Get Growing Quickly With Pre-Made Garden Boxes
For gardeners with limited time or space, pre-made above ground gardening boxes offer a fast track to planting. These versatile, accessible raised beds allow you to grow bountiful flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables with minimal fuss.
Choosing Materials for Your Garden Box
Pre-made raised beds come in a variety materials, each with their own characteristics:
- Cedar and redwood resist decay, but are more expensive
- Pine is budget-friendly but requires a protective stain
- Plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene are durable and maintenance-free
- Metals offer modern aesthetic appeal but can transfer heat
Consider weather resistance, texture, style, eco-friendliness and cost when deciding which is best for your climate and gardening purposes.
Key Features to Prioritize
When assessing pre-fab raised beds, keep an eye out for:
- Sturdy reinforced corners for enhanced stability
- Integrated wheels or casters for easy mobility
- Drainage holes and water reservoirs to prevent overwatering
- Modular or stackable options to expand planting space
Premium composite beds may also have useful additions like trellises, lighting, or self-watering systems.
Optimal Placement for Growth
Position your elevated garden bed in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. South or west-facing spaces tend to be optimal in northern latitudes.
Also ensure adequate ventilation, as airflow strengthens plants and avoids issues with pests or mildew. Protect delicate greens from harsh winds with a sheltered locale if possible.
Patios, balconies, or front yards provide creative spots to showcase your portable garden. Community gardens, schools, and urban farms also frequently utilize modular above ground planters to cultivate plants in any available nook.
Planting and Caring for Your Garden
Raised beds drain freely, so may require more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Check soil moisture daily until you have a handle on your garden's needs.
An organic, nutrient-dense potting mix jumpstarts growth. Mix in worm castings or compost for added nourishment over time.
Herbs, leafy greens, strawberries, and dwarf tomato varieties thrive in the approximately 1-2 foot deep soil beds provide.
Prevent pests and mildew by allowing space between plants for airflow. Insect netting and garden fabric offer extra protection if issues arise.
Fertilize organically with compost or fish emulsion as needed, usually every 2-4 weeks during active growth.
Creative Design Inspiration
Customize your portable garden space by:
- Mixing heights for visual interest
- Adding vertical growing space with attached trellises
- Grouping matching colored beds for a cohesive aesthetic
Wheels permit rearranging to capture shifting light exposures. Try wheeling beds together to form a privacy screen or focal point.
Convenient Add-Ons
Upgrade kits and accessories bring ease and functionality:
- Self-watering planters provide constant moisture for less maintenance
- Locking lids give frost protection or safeguard produce
- Supplemental lighting allows starting seeds earlier or illuminates night gardens
Some companies offer custom paint colors or monogrammed bed end caps to coordinate with patio decor. Extend your planting space with stackable modules when needed.
Pre-made raised garden boxes provide convenience and adaptability in a range of aesthetics to match your space. Follow package guidance for a trouble-free gardening experience, then enjoy watching seeds transform into a bountiful, landscape-enhancing oasis.