I have a section of my yard that has been unmanageable for over three years.
No matter what I do or try, by the end of the growing season, it’s overgrown, and I’m just ready for the season to be over with so I can rip everything out.
This year I’m trying something a little different. A raised bed will help me manage weeds and overgrown vegetation, so I’ve decided to install a few in this section of my yard.
I’ve constructed them from cedar in the past, and although I love building, I wanted to try something less time intrusive and different this time. Hence, the raised metal bed garden.
If you, too, are interested in using a bed like this, read on for my review and see how I put mine together.
Helpful Items for Growing in a Raised Metal Bed
What Are Raised Metal Beds?
Raised metal beds are similar to wood raised beds in that they were both designed to hold soil in place to help us create garden beds.
Unlike their wooden counterparts, they are made of aluminum, steel, or galvanized metal. This feature was desirable to me because I wanted something to last and wanted to save money. Cedar can be costly.
They come in many different sizes and shapes, which allows the gardener to choose the perfect one for their garden space.
Why Metal is the Way to Go
There are many reasons why a raised metal bed is the best choice for your gardening needs. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but its durability and customizable design make it a very desirable option for any gardener.
Unlike wood, which can deteriorate over time, these metal raised beds are made to withstand the elements and last a very long time.
They are anti-corrosive and very strong. In addition, the frame can withstand the pressure of the soil used to fill the bed. This means you won’t have issues like buckling or warping over time as you would with other materials such as lumber or plastic.
Unboxing the Raised Metal Beds
I was surprised by how compact the box the raised bed came in. There were ten pieces in all, six curved pieces, and the other four were straight. In addition, the box came with the hardware and tools I would need to attach the pieces.
I was pleasantly surprised that the galvanized metal was not flimsy. It was sturdy and not bendable. Once the pieces were attached, it was light enough for me to move. I was easily able to position it so that I could ensure it was correctly leveled.
It's All in the Set Up
Putting your metal raised bed together is relatively simple. The model I purchased had all the tools and hardware needed and a few extras.
The directions came in a picture form which was easy to follow. I had to attach the three curved pieces to the two straight pieces and again on the other side. It took me around 15 minutes to put the entire structure together.
The kit came with a lug nut wrench and screwdriver. The tools made fast work of tightening up the screws to the nuts, and I found that once everything was tightened and put together, it was very sturdy.
Filling the Raised Metal Beds
Filling the garden bed would require a lot of soil, and I wanted to save money, so I used the lasagna method to fill up my garden bed.
The lasagna method requires you to fill your garden bed with various materials so that you only have to use soil on the top layer of the bed. This allowed me to use less soil, and leaves and sticks will decompose over time, feeding my plants.
I first filled my bed with sticks and leaves I had yet to clean up from the winter. Next, I filled my garden bed with organically rich soil and composted manure. Composted manure can be purchased at any big box store for much less than potting soil. My local center sells the for $2.37 for a 40lb bag.
Growing Like a Pro
The benefits of growing in raised metal beds are numerous. I especially like that I can control such a small area and not have to worry about too much weeding. In addition, because I do not spray my vegetables with harmful chemicals, it will be easier to control pests by handpicking and spraying such a small area with insecticidal soap and Neem Oil.
I like using bumper crop fertilizer to fertilize all my crops and homemade compost that I add through out the growing season.
Square Foot Gardening in Raised Beds
My favorite method of planning my garden is using the square-foot gardening method. Invented by Mel Bartholomew in the 1980s, it allows for the efficient use of space, making it easier for gardeners to manage their planting area.
For this particular garden, I’m planning an Italian raised bed. The bed measures 2′ x 4,’ and I plan on planting peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and basil.
This seems like a lot to plant in such a small space, and that’s because it is! The square-foot gardening method was designed for these very scenarios. We want to be able to grow a lot of produce in small spaces. By using the square-foot gardening method and organizing our plants with companion plants that will help our plants thrive, we are maximizing our space as well as our yields!
For more information on raised beds and square-foot gardening, subscribe to our newsletter and receive our free e-book. Around the raised bed, I plan on planting marigolds, calendula, and other beneficial plants that will help keep pests like hornworm, aphids, and beetles out of my vegetables.
Final Thoughts
I’m really excited to see what the season has in store using my new metal raised bed. I loved how easy it was to put together and it also looks really good. I want to purchase two others to put in that same area to maximize the space in that area of the yard.
Update: Well, it’s been a year in the elements and the bed looks as good as the day it was installed. So far, I have grown bok choy, dill, garlic, lettuce, and basil all with great success. Overall, it was a great investment and am looking forward to enjoying it for years to come.
Let me know in the comments below if you plan on giving these a try this season. Happy growing!
