How to raise a metal garden bed?

[LizzyB_1996]

Hello,

We are wanting to put a metal garden bed like this one https://www.bunnings.com.au/birdies-740mm-slate-grey-9-in-1-modular-raised-garden-bed_p3321557 on our wooden deck.

I'm thinking we will need to raise it 50 - 100mm above the decking so that there is airflow under the bed. Also in Winter, we want to make sure the deck won't be damaged by water that may pool at the base.

How do you recommend raising the bed off the ground?

Are there products you can recommend?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @LizzyB_1996. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about raising a garden bed.

The garden bed you’re considering is open-bottomed, which means it’s designed to be placed directly on soil, allowing for proper drainage. Unfortunately, this makes it unsuitable for use on a wooden deck, even if it was placed on the deck, as water and soil particles would drain freely onto the surface, potentially causing staining or decay. Is there an area around the deck on the soil where this bed could be placed instead? That would be the ideal solution.

If you’re set on having a raised garden bed on the deck, you might want to consider a smaller, self-contained option like the Pinnacle 950 x 350 x 800mm Charcoal Raised Mobile Garden Planter. This type of planter has a bottom and is better suited for deck use. However, keep in mind that water draining from these planters often contains soil particles, which can stain the deck. Additionally, prolonged exposure to moisture can damage timber, so even with these types of planters, extra care is needed to protect the deck. Using large trough planters can help prevent excess water contacting the deck.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Noyade]

Hi @MitchellMc 

Pinnacle 

Does Bunnings have anything better than this to offer? Something galvanised maybe?

We bought one for our son. Admittedly it was exposed to the elements but I have never seen a metal product rust so much in such a short time. In the end I took it home to disassemble - but I didn't have to. With my hands and feet I could crumple it like an empty cornflakes box which fitted neatly into the bin.

What surprises me is Matthew gets 154 'thumbs up' - not usually the case with negative reviews.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Noyade,

Pinnacle are currently in the process of redesigning this unit to potentially include a plastic lining to prevent rusting issues. I've also passed your feedback on to the supplier.

You might like to consider the range from Vegtrug; something like the Vegtrug 78 x 32.1 x 80cm Raised Slimline Herb Planter With 4 Grey Pockets might be a good solution.

Mitchell

[Noyade]

Cheers mate! 👍

[LizzyB_1996]

Thank you.

What you've said makes total sense - I didn't know the metal beds didn't have a bottom.

We will look at using a trough and using bricks/pavers to raise it to also air and water flow so the deck won't get manky with rainfall.