Our Three Favorite Types of Raised Garden Beds
1) Steel Raised Beds
There are several reasons why we enjoy curating gardens with steel garden beds. One of the main benefits is their exceptional durability. The beds you see in this picture are custom-welded, ensuring they are made to last. Steel beds are known for their sturdiness and are resistant to rot or decay, making them a lifelong investment. They can withstand heavy soil loads and provide excellent soil drainage. They also require minimal maintenance, as they do not need staining or frequent repairs. Over time, they develop a modern, weathered appearance that adds a clean and kept edge to your garden space.
2) Cedar Raised Beds
Cedar is a non-toxic wood, making it safe for use in organic gardening and for growing edible plants. Unlike chemically treated woods, cedar does not leach substances into the soil or affect plant health. Cedar wood naturally contains oils and compounds that make it resistant to decay, rot, and insect infestations and helps to maintain a healthy soil environment. Cedar beds can provide such a simple and natural look to a garden that really allows for the color of your plants to pop!
3) Stone Raised Beds
Having stone garden beds provides a timeless aesthetic to your kitchen garden. With a wide variety of stone types available, you can truly customize the look you desire. These beds offer exceptional durability, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions without warping or causing damage. Stone can effectively regulate soil temperature, which is particularly advantageous during hot summers like those we experience here in Austin, Texas. Stone garden beds are made from natural and sustainable material that ensures longevity for you and your family, lasting for decades to come.
We enjoy using the best quality materials for our clients to get the dream garden they have always wanted.
Raised Garden Bed Materials to Avoid:
1) Tires or other rubber substances
While this may seem like an effective way of recycling old tires, it’s not what you want for the foundation of your garden. Tires contain chemicals like 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can pose risks to both human health and the environment. Rubber also contains heavy metals such as aluminum, cadmium, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc, which can leach into the soil and be absorbed by your plants. Rubber materials can also retain and emit heat, resulting in increased soil temperatures that can harm plant roots and impede their growth.
2) Chemically treated wood beds
While chemically-treated (also known at pressure-treated or PT) wood no longer is made of arsenic, it still have chemicals we would not want sitting next to our vegetable garden soil. Not only that, but PT garden beds typically don’t add a great aesthetic to your garden space for they often have a green hue from being treated to preserve the wood. Going the extra mile of making sure you have the right materials in your garden will make a difference in how much you are enjoying the addition to your home.
3) Railroad tie beds
Many people think using railroad tie’s are a good idea for building a garden bed because of their durability. However, they are treated with a toxic substance that can contaminate your soil known as Creosote. Considering the materials you’re using for your garden is important in order to keep your soil and plants happy and healthy. While this may seem like an inexpensive option to build a garden bed, it is not optimal for your garden health.
Feeling inspired to revamp your backyard?
Perhaps you're unsure about the materials to use for building your garden. If you've been searching for a garden consultant in the Austin area, we provide comprehensive raised garden bed installation services, handling every step of the process. Schedule your consultation today and let us bring your vision to life!