals away.

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How to keep squirrels and rabbits out of raised garden beds? ›

Netting, fencing, or even burlap covers can provide shelter and protection for smaller spaces and raised garden beds.

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What should I put at the bottom of a raised garden bed? ›

Some gardeners chose to implement a barrier at the bottom to keep out pests and weeds. Below are a few materials you can use: Cardboard or newspaper: Cardboard is a great option if you are on a budget. You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to deter pests and weeds.

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How to build an animal proof vegetable garden? ›

Retrofit your beds to exclude moles and voles

We dug a 3-foot-deep trench around the perimeter of the garden and inserted ¼-inch galvanized hardware cloth, stapling it to the 1-foot-tall fence baseboards (which also double as one side of a raised bed) as we went (inset illustration, below).