Guide for Newbies: Crafting a Vegetable Patch from Scratch
Published on February 24, 2020
In the quest for a sustainable and eco-friendly garden, choosing the right raised garden bed is crucial. This year, options that combine durability, safety for edible plants, and usability features have risen to the top. Here are some top choices based on quality, materials, and organic gardening suitability.
**1. Cedar Wood Raised Garden Beds**
Made from 100% untreated cedar, these beds are naturally decay-resistant and safe for planting vegetables, herbs, and flowers directly without liners. Cedar has a pleasant scent and warm tones, and beds are built with sturdy, thick boards to prevent warping or separation. Typically around 11-18 inches tall, they are ideal for most garden plants. Resistant to rot without using chemical treatments, they make an excellent choice for organic gardening. An example is the Raised Cedar Sustainable Garden Bed from DeMeyer Woodcrafts on Etsy, noted for its quality craftsmanship and non-toxic materials.
**2. Modular Metal Raised Garden Beds with Aluzinc Steel**
Constructed from Aluzinc steel, a corrosion-resistant metal that does not leach chemicals into soil, these beds are built to last decades without maintenance. They combine the look of wood with the durability of metal and are easy to assemble and modular, allowing different configurations to fit your garden space. The paint used is USDA-approved, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, further supporting organic practices. Examples include the EverGrove series and the 26" Tall 9-in-1 Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit from Vego Garden.
**3. Extra Tall Modular Metal Beds (29” height)**
Taller beds help keep soil healthier and reduce bending strain during gardening. Suitable for large or multi-shape garden configurations, they are designed for ease of use and organic soil health. An example is the Birdies Large Modular Raised Metal Garden Bed from Epic Gardening.
### Summary Comparison
| Feature | Cedar Wood Raised Beds | Modular Metal Beds (Aluzinc Steel) | Extra Tall Modular Metal Beds (29") | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Material | Untreated Cedar wood | Aluzinc steel with USDA-approved paint | Aluzinc steel with USDA-approved paint | | Durability | Naturally decay-resistant, lasts years | Corrosion-resistant, lasts decades | Corrosion-resistant, lasts decades | | Organic Gardening Safe | Yes, no chemical treatments | Yes, non-toxic paint, no chemical leaching | Yes, same as metal beds | | Height | ~11-18 inches | ~26 inches | 29 inches | | Assembly | Ready-made boxes, may include wheels | Modular kits, easy assembly | Modular kits, easy assembly | | Best Use | Small to medium spaces, traditional look | Medium to large spaces, customizable shapes | Large spaces requiring tall beds | | Price Range | Around $168 and up | Varies, often higher due to metal and modularity | Similar to other metal modular kits |
For organic gardening, cedar wood beds are excellent for those who prefer natural wood and ease of planting without liners. For gardeners prioritizing durability and modular design, metal raised beds with non-toxic coatings like those from Vego Garden are ideal and safe for organic food growing.
In addition to these options, other products worth considering include the Jora JK270 Composter with a capacity of 9.5 Cubic Feet, the Worm Factory 360 Composter, VegTrug Raised Garden Planter - Natural Wood, Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed - 5 lb, and the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed. A Stainless Steel Compost Keeper is also a useful addition to any organic garden. Don't forget to invest in a Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose - Slim 7/16" for watering your plants.
[1] Raised Cedar Sustainable Garden Bed, DeMeyer Woodcrafts on Etsy,
Raised cedar wood beds are suitable for organic gardening enthusiasts who prefer natural wood and easy planting without liners, making the Raised Cedar Sustainable Garden Bed from DeMeyer Woodcrafts on Etsy a top choice. For home-and-garden lifestyles that prioritize durability and flexibility, the Modular Metal Raised Garden Beds with Aluzinc Steel from brands like Vego Garden offer ease of assembly and support organic food growing practices.
