Your Box Garden Guide: What to Buy and Why It Matters

Once you decide to go the raised bed route, the next question always shows up in my inbox:

“Okay Beau… but which box gardens should I buy?” (am I qualified to answer this - absolutely not! LOL, but here is what I learned)

And the truth is:
Your perfect garden bed has everything to do with where you live, your climate, your space, and honestly… your personality. (at least this is what I have figured out)

Here’s a simple, clear guide to help you choose the right raised beds—whether you’re gardening on a New York balcony, in the desert, the mountains, or a backyard in Beverly Hills.

1. GALVANIZED METAL BEDS

Best for: hot climates, pests, durability, and the chic-farm look

Metal beds have become the “it-girl” of the garden world. They’re modern, durable, and look gorgeous in almost any setting—from Park City to Hong Kong rooftops.

Why they’re great:

• Reflects heat without overheating plant roots

• Extremely long-lasting (10–20 years)

• Lightweight for patios & rooftops

• Harder for critters to chew through

• Clean, high-end look

Best for climates:

• Hot regions (Texas, California, Middle East)

• Windy or exposed areas

• Urban settings where rodents might be around

Beau’s Pick:

• Vego / Olle metal garden beds (tall, modular, beautiful finish)

Why I love them:

They’re elegant but tough—truly the Beverly Hills Farm vibe… glam meets grounded.

2. WOODEN CEDAR RAISED BEDS

Best for: cool climates, cottage gardens, and people who love natural materials

Cedar is nature’s gift to gardeners: naturally pest-resistant, smells like heaven, and ages into a beautiful silvery tone.

Why they’re great:

• Insulates soil in colder climates

• Eco-friendly

• Softer, classic garden aesthetic

• Safer for kids (corners aren’t sharp)

Best for climates:

• Cold areas (Utah, Colorado, Canada, Scandinavia)

• Moist climates (Pacific Northwest)

• Beverly Hills backyards with a softer look

Beau’s Pick:

• Forever Raised Beds (Gardener’s Supply Co.)

• Greenes Premium Cedar Beds

Important note:

Don’t buy pressure-treated wood—chemicals can leach into your soil.

3. TALL RAISED BEDS (28–32 inches high)

Best for: animal protection, chronic back issues, clean design

If you live somewhere with deer, rabbits, groundhogs, moose, porcupines, or curious French bulldogs (hi, same), height matters.

Why they’re great:

• Animals can’t hop in easily

• No bending = your back will thank you

• Great for patios & renters

• Protects soil from wet ground

Ideal for:

• Park City wildlife

• Suburban areas with rabbits

• Urban balconies where you need height for drainage

Beau’s Pick:

• Vego Tall Series

• Behrens Tall Galvanized Planters

4. BOTTOMED RAISED BEDS (Containers with Floors)

Best for: rooftops, balconies, renters, small spaces

If you live in NYC, Tokyo, Singapore, London, or anywhere without a real yard, this is your best friend.

Why they’re great:

• Soil stays contained

• Cleaner and lighter

• Protects surfaces like tile, cement, and decks

• Portable when you move

Best for:

• High-rises

• Apartments

• Indoor/outdoor hybrid spaces

Beau’s Pick:

• VegTrug (classic, sturdy, beginner-friendly)

5. SELF-WATERING RAISED BEDS

Best for: travelers, busy moms, people who forget to water (no shame)

These have built-in reservoirs that water the plant roots from below.

Why they’re great:

• Low maintenance

• Saves water

• Keeps plants alive during vacations

• Amazing for herbs & tomatoes

Best for climates:

• Hot, dry regions

• Anywhere with water restrictions

Beau’s Pick:

• Urban Bloomer by Keter

• EarthBox

6. MODULAR RAISED BEDS (Custom Shapes)

Best for: statement gardens & aesthetic girlies

These let you build L-shapes, U-shapes, long rows, or symmetrical layouts.

Why they’re great:

• Perfect for design lovers

• Work for gardens big and small

• Create “garden rooms”

• Ideal for expansions

Best for:

• People who want a designed garden

• Anyone with a larger space

• Content creators / photographers

Beau’s Pick:

• Olle & Vego modular systems

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS BY LOCATION

If you’re in Beverly Hills or SoCal:

• Go metal or cedar

• Choose taller beds (rodents are real)

• Plan for irrigation—sun is intense

If you’re in Park City / Utah:

• Choose tall beds for animals

• Cedar for insulation

• Metal works but dries fast—add mulch

If you’re in NYC / dense cities:

• Go with VegTrug or container-style

• Make sure weight is rooftop-safe

• Prioritize drainage

If you’re in humid Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan):

• Metal holds up better than wood

• Choose deeper beds for heat stress

• Consider partial shade for herbs

If you live where it snows heavily:

• Cedar or tall metal beds

• Avoid plastic—it cracks

• Consider winter covers for soil health

ANIMAL FACTOR: WHO’S TRYING TO EAT YOUR GARDEN?

Deer:

Use tall beds + deer fencing, or plant strong herbal borders (rosemary, sage).

Rabbits:

Taller beds are your best option. They’re Olympic athletes when motivated.

Groundhogs:

Metal beds + hardware cloth underneath.

Dogs (including Frenchies):

Use tall beds or short fencing.
(Believe me, I have learned this.)

Birds:

Use netting during seedling stage.

MY FINAL THOUGHT

The perfect raised bed is the one that fits your life—not the one that looks best on Pinterest.

Ask yourself:

• What’s my climate?

• What space do I actually have?

• Who else lives in my yard besides me?

• How much time do I realistically want to spend maintaining?

Once you answer those, the choice becomes beautifully clear.

Here are a few of my favorites!