by Texas Homesteader ~
Metal Raised beds make gardening & harvesting so much easier with less gardening on your hands & knees. And that’s a good thing, I’m not getting any younger, y’all!
But not all raised beds are created equal. The quality of some of those cheaper raised beds I see online concern me, they require reinforcing crossbars to anchor the sides of the bed. The metal on those beds is apparently so thin it cannot withstand soil being added. But gosh, isn’t that what a raised bed is for in the first place?
(Note: Some links in this post will take you to other related articles for further information. But links preceded with * are affiliate links. If you click and buy something I could receive a tiny commission.)
In conclusion, metal raised beds represent a practical solution for modern gardening.
Lastly, metal raised beds can be customized in various sizes and shapes, making them versatile for any garden layout.
With their sleek design, metal raised beds enhance the overall look of your garden space.
Metal raised beds are a smart investment, providing value over the years as your garden flourishes.
For those considering gardening, metal raised beds should be at the top of your list.
They also effectively reduce the risk of soil compaction, allowing your plants to thrive.
Metal raised beds aid in maintaining soil temperatures, which can lead to healthier plants.
Moreover, metal raised beds are typically resistant to termites and other pests that can damage wooden structures.
Using metal raised beds allows for better drainage and prevents soil erosion, ensuring a successful gardening season.
The benefits of raised garden beds are many. But my top 2 reasons are:
Height makes it easier to harvest from your garden.
Easier to keep garden soil uncompacted & well balanced. Better soils make for a better harvest!
I’ve written before about the Benefits of Raised Bed Gardening. Be sure to check it out for a more complete overview.
My experience with metal raised beds has truly transformed the way I garden.
My Homestead vegetable garden is in front of our home so it’s one of the first things our guests see! I wanted something that looked nicer than the 30-gallon black buckets I was using for raised beds. Something that makes my beloved garden a beautiful space for me to spend time.
So I began researching metal raised beds. Metal raised beds not only offer durability but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden. But I was disappointed in the lack of quality I found with most manufacturers.
For my own garden, I chose metal raised beds because they can hold up against harsh weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for gardeners everywhere.
Metal raised beds are an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their gardening experience. The strength of metal raised beds makes them a superior option compared to wooden or plastic alternatives, ensuring they withstand the test of time.
While attending a Mother Earth News Fair I was fortunate to meet Kris Hopkins and his lovely wife Kalitta.
I encourage others to consider metal raised beds for their benefits in gardening efficiency and soil management.
The heavier metal raised beds are not only functional but also visually appealing, adding a modern touch to any garden setup.
When I saw the heavier metal raised beds they displayed I was intrigued. I got the opportunity to talk to owner Kris Hopkins about them.
When I mentioned the flimsy raised beds I’d seen elsewhere, Kris did something that really opened my eyes:
He demonstrated the strength of his raised-bed panels by laying one across the width of his raised bed and standing in the middle of it. But the panel didn’t budge, y’all. Wow – now THAT’S some kind of metal strength! Don’t try this with other beds.
Kris agreed to provide one of his raised beds to us at no charge in exchange for my honest review. But the thoughts provided below are all mine and I’m going to be upfront and honest about my experience, both good and bad.
To give the raised bed a test run on our Texas Homestead, Kris shipped one of them to our home.
The bed is a simple design & assembles very quickly using only one tool – a socket wrench with ¼” deep socket. We had it put together in only 15 minutes!
I love this bed SO MUCH! No wonder Kris had zero reservations when I told him I would be up front & honest with my readers about the quality of this raised bed. He had no worries – he WANTS y’all to know how good it is!
When the bed was assembled I decided to fill it using a combination of Lasagna gardening / Hügelkultur method. Filling a raised bed this way has several advantages for both garden and your wallet:
For more detailed information read my post about Filling A Raised Bed Cheaply.
I started with cardboard from the box in which the bed was shipped to discourage grass from coming through. It was perfect!
I wanted to add a wooden bench around the perimeter of the raised bed. Using the optional bench kit, RancherMan purchased a few wooden boards to make the benches:
(2) 8-ft long 2″x6″ boards
(1) 10-ft long 2″x6″ board
This bench makes gardening a pleasure!
I’m pretty excited about this feature. It is much easier on my back and makes gardening & harvesting in this bed a breeze! Plus, you know, it looks GREAT!
Get this – Hopkins is offering a 5% discount for Texas Homesteader readers! Go to www.HopkinsHomesteadStore and enter the code TXH5off at checkout to save yourself some cold, hard cash.
This bed is of significantly higher quality than other beds I’ve researched and well worth the price IMO.
Really, I just can’t recommend this Hopkins Homestead raised bed enough.
If you’re looking for a high-quality sturdy metal raised bed, Go. Now. To HopkinsHomesteadStore.com (and tell ‘em Texas Homesteader sent ya!)
~TxH~
This post categorized in
Tagged in
Garden Planning
Seed Planting
Soil Health
Garden Styles
Garden Plants/Harvest
Water/Irrigation/Drought
Weed Control
Garden Tips
C’mon by & sit a spell! Come hang out at our Facebook Page. It’s like sitting in a front porch rocker with a glass of cold iced tea. Lots of good folks sharing! You can also follow along on Pinterest, on Twitter or on Instagram.
If you’d like to receive an email each time a new blog post goes live it’s EASY to subscribe to our blog!
Metal Raised beds make gardening & harvesting so much easier with less gardening on your hands & knees. And that’s a good thing, I’m not getting any younger, y’all!
But not all raised beds are created equal. The quality of some of those cheaper raised beds I see online concern me, they require reinforcing crossbars to anchor the sides of the bed. The metal on those beds is apparently so thin it cannot withstand soil being added. But gosh, isn’t that what a raised bed is for in the first place?
Table of Contents
- Benefits of Raised Bed Gardening
- Searching For A Better Raised Bed
- A Picture Worth A Thousand Words
- Finding A Better, Sturdier Raised Bed
- How To Fill A Raised Bed Cheaply
- Optional Wood Kit For Bench Seating
- Save Money! Galvanized Steel Raised Bed 5% Coupon Code
- Hopkins Homestead Raised Bed Benefits:
(Note: Some links in this post will take you to other related articles for further information. But links preceded with * are affiliate links. If you click and buy something I could receive a tiny commission.)
Benefits of Raised Bed Gardening
In conclusion, metal raised beds represent a practical solution for modern gardening.
Lastly, metal raised beds can be customized in various sizes and shapes, making them versatile for any garden layout.
With their sleek design, metal raised beds enhance the overall look of your garden space.
Metal raised beds are a smart investment, providing value over the years as your garden flourishes.
For those considering gardening, metal raised beds should be at the top of your list.
They also effectively reduce the risk of soil compaction, allowing your plants to thrive.
Metal raised beds aid in maintaining soil temperatures, which can lead to healthier plants.
Moreover, metal raised beds are typically resistant to termites and other pests that can damage wooden structures.
Using metal raised beds allows for better drainage and prevents soil erosion, ensuring a successful gardening season.
The benefits of raised garden beds are many. But my top 2 reasons are:
Height makes it easier to harvest from your garden.
Easier to keep garden soil uncompacted & well balanced. Better soils make for a better harvest!
I’ve written before about the Benefits of Raised Bed Gardening. Be sure to check it out for a more complete overview.
My experience with metal raised beds has truly transformed the way I garden.
My Homestead vegetable garden is in front of our home so it’s one of the first things our guests see! I wanted something that looked nicer than the 30-gallon black buckets I was using for raised beds. Something that makes my beloved garden a beautiful space for me to spend time.
So I began researching metal raised beds. Metal raised beds not only offer durability but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden. But I was disappointed in the lack of quality I found with most manufacturers.
For my own garden, I chose metal raised beds because they can hold up against harsh weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for gardeners everywhere.
Metal raised beds are an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their gardening experience. The strength of metal raised beds makes them a superior option compared to wooden or plastic alternatives, ensuring they withstand the test of time.
Searching For A Better Raised Bed
While attending a Mother Earth News Fair I was fortunate to meet Kris Hopkins and his lovely wife Kalitta.
I encourage others to consider metal raised beds for their benefits in gardening efficiency and soil management.
The heavier metal raised beds are not only functional but also visually appealing, adding a modern touch to any garden setup.
When I saw the heavier metal raised beds they displayed I was intrigued. I got the opportunity to talk to owner Kris Hopkins about them.
A Picture Worth A Thousand Words
When I mentioned the flimsy raised beds I’d seen elsewhere, Kris did something that really opened my eyes:
He demonstrated the strength of his raised-bed panels by laying one across the width of his raised bed and standing in the middle of it. But the panel didn’t budge, y’all. Wow – now THAT’S some kind of metal strength! Don’t try this with other beds.
Finding A Better, Sturdier Raised Bed
Kris agreed to provide one of his raised beds to us at no charge in exchange for my honest review. But the thoughts provided below are all mine and I’m going to be upfront and honest about my experience, both good and bad.
To give the raised bed a test run on our Texas Homestead, Kris shipped one of them to our home.
Hopkins Raised Bed 15-Minute Assembly
The bed is a simple design & assembles very quickly using only one tool – a socket wrench with ¼” deep socket. We had it put together in only 15 minutes!
I love this bed SO MUCH! No wonder Kris had zero reservations when I told him I would be up front & honest with my readers about the quality of this raised bed. He had no worries – he WANTS y’all to know how good it is!
How To Fill A Raised Bed Cheaply
When the bed was assembled I decided to fill it using a combination of Lasagna gardening / Hügelkultur method. Filling a raised bed this way has several advantages for both garden and your wallet:
- Using what you already have to fill the bulk of the raised bed for free saving lots of money, especially for larger raised beds.
- The logs decompose and help absorb moisture for future garden plant needs in the raised bed. (Be sure to add nitrogen-rich components such as green grass clippings or blood meal to offset the nitrogen that is bound temporarily from decomposing wood).
- The layers create a healthy balance to the soil.
For more detailed information read my post about Filling A Raised Bed Cheaply.
I started with cardboard from the box in which the bed was shipped to discourage grass from coming through. It was perfect!
Optional Wood Kit For Bench Seating
I wanted to add a wooden bench around the perimeter of the raised bed. Using the optional bench kit, RancherMan purchased a few wooden boards to make the benches:
(2) 8-ft long 2″x6″ boards
(1) 10-ft long 2″x6″ board
This bench makes gardening a pleasure!
I’m pretty excited about this feature. It is much easier on my back and makes gardening & harvesting in this bed a breeze! Plus, you know, it looks GREAT!
Save Money! Galvanized Steel Raised Bed 5% Coupon Code
Get this – Hopkins is offering a 5% discount for Texas Homesteader readers! Go to www.HopkinsHomesteadStore and enter the code TXH5off at checkout to save yourself some cold, hard cash.
Believe me when I say I love this raised bed. And so will you!
Hopkins Homestead Raised Bed Benefits:
- Small family-owned business since 2017 – You can feel good doing business with them.
- American product – The metal fabrication, manuals & even the shipping boxes are sourced & made in the United States!
- Strong business ethic. They’ve never had a bed returned by an unsatisfied customer.
- Heavy duty metal that can withstand the weight of a man standing on it.
- Simple design & quick assembly.
- Bolts come in a tidy metal bolt plate. No searching through a bag for parts or finding out some are missing!
- Bolts are square-necked & the panels are cut with square holes. It’s easier to bolt them together without the bolts turning.
- Rolled metal edges for safety and durability.
- Includes corner angle inserts to keep dirt contained in the bed.
- Two 18″ tall bed sizes – 42” x 42” square and rectangular 42” x 84″.
- Stackable option with the available stacking kit. Design a garden that works for you!
- Bench option with the available wood kit. Sit in comfort as you work in your garden.
Drawbacks:
- Somewhat higher priced than some other raised-bed options. My longtime readers know how I feel about price:
It doesn’t help to save money buying cheap if it’s flimsy, poorly made and bound to frustrate you in the end requiring you to re-purchase over & over again!
This bed is of significantly higher quality than other beds I’ve researched and well worth the price IMO.
Really, I just can’t recommend this Hopkins Homestead raised bed enough.
If you’re looking for a high-quality sturdy metal raised bed, Go. Now. To HopkinsHomesteadStore.com (and tell ‘em Texas Homesteader sent ya!)
~TxH~
This post categorized in
Tagged in
My Favorite Garden Hacks
Garden Planning
- Easy Garden Planting Plan Spreadsheet
- Prepare Now! Late-Winter Garden Checklist
- How To Make Your Own Garden Soil
- Prepare Your Garden For Spring Planting
Seed Planting
- Planting Seeds In A Milk Jug Mini-Greenhouse
- Using A Clear Tote As An Indoor Greenhouse
- Repurposed Cardboard Seed-Starting Pots
Soil Health
- Easy Compost For A Healthy Garden
- How Leaves Benefit Your Garden
- Using Manure In Your Compost & Garden
Garden Styles
- How & Why To Use Raised Beds In Your Garden
- Planning & Planting A Fall Garden To Extend The Harvest
- 3-Sister’s Garden – The Original Companion Planting
- Planting A Large Galvanized Trough
- Where I Found The BEST Raised Bed!
- Planting A Blueberry Bush In a Small Rustic Tub
- Ultimate Guide To Properly Planting Trees
- Creating A Vibrant Pollinator Garden
Garden Plants/Harvest
- Stevia – Growing Your Own Sweetener!
- My Simple, Zero-Waste Herb Drying Setup
- The Lazy Gardener’s Plant List – Plant Once, Eat For Years!
- How To Tell When Watermelon Is Ripe
- Luffa A Surprising Zucchini Substitute!
- How To Plant & Grow The Best Tomatoes
Water/Irrigation/Drought
- Keeping Potted Plants Watered
- Repurposing A Coffee Can For Deep-Soak Watering
- 3 Rainwater Collection Systems We Use
- Cheap (or FREE) Wood Mulch For The Garden
- Using Vining Plants For Living Mulch
- Surprising Use For Empty Clay Pots In The Garden
Weed Control
Garden Tips
- How To Save Outdoor Plants Even During A Hard Freeze
- Growing A Sustainable Garden: Eco-Friendly Practices
- Tricking Birds AWAY From Your Strawberry Plants
- Protecting Tender Seedlings From Wind
- Homestead Hack: Remember Where You Planted Seeds
- How I Use EcoBricks In The Garden
- What To Leave In Your Garden To Help Wildlife Survive Winter
MORE Gardening Posts
C’mon by & sit a spell! Come hang out at our Facebook Page. It’s like sitting in a front porch rocker with a glass of cold iced tea. Lots of good folks sharing! You can also follow along on Pinterest, on Twitter or on Instagram.
If you’d like to receive an email each time a new blog post goes live it’s EASY to subscribe to our blog!