Although we're all for a wooden enclosure for a raised bed, we understand that you might not have the inclination to do the construction yourself. Or you may plan on moving around from year to year and would like to take your bed with you. If that's the case, then Easy Garden, might be what you're looking for!
This easy set-up garden structure is intended to hold up to the elements, while still being easy to transport. The panels are made from 18 gauge, galvanized steel, with a baked-on enamel finish, while the posts are made from vinyl. The structure can sit on a patio or existing plot of land. It's up to you if you use a liner, though it's suggested for use on patios, decking and concrete.
We actually quite like the idea having moved many (many) times over recent years. This structure would have allowed us to give the interior dirt to neighbors and packed up our garden with us for each move. Our only question is about the color. Although it sounds superficial, if we're baking on finishes, why couldn't we have had solid color options (like pink, green or even yellow!)?
You can purchase the Easy Garden Box at a greenhouse near you (check here for locations), though there's no word on price yet. What do you think? Is this a product for you?
Via: Charles & Hudson
(Image: Easy Garden Box)
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We move a lot, too, but seeing that it cost less than 20 bucks to build our raised bed from wood and that by building it ourselves, we could make sure the dimensions fit where we wanted it in our backyard, I think that building a new bed every couple of years would be less hassle than taking apart and storing that thing after it's been filled wth dirt. Also, it's not very attractive.
Is that second picture of a raised bed in a roller rink? That carpet is insane.
I love raised beds, but it seems much more "green" to recycle locally available materials (e.g. wood from palates) - and I agree with Kandyce78 that size and shape flexibility is an important feature. Personally, I also dislike the vinyl finish on the corner posts.
the concept is interesting but that is not cute!
I am planning on making a 7 foot by 3 foot raised bed and I cannot find the materials for less than $50, most of the materials I have considered come out to $100. What did you use to make your raised bed less than $20?
I ditto jess thrift. The idea is great, but the look of those vinyl panels is "dirty." Perhaps a structure made of some kind of natural material would be better?
P.S. The title is deceiving. I was looking forward to seeing a raised "bed." (lol)
I wouldn't put vinyl anywhere near my veggies...
I know this reply is a little late, but our bed is only 5 foot by 3 foot and we bought 4 untreated 2x6 boards in an 8 foot length from Lowe's (and had them cut them for us)for less than $3 per board. We also bought a 6 foot 4x4 for about $4 and a box of deck screws. We did invest in a couple of tools that we didn't have on hand, but those will be used for other things also. Granted, we don't have a pretty cedar box, and untreated "white wood" will break down faster than other woods, but it has proved to be quite servicable so far, and we aren't intending this box to last through the years. Also we chose untreated wood because it would be rather close to our vegetable plants and we didn't want chemical laden woods next to our food. And while our box isn't as beautiful as cedar, it is lovely in it's own way.
The idea is good but I wouldn't like vinyl in my garden, too. Why not make your own from timber posts and corrugated iron sheets? This may be a much nicer combination, perhaps for a compost heap?
The only drawback I see when using metal instead of wood planks is the missing isolation against heat or frost.