Missteps in Amateur Farming: What We Learned the Hard Way
Published on February 12, 2018
Written by Greg Seaman
In 2018, home gardeners had a variety of options to choose from when it came to raised garden beds. Three popular choices were natural cedar raised garden beds, wooden raised planters (especially fir wood), and modular metal raised garden beds.
Natural cedar raised garden beds are highly durable and rot-resistant, making them a long-lasting choice for vegetable, flower, and herb gardens. These beds are handcrafted in the USA from kiln-dried cedar and feature rust-proof steel corner pins and crossbars for added strength. They also allow roots to grow into the soil beneath naturally, offering a more organic gardening experience. With various height options available by stacking boards, these beds can be customised to suit your needs. They come with a five-year warranty, ensuring a long lifespan for your investment[1].
Wooden raised planters, particularly those made of fir wood, offer mobility for gardeners with limited space or those who are renting. These planters are easy to move and are suitable for growing plants like strawberries that benefit from being off the ground to reduce slug damage. They can also be fitted with trellises, providing space-efficient vertical growth for climbing vegetables and flowers. However, it's worth noting that these planters require annual treatment to extend their wood life[2].
Modular metal raised garden beds offer versatility with multiple configuration options. They are coated with USDA-approved non-toxic paint for safety and their modular design allows gardeners to customise the shape and size of beds according to available space. These beds tend to be extra tall, which helps reduce back strain, and feature durable metal construction with eco-friendly materials[3].
In 2018, the choice of raised garden bed depended on priorities such as durability, ease of assembly, mobility, and the types of plants grown. Cedar beds were favoured for their longevity and soil interaction, wooden planters for their mobility and aesthetics, and metal modular beds for their customisation and height.
Additional products mentioned in the article include the Jora JK270 Composter, a 9.5 cubic feet composter, the Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer with an 8-0-0 nutrient ratio, the Worm Factory 360 Composter, the Stainless Steel Compost Keeper, the Farmstead Raised Garden Bed, the VegTrug Raised Garden Planter - Natural Wood, the Wildflower Farms Eco-Lawn Grass Seed - 5 lb, and the Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose - Slim 7/16".
[1] [Source] [2] [Source] [3] [Source] [Sources] referencing legacy products and designs as of 2025.
Sustainable living can be enhanced by opting for a customizable modular metal raised garden bed, which offers versatility and a height advantage for reduced back strain, while still delivering eco-friendly materials. For those who prize mobility and aesthetics, wooden raised planters, particularly fir wood ones, appeal due to their suitability for growing plants like strawberries and their ability to be easily moved. For a long-lasting investment in vegetable, flower, and herb gardens, natural cedar raised garden beds, handcrafted in the USA, provide an organic gardening experience with added strength and various height options.
