Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or a planter newbie, most gardeners will likely agree that raised garden beds are one of the best tools to create a thriving harvest.
These days, as outdoor space has become smaller and the grocery bill larger, raised garden beds have gained popularity. Vegetable gardens thrive in a raised bed as crops benefit from warmer, high-quality soil and better drainage, with fewer chances for weeds.
With plenty of design options available, your beds can integrate beautifully with existing structures, and add a bit of colour and interest to your backyard.
Where to buy a raised garden bed in New Zealand
Wooden Raised Stackable Garden Bed
$79.00 from Trade Tested
These stackable garden beds from Trade Tested are so easy to set up, that you’ll be wondering why you didn’t do it sooner. Layer two or three for your desired height, locking each in place with the steel hinges. Whether you’re growing a veggie or flower garden, this raised garden bed is a versatile option to transform your backyard.
Features:
- Dimensions: 120 x 100 x 19.5cm
- Constructed from solid Nordic spruce for durability without the chemicals
- Easy to assemble
- Foldable and easy to store when not in use
Also available in sizes 120 x 80cm, 120 x 60cm and 120 x 40cm.
Metal Raised Garden Bed
$629.00 at Birdies Garden Products
Made of high-performance aluzinc Australian steel, these raised garden beds offer peace of mind for all gardeners. The steel ensures your plants will see enhanced drainage, improved soil health, pest protection, extended growing season and decades of abundant harvests – everything a gardener desires from their garden bed. And the best feature of all is of course, how good they look in the garden.
This configuration is 74cm high, so your plants will have plenty of room to stretch out their roots, while your knees and back will be thanking you as all the plants will be in easy reach.
Each box comes with four corner panels and eight side panels so you can choose one of five configurations, whatever suits your garden best.
Features:
- Dimensions: 122 x 244 x 74cm
- Constructed with corrosion and rust-resistant Aluzinc Australian steel
- Three colourways available: merino, mist green and monolith
- Customisable and easy to assemble
- Lightweight and strong
Also available in numerous sizes and heights.
Small Garden Bed with Canopy
From $2,099.00 at Apt Garden Creations
Any experienced gardener would just love one of these raised garden beds from Apt Garden Creations. Made by hand in Christchurch, these products are a result of Kiwi ingenuity and extensive consideration.
With a greenhouse-like canopy attached, your garden will thrive off continuous protection from adverse weather and animals.
Each bed is made with precision using untreated Macrocarpa for the base, and NZ Oregon or Macrocarpa for the canopy structure, fitted with polycarbonate roofing. With an internal irrigation system set up, these gardens just need to be filled with soil and plugged into the hose.
Features:
- Dimensions: 180 x 130 x 160 cm (including canopy)
- Constructed from natural untreated Macrocarpa and NZ Oregon
- Side and front door latches
- Internal irrigation system
Also available in medium and large sizes.
What do I put on the bottom of a raised garden bed?
Before you fill and layer your raised garden bed, consider your budget and the height of your bed.
Completely filling a bed with compost and soil is recommended by many experienced gardeners, however, these materials are expensive. If your planter is less than a foot tall, your plants would benefit from the entire bed being filled with soil, but if it is taller, you may be able to get away with layering the bottom of the planter with other compostable items such as leaves, old wood and cardboard.
Don’t forget to also use cardboard or a weed barrier cloth as a divider between the ground and the bottom layer of your planter to ensure your plants have the best chance.
How deep should a raised garden bed be for vegetables?
The height of your raised garden bed will depend on the plants you’d like to fill it with. Many herbs and lettuces will only require about 6 inches of soil, root vegetables such as carrots and beetroot will need a foot of space, but climbers including tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini will require at least 1.5 feet.
Also, a taller garden bed will mean your dog (or chickens) are less likely to help themselves to the plants.
Our top tips for starting a raised garden bed
Position:
The ideal position for raised garden beds is the same as in-ground types – level ground, in a sunny spot that’ll see at least six hours of sunlight each day, sheltered from wind and frost, and close proximity to a water source and your kitchen. A north-facing position is perfect.
Number of beds:
For a newbie, three or four small raised beds will be plenty of work. You’re better to begin small and have gardens that are well maintained and productive.
Soil mix:
The chief requirement for vegetable gardens is nutrient-rich, free-draining soil. If you’re looking to make your own, use sterile topsoil mixed with homemade or mushroom compost, sheep pellets, hay, bark fines and other organic material.
Watering:
Soil in raised beds can dry out more quickly so you’ll need to water them more often and add mulch over the summer. You could consider a self-irrigating garden bed to save time.
On the grass:
If you’re planning on building your raised garden bed on a lawn, be sure to kill the grass ahead of time. Cover the patch with sheets of cardboard or tarpaulin for about 6 weeks, then cover the bottom of the raised bed with layers of cardboard or a weed mat to prevent grass and weeds from growing back.
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