Grow a Bountiful Garden with Raised Beds from Northern Tool

For us avid gardeners there’s nothing more satisfying than walking outside to pluck fresh tomatoes, carrots or herbs for dinner. But traditional in-ground gardening poses some challenges. Bending over to tend the soil can be hard on the back. Poor drainage leads to root rot. And critters view your tender vegetables as an open buffet.

The solution? Raised garden beds from Northern Tool

Raised beds lift your garden off the ground, reducing back strain. They allow you to control the soil quality, ensuring proper drainage. And with elevated sides, raised beds keep rabbits and deer at bay. I’ve used raised beds for over 10 years, and I’ll never go back to in-ground gardening. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of raised garden beds and see the excellent selection at Northern Tool.

Why Choose Raised Garden Beds?

Here are some of the top advantages of using raised beds for your vegetable or flower garden:

• Reduce bending and kneeling. With raised beds, there’s no need for stooping over or kneeling to tend your plants. The higher elevation makes gardening more comfortable on your joints.

• Provide good drainage. When building a raised bed, you get to fill it with high-quality soil and compost tailored to your plants’ needs. The improved drainage and aeration in raised beds prevents root rot.

• Allow earlier planting. The loose, nutrient-rich soil in a raised bed warms up faster in spring than the ground does. You can get a head start on the growing season by planting or transplanting seedlings 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.

• Reduce weeds. Raised beds allow you to start fresh with high-quality soil, avoiding weed seeds found in native soil. Fewer weeds mean less work keeping your garden tidy!

• Deter pests. The elevated sides of a raised bed form a barrier that keeps rabbits, groundhogs, and other critters from feasting on your veggies. No need for fencing.

• Grow in poor soil. If your yard has thick, heavy clay soil or sand that won’t hold moisture, raised beds let you create the ideal soil environment despite the existing soil conditions.

• Increase planting density. Raised beds allow you to space plants closer together because of the loose, fertile soil. You can grow more food in less space!

Choosing the Right Raised Garden Bed

Northern Tool offers a wide selection of raised garden beds to suit any gardener’s needs:

Wood Raised Beds

Wood is the classic material for raised beds. It looks great in any garden and blends with both natural and landscaped yards.

• Cedar – Fragrant cedar resists rot naturally, eliminating the need to apply preservatives. It’s lightweight and easy to work with.
• Fir – Organic fir is sustainably harvested and mill-finished for a smooth surface. Sturdy fir construction holds up well over time.
• Pine – Pine is an economical choice for raised beds. Select pre-treated pine for higher resistance to decay.

Metal Raised Beds

Metal raised beds provide a sleek, modern look. Their tough material won’t chip or crack.

• Steel – Powder-coated steel can handle any weather and offers good value. Choose galvanized steel for rust resistance.
• Aluminum – Lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum is easy to move. Recycled aluminum has a small environmental footprint.

Recycled Plastic Raised Beds

For a nearly carefree raised bed, recycled plastic is the way to go. It won’t rot, crack, or require painting or staining.

• Poly lumber – Made from recycled milk jugs, poly lumber looks similar to wood yet never needs replacement.
• Composite – Composite raised beds contain sawdust, recycled plastic bags, and other reclaimed materials.

Concrete Raised Beds

Concrete raised beds are incredibly sturdy and durable. They’re also the most expensive option but will last for decades.

Raised Garden Bed Shapes and Sizes

In addition to material, also consider the shape and dimensions of your new raised bed. Northern Tool stocks several sizes:

• Small – 2 to 4 feet long. Great for herbs, flowers, or lettuce. Fit in tight spaces.
• Medium – 4 to 8 feet long. Allow room for tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and more.
• Large – Over 8 feet long. Make long rows for carrots, beans, potatoes and other root crops.
• Square – Equal dimensions on all sides. Optimal for reaching the center without stepping in the bed.
• Rectangle – Longer than wide. Provide more room for plants or allow mowing between beds.
• Corner triangle – Make use of corner space while allowing access from two sides.

Measure your garden space carefully to ensure enough room for the beds and at least 2-3 feet between beds and any fences or structures.

For accessibility, keep bed height between 24 and 30 inches tall. Shorter than 24 inches defeats some of the ergonomic benefits. Taller than 30 inches makes reaching the center difficult.

Get Growing!

Raised beds offer so many advantages over in-ground gardening. You’ll enjoy the convenience of raised beds for years to come. The extensive selection at Northern Tool has durable raised beds to match any landscape.

I recommend starting small if this is your first try at raised bed gardening. A 2×4 foot cedar or pine bed is inexpensive and easy to manage. You can always expand by adding more beds later!

Gardening in raised beds allows me to grow fresh, organic produce right outside my door. I save money on groceries while getting exercise and enjoying nature. With the right materials and smart design, you can create the ultimate vegetable or flower garden in raised beds. Give it a try – your back, wallet, and tastebuds will thank you!