Best Galvanized Raised Garden Beds for Your Garden

So, you love gardening. In fact, your backyard is filled with plants you love and need— but there’s a problem. Your garden beds are rotting due to waterlog, and you have pests gnawing on your marigolds. For someone who puts hours of hard work into tending to your plants, it can be heartbreaking to face these issues.

Raised galvanized garden beds are the solution to your gardening frustrations. They elevate the planting area, keep pests out, and are resistant to rust. These steels are also built to last— a galvanized raised garden bed can last years without needing a replacement. One brand you can trust presently for your raised galvanized garden beds is VEVOR. The brand has several models of galvanized garden beds to properly tend to your garden.

Apart from the VEVOR models, this guide will discuss some of the best galvanized raised garden beds in the market and how to choose the right one based on your gardening needs.

What Are Galvanized Raised Garden Beds?

Galvanized raised beds can elevate your gardening experience. Learn more about these steel beds here.

Definition and Features of Galvanized Raised Garden Beds

Galvanized raised garden beds are elevated planting structures made from galvanized steel. The galvanized steel is usually coated with a zinc layer to prevent rusting. These beds usually come in different shapes and sizes, depending on what a person needs or what shape you’d like to have in your garden.

Why Choose Galvanized Over Other Materials?

Galvanized garden beds have several advantages over wooden or plastic beds. Wooden beds are attractive, but they rot and degrade faster, especially when they’re exposed to water (and this shouldn’t be surprising, considering you need to water your plants regularly?)

Plastic garden beds won’t rot, but they’ll become brittle and crack when exposed to sunlight for a long time. Galvanized beds are rust-resistant and can withstand any weather, whether sunny or rainy. The steel is sturdy and will maintain its shape and effectively support the soil. 

Benefits of Using Galvanized Raised Garden Beds

These are some of the benefits that make a raised garden bed galvanized the best for your garden:

Longevity and Durability

Galvanized steel has a protective zinc coating that will not rust or corrode easily. Unlike wooden or plastic beds, raised galvanized garden beds will maintain their structure for many years. They can also withstand harsh weather conditions, whether they’re under intense sunlight or heavy rainfall. Come rain or shine, your steel bed won’t warp, crack, or fade. 

Improved Soil Quality and Drainage

The beds’ elevated design lets you control the soil better. You can fill the beds with high-quality soil that’s free from weeds and pests, or mix soil to match the specific needs of your plant. These beds also have proper drainage outlets that let excess water escape easily. You won’t have to worry about root rots or other water-related issues. 

Aesthetic Appeal

Galvanized steel’s clean lines and metallic finish create a contemporary look that complements any garden style—urban rooftop gardens or backyard landscapes. Besides, you can get them in customizable designs and sizes, meaning you can choose the ones that fit your personal taste.

Top Features to Look for in the Best Galvanized Raised Garden Beds

Selecting the perfect galvanized raised garden bed takes more than picking a pretty design. These are features you should look out for before paying for a galvanized garden bed: 

Material Thickness and Quality

Go for beds that are made with thicker steel— 14-16 gauge is ideal. Thicker steel won’t warp or buckle under pressure, so your bed won’t lose its shape and stability over time. You should also prioritize beds that have a uniform and smooth zinc coating. Steel metal that goes through a high-quality galvanization process can withstand rust and corrosion. To know a properly galvanized steel;

• Check if it has a consistent shiny appearance without dull spots or discoloration. 
• Run your hands over the surface. It should feel smooth to the touch. If it’s not, don’t get it. 
• If you’re buying online, check the product details to confirm the quality of the galvanization process.

Size and Depth

Plants have different root depth requirements. Deep-rooted vegetables like tomatoes and carrots will need deeper beds, while shallow-rooted vegetables like lettuce can use shallower beds. You should also consider your garden space. Get beds that can comfortably fit into your garden. 

Ease of Assembly

You don’t want to spend hours deciphering complex instructions in the manual. Go for beds with pre-drilled holes for easy connection. Ensure the bed you buy comes with clear, step-by-step instructions or even online video tutorials on how to set it up. 

Safety Features

Choose raised galvanized garden beds with rounded edges to avoid hurting yourself. Rounded edges reduce the risk of cuts and scrapes, which is crucial if you have kids or pets running around. 

Top 5 Galvanized Raised Garden Beds in the Market

It’s no news that there are several galvanized raised garden beds from several brands in the current market. However, from the many options out there, these are the five best galvanized raised garden beds you should consider investing in:

VEVOR Galvanized Raised Garden Bed (4ft x 2ft)

VEVOR Galvanized Raised Garden Bed has a rounded edge with rubber padding to ensure you don’t hurt yourself while gardening. It is made from high-quality galvanized steel that will maintain its structure without degrading.

One of the things that stood out for us is that with two sets of this planter raised beds, you can create five bed shapes. If you have a garden bed, you can assemble it into three different shapes to suit your garden layout. The VEVOR galvanized garden bed also has an open bottom, so you don’t have to worry about your soil retaining too much water.

Many customers have praised VEVOR for its affordable yet effective raised garden beds. The bed has an average rating of 4.5 stars, which shows how much customers love it. This comment from a buyer named Anna reflects what many other customers think of the product:

‘‘This bed was just what I needed, and at a good price. It came in 8 separate pieces wrapped in plastic, so it took some time to put it together. It’s a decent metal. I filled it completely and it doesn’t bulge of anything. I have had it for 9 months now.’’ – Anna

King Bird Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed (6ft x 3ft)

The King Bird Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed is made from thick, 2-ply reinforced galvanized steel. We loved that the bed has an assembly video tutorial on how to put it together. Assembling the bed doesn’t require any tools as long as users use the card frame design as instructed by the manufacturer. Most customers commended the bed for its sturdiness and ease of assembly. 

Land Guard Galvanized Raised Garden Bed Kit (8ft x 4ft)

The Land Guard Galvanized Raised Garden Bed Kit is designed for people who need a large and durable gardening space. The galvanized steel is rust-resistant and can be used for many years. The bed has a lot of space for planting different crops and flowers. 

It’s also 2ft tall, which is a good choice for people with back pain or mobility issues, compared to most beds’ 1ft height. Some customers complained about having a hard time assembling, but overall, the beds are sturdy and efficient. Land Guard Raised Garden Bed has an average rating of 4.1 stars. 

Best Choice Products 6x3x1ft Outdoor Metal Raised Garden Bed

Best Choice Products Metal Raised Garden Bed is a perfect choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. It has spacious 18-square-foot frames that are about a foot high off the ground. It’s easy to assemble, as most customers have commended. You need a Phillips screwdriver to screw the sides, but besides that, you’re good to go. Best Choice Products Metal Garden Bed has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. 

Galen PanAmerica Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed (9ft x 3ft)

Galen Pan America Garden Bed is perfect for a big garden. It’s a 9ft × 3 ft metal garden bed that’s galvanized and sturdy to hold against tough wind. You can plant your vegetables, flowers, and plants in this bed. The customer rating is quite high at 4.4 stars, which can be owed to the high-quality materials used. Despite its large size, customers have commended that the bed is easy to assemble with clear instructions and that all the necessary hardware is intact. 

How to Choose the Best Galvanized Raised Garden Bed for Your Needs

You need to consider your available space and what you want your garden to look like before getting a galvanized raised garden bed. Here are some factors to consider before buying a metal raised bed:

Assessing Your Garden Space

Measure the area where you plan to place the bed. It’ll help you know the maximum dimensions you can comfortably fit in that space without overcrowding your garden. You should also consider if you have plans to increase your garden area or add more beds later. If you do, you can go for modular designs, like VEVOR beds, that you can expand or reconfigure to fit the shape you want. 

Understanding Your Gardening Goals

Consider the types of plants you want to grow. Deep-rooted vegetables like tomatoes and carrots (12-18 inches) would need deeper beds, while shallow-rooted plants can thrive in shallow beds. 

Another question to ask yourself is what your short-term and long-term gardening plans are. If you’re starting with a few vegetables and plan to expand later, you can get a medium-sized bed with modular capabilities.  

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Galvanized Raised Garden Beds

Your installation process starts from your garden to your bed. Follow these tips to get it right.

Installation Steps

To install your bed, you must;

• Select a location. Preferably somewhere sunny with good drainage. 
• Clear the area of weeds, rocks, and debris. 
• Lay out all the parts and tools. Attach the corner panels first— use the provided screws and bolts. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• If you’re installing a larger bet, insert reinforcement bars to maintain the structure.  
• Place the assembled bed in your prepared location. 
• Add some gravel or small rocks at the bottom before adding the topsoil to aid drainage.

To do all this, you may need a:

• Screwdriver 
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Shovel
• Gravel
• Topsoil and compost 
• Screws and bolts. 

Maintenance and Care

You should clean the bed regularly to maintain its appearance. Wash the outer surfaces with water and mild soap to remove dirt and debris— using harsh chemicals can damage the galvanized coating. 

While steel is rust-resistant, it can still rust. Regularly inspect your garden bed for any signs of rust or damage. If you spot any rust, sand that area off and apply a cold galvanizing compound or zinc-rich paint to restore the coating. Ensuring proper drainage and making sure water isn’t pooling at the base of the bed will eliminate rust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Galvanized Raised Garden Beds Safe for Vegetables?

Yes, galvanized raised garden beds are safe for growing vegetables. The zinc coating prevents rusting, which could leach harmful substances into the soil.

How Long Do Galvanized Raised Garden Beds Last?

Galvanized raised garden beds can last for 20 years or more if you buy a top-quality one, and it is properly maintained. 

Can Galvanized Raised Garden Beds Be Painted?

Yes. If you desire to paint your galvanized garden bed, you can do so. Just ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when doing so.

Conclusion

Now that you know the best galvanized raised garden beds and how to choose and maintain them, getting your garden bed should be easy. If you still aren’t sure about which way to go, we recommend that you buy from VEVOR’s collection of galvanized raised garden beds. They’re high-quality, adjustable, and beginner-friendly—and they come with free gloves. Visit the VEVOR website today to make a purchase, and you can take that opportunity to explore more gardening tools from the brand.