Raised Circular Garden Beds: A Unique and Appealing Option for Gardeners

Raised garden beds are a popular gardening method that provides many benefits over traditional in-ground planting. The contained design allows for superior drainage, fewer weeds, and easier access without compacting surrounding soil. While rectangular raised beds are the most common shape, circular raised beds offer a unique stylish alternative for your backyard or garden space.

Why Choose Circular Raised Beds?

A round raised bed shape provides some nice advantages

• Space Saving – Circles utilize space efficiently, especially fitting into tight corners. Maximizes planting area.

• Improved Accessibility – The continuous curve allows tending the bed from any angle without reaching across an entire length.

• Enhanced Drainage – Sheds water evenly off the sides with no puddling in corners.

• Visual Appeal – The rounded form looks organic, natural, and adds aesthetic interest

• Custom Sizing – Diameter can be tailored to your exact needs and available space.

• Flexible Layouts – Beds can stand alone or be combined in numerous shapes and clusters.

• Low Maintenance – Fewer corners means less weeds. And edges are easy to maintain.

If you want a refreshing change from ordinary garden boxes, a round raised bed offers useful benefits and curb appeal. The soft circular shape creates a smooth naturalistic look.

Materials for Building Circular Raised Garden Beds

There are many good options for constructing round raised planter boxes:

• Wood – Use rot-resistant woods like cedar, redwood or treated pine. Affordable and easy to work.

• Brick or Stone – Dry stack stone or brick to desired height without mortar. Higher cost but very durable.

• Concrete Blocks – Inexpensive but heavy. Consider lightweight versions for easier installation.

• Landscape Timbers – Sturdy pressure treated wood timbers are economical. Limit skin contact with treated lumber.

• Metal – Galvanized steel or aluminum sheeting is very sturdy but can show dents. Usually smaller sizes.

• Plastic Lumber – Made from HDPE or composites. Withstands weather and won’t rot.

• Fabric – Form casual contained growing spaces by securing landscape fabric.

Sizing Your Circular Raised Beds

When planning your circular raised bed, consider the diameter size:

• Small (3-4 feet) – Good for herbs, flowers, greens. Fits in very tight spots.

• Medium (4-6 feet) – Flexible for mixes of veggies, herbs, flowers. Use corners well.

• Large (6-8 feet) – Grow diverse vegetables. Center space for taller crops or seating.

• Extra Large (8+ feet) – Make a bold statement. Add paths, trellises, decorative accents.

Measure your available space and design plans before building. Combine multiple sized round beds for a custom layout.

Unique Design Options for Round Raised Beds

Get creative with these circular raised garden bed design ideas:

• Build a two-tier bed with a lower wide ring and higher narrow center ring for vertical gardening.

• Make a spiral bed that curves inward following the circle’s edge. Adds whimsical flair.

• Use reclaimed materials like old wagon wheels, barrels, or wood planks for funky casual edges.

• Incorporate a bench seat or walking path around the inner or outer circumference.

• Add decorative stone, tile, or wood caps atop the bed walls for visual interest.

• Include a compost bin in the center opening of an extra large diameter ring bed.

• Construct a tiered pyramid design with ascending rings getting progressively smaller.

• Try ellipse, oval and egg shapes for organic flowing lines and asymmetry.

• Use irregularly sized flagstones dry-stacked around the outer edge for a casual border.

Installation Tips for Circular Raised Planter Boxes

Building a round raised bed takes a bit more effort but can be a DIY project. Follow these helpful tips:

• Make detailed plans for the curved shape. Don’t wing it.

• For wooden beds, use narrower boards or bendable cedar planks for easier curved edges.

• Anchor the bed into the ground below for stability. Use rebar, stakes, or a center post. Cross brace corners.

• Line beds with landscape fabric to minimize soil against the walls and prevent weeds.

• Ensure good drainage with gravel layers or holes in the base if installing on solid surfaces.

• Arrange drip irrigation around the inner circumference for easy full watering coverage.

• Place taller trellised or vining plants in the center and lower growers around the edges.

What to Plant in Elevated Circular Beds

Round raised beds work great for all kinds of flowers, vegetables, herbs and other plants. Some top options include:

Vegetables – Lettuce, kale, radishes, carrots, peas, beans, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant

Herbs – Basil, oregano, thyme, sage, cilantro, parsley, chives, mint

Edible Flowers – Nasturtiums, violas, marigolds, calendula

Annual Flowers – Zinnias, cosmos, snapdragons, petunias, asters, salvias

Perennial Flowers – Daylilies, coneflowers, lavender, coreopsis, daisies

Berry Bushes – Dwarf blueberries or raspberries (for larger beds)

Ornamental Grasses – Maiden grass, fountain grass, sedge

Focus on what grows best in your particular region and climate conditions.

Get Creative With Circular Garden Bed Designs

If you have unused space, a round raised planter can open up new gardening possibilities while adding aesthetic appeal. The circular form lends itself to imagination and innovation.

Brainstorm cool ways to incorporate round beds into water features, pathways, arbors, lighting, vertical layers, or surprising shapes. Combining curvy beds with straight edges and angles can make an eye-catching garden focal point.

Dare to think outside the box and design a distinctive circular raised bed garden that reflects your unique personality and style! The round shape offers refreshing possibilities beyond ordinary rectangular boxes.

Shopping for Raised Circular Garden Beds

Many home improvement retailers offer pre-fabricated round raised garden beds in materials like wood, plastic and metal. Or find all the supplies needed to construct your own custom circular raised bed.

The Home Depot carries a nice selection of round metal and wood raised beds in sizes from 24 inches up to 4 feet in diameter. Prices range from $45 up to $350. Brands include LuxenHome, Aoodor, Sunnydaze and more.

Lowe’s offers the Vigoro Elevated Circle Garden Bed in 28 inch and 40 inch diameters. Constructed of pine wood with a black enamel coated finish for $70 to $130. They also sell materials to build round raised beds.

Amazon has a massive assortment of round raised garden kits and containers in all price ranges. Materials include wood, galvanized steel, fabric pots, recycled plastic and more. Diameters from 1 to 8 feet.

For a unique handmade raised bed, Etsy sellers offer a wide variety of custom circular raised planter boxes in materials like cedar, redwood, pine, iron, steel, and repurposed whiskey barrels.

Raised Garden Beds from Frame It All

For stunning round raised beds handcrafted from quality composite materials, Frame It All is an excellent choice. They are experts in creating uniquely shaped tiered, spiraled, curved and circular raised garden beds.

Fun designs include the Versailles Sunburst, Lazy Curve, Wavy Navy, Roundabout, and Curved Terrace beds ranging from 4 feet to over 10 feet in diameter. Prices $130 to $1100. Made in the USA.

Raised circular garden beds provide a refreshing design change from ordinary rectangular shapes. The flowing curved form offers better ergonomics, drainage, and plant access. Materials like wood, metal, plastic, fabric and masonry can all be used to construct round planter boxes and elevated beds.

Get creative with round raised bed sizes, layouts, materials and decorative enhancements. Plant flowers, vegetables, herbs and other plants. A circular raised bed can expand your gardening space while adding beauty and distinction to your landscape.