If you have a limited amount of space or gardening knowledge but still want to experience the satisfaction of watching plants, flowers, and vegetables grow from seed, you can use an above-ground planter box to accomplish your goal on a smaller scale.
Essentially, a planter box allows you to have a garden in a small space, or it can be used as a decorative element on a patio or in a small backyard space.
We’ve compiled a list of 13 incredible above-ground planter boxes that could completely transform your home, but before we get started, let’s talk about some of the advantages and disadvantages of planter boxes in general.
Because of their smaller stature, above-ground planter boxes are ideal for beginning gardeners because they allow you to grow a garden almost anywhere without the need for a backyard or a large amount of planting space.
The flowers and vegetables grown in these planters are also ideal for individuals who want to enjoy the flowers and vegetables grown in a garden but do not have the time to care for them.
Weeds will have a harder time growing in your garden because your plants will be so densely packed together. Furthermore, managing pest control in a garden box is much simpler because you can easily cover the bed with a protective cover or frame to keep out unwanted predators.
When it comes to gardening, above-ground boxes can also help to create a more hospitable environment for plants. One of the reasons for this is that an elevated box will allow for more efficient drainage of the contents.
On top of that, you have complete control over the soil, which means that instead of hoping for the best with the dirt in your backyard, you can create your own custom mix that will give your plants a healthy head start in life. Numerous professionals recommend using a mix of 60% topsoil, 30% organic compost, and 10% organic potting soil.
However, while the advantages of above-ground planters far outweigh the disadvantages, there are a few drawbacks that you should be aware of when using these containers.
One point of contention is the price. In contrast to a traditional garden, where you will only need to find soil in your yard, an above-ground planter will necessitate the purchase of the planter itself, as well as the soil and, in some cases, a drip irrigation system for the planter.
Additionally, because your above-ground box may not receive as much assistance from nature as your standard garden, you may find that you need to water the soil a little more frequently to keep it from becoming dry. Any garden, on the other hand, will require some level of maintenance.
Now that you’ve made the decision to use a planter box, let’s take a look at the three main types of construction available: wooden, metal, and plastic. Take a look at some of the options listed below and choose the one that best suits your needs.
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Wooden Planter Boxes for Use Above Ground
Many gardeners prefer wooden boxes over other types of containers because they have a classic appearance and are strong enough to hold your plants. However, because wood does not last indefinitely, you may need to replace some of the components or even completely rebuild the box in the future.
Here are some excellent wooden boxes to take into consideration
A Greenhouse Cover and a Wooden Raised Garden Bed
This strong and sturdy wooden planter box has an elevated design that will keep it out of reach of pets and pests while still providing adequate drainage. Because it is made of natural cedar, you won’t have to be concerned about chemicals contaminating the groundwater.
With a comprehensive instruction manual, even the most inexperienced craftsman can assemble the box in a short amount of time.. What really distinguishes it is the greenhouse cover, which provides additional protection while also creating a microclimate that facilitates growing.
Planter Box for the Garden on a Raised Platform
On a back patio, this two-level above-ground planter box offers a unique design that would be perfect for displaying seasonal flowers. The top section contains a large gardening bed, while the bottom section contains a shelf on which you can store your gardening supplies or place some potted plants for decoration.
Because this box is extremely sturdy, it can accommodate larger plants. The box has a drainage hole in the bottom for easier drainage, so it won’t require constant attention from the owner. This is an excellent stand for people with bad backs because it is 30 inches tall, which means you will not have to bend over to complete your tasks.
Raised Planter Bed Made of Wood that is Free Standing
Combined with an elegant trellis, this gorgeous planter box provides a substantial planting area that allows your plants to stretch and grow to their full potential. It is possible to use the trellis to hang smaller plants from it, in addition to providing a place for climbing plants.
The planter is ideal for patios with more restrictions because it looks fantastic when placed next to a wall. It is also weather-resistant, which means that it will stand the test of time as well. This planter is also equipped with a drainage hole, is simple to assemble, and is constructed entirely of solid wood.
Raised Garden Bed Kit from Yaheetech
The raised garden box has a more traditional boxed appearance, but it also has eye-catching workmanship that will make your space stand out even more. This planter is a one-stop shop. As well as the sweet scents of the flowers you plant inside, it has the added benefit of being resistant to the sun and rain. It is also termite-resistant and emits a wonderful wood fragrance.
The kit contains a large number of different pieces, allowing you to assemble the planters in a variety of different configurations. Despite the fact that there is a lot you can do with this kit, it is simple to put together because the pieces simply snap into place.
Yaheetech 3 Tier Wooden Raised Garden Bed
In addition to the above-ground planter, Yaheetech also offers a 3-tiered option that allows you to plant various types of flowers or vegetables in each section of the container. This box is made of non-toxic fir wood and is constructed with wooden boards that are nearly an inch thick. It is built to last.
This is a fantastic unit that can be used both indoors and outdoors because it is environmentally friendly and creates a dramatic focal point in any setting. It is simple to assemble, and because of the open design, the possibilities for what you can plant and display are virtually limitless.
Metal Planter Boxes for Use Above Ground
Another option is to go with a metal planter box that is elevated above the ground. Metal or steel boxes are not only incredibly durable and weather resistant, but they also provide a fresh and rustic look to your outdoor space.
The disadvantage of using metal is that it can be extremely heavy and difficult to assemble for those who are not familiar with working with it. Although it is expensive, it is a worthwhile investment. Listed below are a few alternatives.
Raised Garden Bed with Galvanized Steel Frame by Foyuee
This first planter box has a bold appearance thanks to the use of galvanized metal, and it will definitely make an impression on your patio or small backyard. Because it is one foot high and 36 inches wide, it provides more than enough space for plants or vegetables to be grown.
This box has an open bottom and is designed to be placed directly on the garden bed for better drainage and improved pest protection. Its extra-deep design makes it ideal for long-rooted plants, and it is coated with an environmentally friendly coating that keeps outside plants safe from harm.
Hexagonal Planter Made of Galvanized Steel
When it comes to their above-ground gardens, homeowners who want to make a big statement can do so with this hexagon-shaped planter, which has 40 inches of planting space. Because of its corrugated galvanized steel construction, it can withstand the elements and is more stable than many plastic or wooden beds.
This planter comes with a one-year warranty and all of the tools and hardware you’ll need to put it together yourself.
Above-Ground Planter Boxes Made of Plastic and Resin
An attractive planter made of plastic will serve as the final major component of your mini-garden design. This material provides a more durable environment, is simple to clean, and is generally more cost-effective than other options. The only real disadvantage of purchasing a plastic planter box is that it may not appear as elegant or professional as wood or metal planter boxes, depending on their design.
Here are a couple of plastic storage containers to consider.
Raised Garden Bed for the Mindful Grasshopper
Anyone looking to give their above-ground planter box a truly distinctive appearance should consider this sturdy model, which is constructed entirely of strong plastic and 100 percent weather-resistant materials.
This box system is incredibly simple to put together, and it makes a great first impression both inside and outside the home. The increased height makes gardening more comfortable on the back, and this model comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cubes for Growing
Using Deco2Pro’s grow cubes, you can create an innovative above-ground planning system that keeps plants manageable while also conserving water all in one. This system is ideal for plants and vegetables that thrive in water because it provides ample growth opportunities as well as additional space for roots to stretch and thrive.
T4U Elevated Plastic Bed Kit (T4U Elevated Plastic Bed Kit)
This three-pack of above-ground planter boxes will enhance the appearance of your backyard patio thanks to their sturdy construction, which is made of environmentally friendly plastic. The decorative exterior creates a pleasing appearance, while the interior provides 20 x 20 planting space as well as a self-watering disk to allow your plants to drink more easily and grow more quickly.
Raised Garden Beds for Outland Living
This is the ideal above-ground planting solution for homeowners and business owners who have limited outdoor space to work with. This set distinguishes itself from the competition by incorporating a drip-down system, which allows water to drip down from the top level to the bottom level, ensuring that all plants receive adequate watering.
At only four feet wide, the set is ideal for any type of planting, including flowers, herbs, and vegetables. It also fits into any space because of its small size.
Raised Garden Bed in Plastic with Elevated Platform by VIVOHOME
Alternatively, this two-tiered planter from VIVO HOME, which is constructed of reinforced plastic and thus perfectly suited to hold soil and water without deteriorating, is another option for gardeners with limited space. The planter can be used both inside and outside, and it is essentially self-sufficient due to the inclusion of a built-in self-watering disk that promotes the health of the roots of the plants.
In this timeless style, you can incorporate many different plants and vegetables into almost any environment while still maintaining a cohesive look.
Keter Urban Garden Bed
This final above-ground planter box from Keter not only has a pleasing appearance, but it also serves as a practical solution for those who only go to garden occasionally. Made of durable resin, the garden bed provides 33 inches of weatherproof planting space as well as a bottom shelf that can be used to store tools or potted plants.
It has a number of unique features, including a manual drainage tap, a seed sprouting tray, and a water gauge that will alert the user when more water is required to be added to the bed. Finally, it is equipped with a watering system that ensures that the soil maintains optimal moisture levels.
