The Hardworking Garden Bed That Keeps Critters Out (2024)

If you want a classic raised garden bed that does exactly what it's supposed to do (no more, no less), opt for one made entirely of cedar or cypress because bugs and pests tend to stay away from such types of wood. This one, available in both types of wood and several sizes, also happens to be rot-resistant making it one of our favorites. "The 14-inch depth allows for deep root planting," Rutigliano adds.

Technically, this isn't a raised garden bed because it doesn't exactly work for deep planting, but it's so stylish and slender that we felt it deserved a spot on our list. It's inspired by vintage dolly tubs, but a bit more durable. For instance, it's hand-crafted using lightweight fiber clay that is resistant to everything from rain to frost, so feel free to leave it outside all winter.

Costing less than $50, Amazon's affordable pick is perfect for a long, skinny lawn. Coming in at eight feet long and only 25 inches wide, it's ideal for any small space. You can also use the baffle to create two separate growing areas depending on what you're looking to garden—flowers on one side and produce on the other, for example.

Another raised garden bed that works well in small spaces? This GRO Products freestanding vertical system made of untreated cedar. It may be able to squeeze into tiny nooks without a hitch, but it isn't exactly on the small side. In fact, it features three sizable planting boxes that you can move up or down depending on how tall your goods grow. Each box also comes with a heavy-duty liner to protect the wood and provide decent drainage for the soil.

Available in a jet black and a soothing espresso, this Latitude Run raised garden bed can double as living patio furniture—especially because it's rust- and weather-resistant. What sets it apart is also the self-watering feature making it a low-effort, high-reward silhouette.

Suitable for indoors and outdoors, this raised planter also comes with a self-watering system, minimizing your plant parent responsibilities. Since it's crafted using recyclable polyethylene, it's resistant to chipping, fading, and mildew.

You may not be able to tell from the photo, but this raised planter box sits atop a set of wheels, making it easy to move in and out of the sun—or just about anywhere that suits your plants's fancy. This charming cart also includes a shelf to store all of your gardening essentials.

Perfect for a patio or deck, this raised garden bed boasts a durable coated steel body and a protective thermoplastic base. The durability aside, it's ideal for planting produce or anything with deep roots because the base is a whopping 15 inches tall.

For anyone growing veggies, you may want to consider snagging Williams Sonoma's best-selling raised garden bed. The deep V-shaped bed isn't just stylish, it also offers your plants—deep-rooted vegetables, ground-hugging herbs, and everything in between—a range of soil depths. Truly nothing is off-limits when it comes to this unique raised bed.

For those looking to host a variety of plants, this U-shaped raised bed is an excellent choice for sectioning them off. While it may look complicated to put together, it doesn't require a single tool. Simply slide the untreated wood frames into their respective interlocking joints and call it a day.

Our final suggestion comes with a cover, so you can turn your raised garden bed into a mini greenhouse if needed. It also works extra hard to keep pests—bugs, rodents, and pretty much anything else—from getting into your fresh flowers, herbs, and produce.

Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't use traditional garden soil in raised beds. Rutigliano suggests opting for a light potting mix.

We received expert advice from Jaclyn Rutigliano, the co-founder of Hometown Flower Co.—which connects avid botanists with local farmers. It also doubles as a digital florist, offering fresh, local varieties delivered in the brand's signature "flowers in a bag" style. She's the ideal floral expert and you can count on her tips above to deliver!