Comparison: Best Above Ground Planters (Updated | Jan 12th)
Looking to add some green to your space without the hassle of digging in the ground? But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are truly worth your time and money? We’ve tested and compared the top contenders to bring you honest, real-world insights.
Key Takeaways
- Consider specific features and build quality when selecting best above ground planters.
- Our top recommendation offers the best overall performance for most users.
- Review the pros and cons to ensure the product meets your specific requirements.
S AFSTAR Wooden Raised Garden Bed
Spacious Rustic Bed
- Natural solid fir wood
- Large spacious planting area
- Rustic vintage aesthetic
- BEST FOR SPACIOUS RUSTIC BED: S AFSTAR Wooden Raised Garden Bed Read More ↓
- BEST FOR RUST-PROOF VINYL BED: PASAMIC 8x4x1ft Vinyl Raised Garden Bed Read More ↓
- BEST FOR GRID SYSTEM PLANTER: Kdgarden Raised Garden Bed Kit 4’x4′ Outdoor Above Ground Planter Box for Growing Vegetables Flowers Herbs Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FLEXIBLE GRID SYSTEM: Casafield 4′ x 4′ x 12″ White Vinyl Raised Garden Bed with Grid System Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ARCH TRELLIS DESIGN: S AFSTAR Raised Garden Bed with Arch Trellis Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ELEVATED STANDING PLANTER: BLKMTY Wooden Garden Bed Raised Planter Box with Legs Outdoor Vegetable Planter Boxes Patio Raised Flower Bed Above Ground Table Planters Elevated Wood Planter Box Stand for Backyard Read More ↓
- BEST FOR 4-PACK ROUND BEDS: CATMANOR 4 Pack 2FT Length Round Galvanized Raised Garden Bed Outdoor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR 3-TIER EXTENSIBLE BED: S AFSTAR 3-Tier Raised Garden Bed Read More ↓
- BEST FOR 4-PACK ROUND SET: Mostmahes 4 Pack Round Galvanized Raised Garden Bed Outdoor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR 3-PACK CORRUGATED BEDS: CATMANOR 3 Pack Corrugated Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed Outdoor Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Above Ground Planters
S AFSTAR Wooden Raised Garden Bed, Divisible Planter Box Kit, Outdoor Elevated Flower Planting Raised Bed, Above Ground Planters or Vegetables Grass Lawn Yard Backyard Patio (92.5″ L x 95″ W x 11″ H)
The S AFSTAR Wooden Raised Garden Bed offers a spacious and rustic solution for your gardening needs. Crafted from 100% natural solid fir wood, this durable planter withstands various weather conditions while providing a safe, organic environment for your plants.
Its impressive dimensions, 92.5 inches long by 95 inches wide, allow for substantial planting capacity, divided by a center board to organize vegetables or flowers effectively. The assembly is straightforward with screw-fastened posts, ensuring stability.
Whether placed on a patio or lawn, its unfinished vintage aesthetic enhances any outdoor space, making it a perfect choice for gardeners seeking both functionality and charm.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Natural solid fir wood
- Large spacious planting area
- Rustic vintage aesthetic
- Easy screw assembly
- Center divider board
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires wood maintenance
- Heavy to move
PASAMIC 8x4x1ft Vinyl Raised Garden Bed, Rust-Proof Raised Plant Box for Gardening, Durable Outdoor Planter Box with Open Bottom, DIY Above Ground Vinyl Garden Beds for Fruit, Vegetables, Herbs
The PASAMIC Vinyl Raised Garden Bed combines durability with modern convenience for any outdoor setting. Constructed from high-quality, eco-friendly vinyl, this planter resists rust, fading, and decay, ensuring it looks great year-round without the upkeep required by wood.
The open-bottom design promotes healthy root growth and prevents waterlogging, while the tool-free slot assembly makes setup incredibly simple. Measuring 8x4x1 feet, it provides ample space for vegetables, herbs, or flowers, and can even serve as a safe enclosure for small pets.
Its modular design allows for creative layouts, making it a versatile and long-lasting addition to your home garden.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable rust-proof vinyl
- Tool-free easy assembly
- Healthy open-bottom design
- Low maintenance material
- Versatile for pets
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Lower height profile
Kdgarden Raised Garden Bed Kit 4’x4′ Outdoor Above Ground Planter Box for Growing Vegetables Flowers Herbs, DIY Gardening, Whelping Pen and More, Screwless White Vinyl Garden Bed with Grid
The Kdgarden Raised Garden Bed Kit offers a stylish and durable solution for your gardening needs. Crafted from premium high-grade vinyl, this 4×4 foot planter features a classic white design that resists yellowing, fading, and rotting for up to twenty years.
Its open-bottom design promotes excellent drainage and root health, while the included grow grid helps maximize your yield in a small space. Assembly is effortless and tool-free, allowing you to set it up in minutes.
Whether you are growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, this maintenance-free bed provides a healthy environment and adds a charming touch to any backyard or patio.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable vinyl construction
- Twenty year warranty
- Tool free assembly
- Excellent drainage design
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Requires ground space
Casafield 4′ x 4′ x 12″ White Vinyl Raised Garden Bed with Grid System, Outdoor Above Ground Planter Box for Flowers, Vegetables, and Gardening
Transform your outdoor space with the Casafield White Vinyl Raised Garden Bed, designed for both functionality and aesthetics. This 4×4 foot planter features a unique adjustable grid system, allowing you to choose between organized squares or an open layout for larger plants.
Made from durable PVC vinyl, it resists rust, fading, and weather damage, ensuring longevity without the hassle of maintenance. The open-bottom design encourages deep root growth and prevents water buildup.
With its screwless assembly, you can set up this sturdy structure in under fifteen minutes. It is perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers while complementing your home’s exterior décor.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Optional grid system
- Quick tool free assembly
- Weather resistant material
- Promotes root health
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly lower height
- Plastic material feel
S AFSTAR Raised Garden Bed with Arch Trellis, Wood Planter Box with Hanging Roof, Side Trellis, 4 Drainage Holes, Above Ground Elevated Garden Bed for Outdoor Climbing Plants Vines Patio
This S AFSTAR Raised Garden Bed combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, featuring a spacious planter box perfect for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, flowers, and herbs. The standout feature is the arch trellis with a hanging roof and two side trellises, ideal for climbing plants like vines and mandevilla.
You can also hang decorative baskets, lights, or flowers to enhance your outdoor space. Crafted from 100% natural fir wood with waterproof coating, this garden bed offers excellent durability and weather resistance.
The four drainage holes prevent waterlogging, while the detachable bottom allows roots to penetrate deeper into the soil. Perfect for patios, balconies, or gardens, this planter adds both functionality and visual charm to any space.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Sturdy arch trellis design
- Weather-resistant fir wood
- Excellent drainage system
- Versatile indoor/outdoor use
- Easy assembly process
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires stability in wind
- May need additional support
- Limited planting depth
BLKMTY Wooden Garden Bed Raised Planter Box with Legs Outdoor Vegetable Planter Boxes Patio Raised Flower Bed Above Ground Table Planters Elevated Wood Planter Box Stand for Backyard,Balcony
The BLKMTY Wooden Garden Bed offers an ergonomic solution for gardeners who want to avoid back strain while tending to their plants. With a 30-inch height, this elevated planter allows you to maintain your garden without excessive bending, making it perfect for those with mobility issues.
The 9.6-inch depth provides ample space for vegetables and flowers to develop healthy root systems while reducing watering frequency. Made from non-toxic fir wood without paint, this planter ensures a chemical-free growing environment for your edibles.
The 0.6-inch thick side panels with bottom support create a sturdy structure that maintains soil moisture without leaking. Assembly is straightforward and can be completed in just five minutes, allowing you to start planting immediately.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ergonomic height design
- Durable fir wood construction
- Quick five-minute assembly
- Excellent soil retention
- Chemical-free materials
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited planting depth
- May need protection
- No trellis included
CATMANOR 4 Pack 2FT Length Round Galvanized Raised Garden Bed Outdoor,Metal Garden Bed for Vegetables,Steel Raised Beds for Gardening,Above Ground Garden Box for Flower
The CATMANOR 4 Pack 2FT Length Round Galvanized Raised Garden Beds offer a durable and versatile solution for outdoor gardening. Made from high-quality galvanized steel, these metal beds resist corrosion and warping, ensuring they last through various weather conditions.
The open base design promotes excellent drainage and allows roots to access ground nutrients naturally. With a spacious interior, they are perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Assembly is quick and tool-free, making them accessible for beginners. Whether you want to start a vegetable patch or create a decorative flower display, these eco-friendly planters provide a sturdy and functional growing environment for your garden.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable galvanized steel construction
- Tool-free assembly process
- Open base for drainage
- Spacious growing area
- Eco-friendly material choice
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Metal can get hot
- Sharp edges possible
S AFSTAR 3-Tier Raised Garden Bed, Wood Elevated Planter Box with 3 Dividable Bed Kit, Outdoor Above Ground Garden Beds for Plants Herbs Vegetables, Stackable & Flat Arrangement, 49″L x 49″W x 22″H
The S AFSTAR 3-Tier Raised Garden Bed features a unique, extensible design that allows you to use it as a connected unit or separate the tiers into individual beds. Crafted from 100% natural fir wood, this non-toxic planter ensures a safe environment for growing edible plants.
The open-bottom design facilitates healthy root development and drainage, while the ample soil capacity supports lush growth. Its simple assembly process and included hardware make setup straightforward.
This elevated planter adds a natural, rustic charm to any patio or deck, making it an excellent gift for gardening enthusiasts looking to maximize their planting space efficiently.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Natural fir wood material
- Three separate growing tiers
- Extensible design flexibility
- Non-toxic and chemical-free
- Simple assembly instructions
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires regular maintenance
- Wood may weather naturally
Mostmahes 4 Pack Round Galvanized Raised Garden Bed Outdoor, Metal Garden Bed for Vegetables, Above Ground Garden Box for Flower, Steel Raised Beds for Gardening – 2FT
The Mostmahes 4 Pack Round Galvanized Raised Garden Bed offers a durable and stylish solution for outdoor gardening. Constructed from sturdy galvanized metal, these planter boxes withstand sun, rain, and snow without corroding.
The bottomless design allows plant roots to extend freely into the soil, promoting healthier growth. Assembly is straightforward thanks to the simple structure and included clear instructions, tools, and hardware.
This four-pack set is perfect for creating a cohesive vegetable or flower garden layout. With reliable after-sales support available around the clock, gardeners can purchase with confidence, knowing help is there if needed.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable galvanized metal construction
- Easy to assemble
- Bottomless for root growth
- Four pack value
- Weather resistant design
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Metal gets hot
- Round shape limits space
- Requires ground preparation
CATMANOR 3 Pack Corrugated Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed Outdoor, Metal Above Ground Garden Bed for Vegetables and Flowers, Raised Beds for Gardening-3x2FT
The CATMANOR 3 Pack Corrugated Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed provides ample space for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Its high-quality galvanized steel construction features an anti-corrosion coating that ensures long-term durability, resisting warping and rotting better than wood.
The open base design promotes excellent drainage and allows roots to access ground nutrients naturally. Assembly is incredibly quick and tool-free, taking just minutes with pre-drilled holes.
Versatile and eco-friendly, these beds can also function as compost bins. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this set creates a healthy, thriving environment for deep-rooted plants like broccoli and beans.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable galvanized steel
- Quick tool-free assembly
- Open base drainage
- Spacious growing area
- Eco-friendly and versatile
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Sharp metal edges
- Limited color options
- Corrugated style aesthetic
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the main differences between planter materials?
Wood offers a natural aesthetic and good insulation but requires maintenance to prevent rot. Plastic is lightweight and affordable, though it may fade in sunlight, while metal provides durability but can heat up quickly in direct sun.
Why is proper drainage crucial for raised beds?
Without adequate drainage holes or a bottom layer of gravel, excess water can cause root rot and kill your plants. Many high-quality planters now include self-watering reservoirs to maintain optimal moisture levels without oversaturation.
How deep should an above ground planter be?
Shallow-rooted plants like lettuce and herbs thrive in depths of 6 to 12 inches, while vegetables like tomatoes and carrots require at least 12 to 18 inches. Choosing the correct depth ensures root systems have enough room to expand for a healthy harvest.
Are raised garden beds difficult to assemble?
Most kits feature tool-free assembly with interlocking boards, making setup quick and straightforward for beginners. However, heavier materials like stone or solid wood may require two people and more time to construct securely.
Is it worth investing in a more expensive planter?
Higher-priced models often use rot-resistant cedar or recycled composites that last for decades, offering better long-term value than cheap alternatives. Investing in durability now saves you the cost and hassle of replacing warped or cracked planters in a few years.
Do I need to use a liner inside my planter?
A fabric or plastic liner helps retain soil and prevents it from washing out through drainage cracks. Additionally, liners protect wooden materials from direct contact with moist soil, significantly extending the bed’s lifespan.
What are the benefits of self-watering planters?
These designs feature a reservoir at the base that allows roots to draw water up as needed, reducing the frequency of watering. They are particularly valuable during hot summers or if you travel frequently, as they prevent plants from drying out too quickly.
