My Garden Setup: 3 Best Garden Containers for Every Gardener

1. Raised Steel Beds

I have galvanized steel raised beds, and am completely satisfied with my purchase. When I was shopping around, raised bed options were unusually expensive, partly due to the skyrocketing cost of lumber in 2022 (wood is a common alternative for raised beds). The main reason I landed on these steel beds is because I think they look sleek, and they are extremely durable.

Listed below are the pros and cons of raised steel beds (although despite its cons, I’m obviously still a huge fan of them): 

PROS:

• Does not rot like wood
• Can last upwards of 30 years
• Looks sleeker than a basic wooden bed
• Can come in taller sizes, which are better for your back!
• Tall garden beds are great for retaining moisture, allowing for deeper, less frequent watering

CONS:

• More expensive than building your own wooden bed
• If you buy the tall size, you will need a lot of dirt to fill it, which is an additional cost
  • Note that if you live on a property with fallen wood or leaves, you can throw those in the bottom half of these containers (just make sure there are no chemicals sprayed on any organic material that you use). In my case, I bought some cheap hay bales to throw in.
• May be more work to install than your most basic wooden bed
• Not portable

2. Garden Patch Grow Boxes

I could go on-and-on all day about how much I love the Garden Patch Grow Box. Growing up, my parents always used them, having learned about them from their own parents. Eventually, the idea to use them was passed down to me as well. Over the years, I’ve recommended them to many of my friends, and have even bought them as gifts. I love them so much because of their approachability, low cost, and incredible results. I personally have 10, but 1-3 would be ideal for a new gardener!

PROS:

• Inexpensive compared to other raised bed alternatives
• Great for maximizing smaller spaces
• Can be placed on top of concrete
• More portable 
• Built-in water tank (this aids in under- or over-watering)
• Comes with a mulch covering, thus. you don’t need to weed or fertilize
• Easy install

CONS:

• Less Durable
• Not as pretty looking
• Potential for standing water if no plants are growing and drinking from water tank

3. Grow Bags

Finally, I use fabric grow bags in my garden frequently. They are another good option, but lesser than the previous two options in my opinion

PROS:

• Extremely inexpensive
• Very portable

CONS:

• Less durable and long-lasting
• Does not retain water and nutrients as well because of its porous material

Hope this list of my top 3 garden containers helps you in your gardening journey. Best of luck!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out my other blog posts:

• Starting Seeds vs. Buying Transplants: How to Decide for Your Garden
• When to Plant Indoors vs. Outdoors: A Seasonal Guide for Gardeners
• 4 Reasons Why Tomatoes Are the Best Vegetable to Grow