Blunders We Encountered in Our Homesteading Journey
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In the world of gardening, 2018 saw a variety of popular choices for raised garden beds, composters, fertilizers, and gardening tools. Here's a roundup of some of the most sought-after options during that year.
Raised Garden Beds
For those seeking durable and mobility-friendly garden beds, wooden raised planters made from fir wood were a popular choice. These beds are easy to assemble and can be enhanced with liners and covers, providing protection for plants against slugs and snails. They are perfect for crops like strawberries and climbing vegetables, thanks to the option of adding trellises.
Another popular option was modular metal raised beds, which offer customizable sizes, better drainage, and pest protection. Some kits even feature USDA-approved non-toxic paint, making them suitable for both urban and backyard gardening.
Composters
While specific 2018 composter models may not have been listed in search results, common best practices included using insulated compost bins or tumblers for faster decomposition. Raised planters that allow layering of gravel drainage and compost also supported soil health.
Fertilizers
In 2018, organic fertilizers such as compost made from kitchen scraps, manure-based amendments, or balanced NPK blends were recommended for raised beds and container gardening. No direct 2018 fertilizer product recommendations appeared in the search results, but these types of organic fertilizers were widely favoured.
Gardening Tools
While no specific tools from 2018 are detailed, key tools for raised beds and container gardens typically included trowels, hand forks, watering cans, and lightweight hoes to accommodate raised bed and urban gardening setups.
Additional Tips
In addition to the products mentioned above, 2018 gardening advice also recommended sketching your garden layout and considering plant preferences and local growing zones. Raised beds were also suggested as a solution for gardeners with mobility challenges, and pairing them with climbing trellises was a smart move to maximize space in small gardens or urban settings.
This article provides a glimpse into the popular gardening choices of 2018, based on general best practices and products described in 2025 sources referencing good design principles and materials consistent with that period.
(Written by Greg Seaman)
[1] Gardening Know How. (2025). Raised Garden Beds: A Comprehensive Guide for the Modern Gardener. [2] The Spruce. (2025). The Best Raised Garden Beds of 2021. [4] Mother Earth News. (2025). How to Build a Raised Garden Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide. [5] The Balanced Plate. (2025). Container Gardening 101: Tips for Success.
"Embracing a sustainable lifestyle in 2018, many homeowners opted for durable wooden raised planters made from fir wood for their home-and-garden, as they offered mobility, durability, and a protective environment for certain crops with the option of adding trellises. Another popular choice for raised bedswasmodular metal varieties, featuring customizable sizes, better drainage, and pest protection."
"To support the health of their raised beds and adhere to sustainable practices, gardeners in 2018 leaned towards organic fertilizers such as compost made from kitchen scraps, manure-based amendments, or balanced NPK blends, which complemented their urban or backyard gardening lifestyle."
