Comparison: Best Gardner And Bloome Raised Bed Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re dreaming of lush tomatoes, vibrant flowers, or a thriving herb garden, the right soil can make all the difference. Two names often come up in the raised bed game: Gardener and Bloome. But which one actually delivers the best results for your green babies? Spoiler: they’re both solid, but they’re not created equal. Let’s break it down and help you pick the perfect mix for a flourishing garden—no guesswork needed.
- Best for nutrient-rich soil: FoxFarm Raised Bed Planting Mix
- Best for rolling ergonomic bed: Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed 48x24x32-inch Mobile Elevated Wood Planter w/Lockable Wheels
- Best for custom tiered planter: Best Choice Products 3-Tier Fir Wood Raised Garden Bed Planter Kit for Plants
- Best for spacious linear bed: Best Choice Products 8x2ft Outdoor Wooden Raised Garden Bed Planter for Vegetables
Product Comparison: Best Gardner And Bloome Raised Bed Mix
FoxFarm Raised Bed Planting Mix, 1.5cu ft – All-Purpose Garden Soil with Earthworm Castings & Oyster Shell – Ready-to-Use Blend for Vegetables, Flowers, Fruits & Herbs
- Ready-to-Use Formula: No mixing or extra steps required. Simply pour and plant – perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Moisture-Retaining & Drainage: Helps retain optimal moisture around plant roots while ensuring proper drainage to prevent overwatering.
- Designed for Raised Beds & Containers: Specially blended for vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits in raised bed or container gardens.
- Promotes Healthy Growth: Supports abundant harvests by creating a balanced environment that encourages strong roots and nutrient uptake.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Made with 50-60% aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, and fertilizer derived from earthworm castings, oyster shell, and dolomite lime. Comes in a 1.5-cubic foot bag.
Best Choice Products Raised Garden Bed 48x24x32-inch Mobile Elevated Wood Planter w/Lockable Wheels, Storage Shelf, Protective Liner – Natural
- EASY MOBILITY: Built with a set of locking wheels to move the planter from place to place and capture the right amounts of sun and shade
- ERGONOMIC STRUCTURE: Stands 32 inches tall, making it perfect for those who struggle to bend down or lean over while gardening
- GARDEN BED LINER: Separates wood from the soil, keeping planter in excellent condition and preventing weeds and other invasive species from interfering with plant growth
- MAXIMIZE SPACE: Get the most out of your planting and storage space thanks to the large bed with a built-in storage shelf for your favorite garden accessories
- 4 DRAINAGE HOLES: Allows excess water to drain out, preventing root breakdown and oversaturation while keeping the soil fresh; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 48″(L) x 24″(W) x 32″(H); Weight Capacity: 100 lbs.
Best Choice Products 3-Tier Fir Wood Raised Garden Bed Planter Kit for Plants, Herbs, Vegetables, Outdoor Gardening w/Stackable & Flat Arrangement, Easy Assembly – Natural
- CUSTOMIZE EACH TIER: This 4x4ft garden bed has 3 tiers to keep sections divided and organized; separate vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plants
- STAIR-STEP DESIGN: Designed with 3 different depths: 22in, 15in, and 8in – making it perfect for growing plants and vegetables with root lengths from short to medium and long
- DIFFERENT ARRANGEMENTS: Stack the planter up tall for a 3-tier design, or lay each section out in a flat line for 3 planting areas of different sizes
- EASY ASSEMBLY + STURDY BUILD: No tools are required for setup, as you can seamlessly slide panels into the slots of the sturdy, reinforced corners to build your new garden bed in just minutes!
- DURABLE FIR WOOD: The natural appeal of this garden bed is highlighted by a Chinese fir wood design that resists breakdown and adds simple charm; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 48″(L) x 48″(W) x 21″(H)
Best Choice Products 8x2ft Outdoor Wooden Raised Garden Bed Planter for Vegetables, Grass, Lawn, Yard – Natural
- BUILT TO LAST: Made of natural Chinese Fir wood to provide a gardening solution constructed to last through every season without discoloring or breaking down over the years
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Pre-sanded panels built with dovetail joints slide together and lock in place with screw-fastened posts for a quick, sturdy assembly
- MAXIMIZE SPACE: 8-foot garden bed provides ample space for plants to grow with an included liner to separate the wood from the soil and keep it in excellent condition
- GARDEN ORGANIZER: Separate and sort various types of plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers with the included middle divider
- OUTDOOR ACCENT: Perfect decoration accessory that will complement any front or backyard, grass area, or budding garden; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 96″(L) x 24″(W) x 10″(H)
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
How do I choose between a ready‑to‑use planting mix and creating my own soil blend?
A ready‑to‑use mix like FoxFarm eliminates guesswork, providing a balanced blend of peat, aged forest products, and worm castings that support immediate planting. DIY blends can be cheaper but require precise measurement of components to achieve similar fertility and texture. If you value convenience and consistent performance, the pre‑mixed option is often worth the premium.
What are the advantages of a mobile raised bed with wheels versus a stationary wooden bed?
The mobile raised bed from Best Choice Products lets you reposition the planter to capture optimal sunlight throughout the season, which is especially useful in small gardens with shifting shade patterns. Stationary wooden beds, like the 3‑tier or 8‑ft models, offer greater stability and a more traditional aesthetic but lack that flexibility. Consider mobility if you anticipate changing light conditions or need easy access for maintenance.
When should I consider a multi‑tier garden bed versus a single‑level bed?
A multi‑tier bed, such as the 3‑tier fir wood planter, is ideal for gardeners who want to separate crops by root depth or grow a variety of plants in a compact footprint. Single‑level beds provide uniform depth, which works well for crops with similar root requirements and for larger root systems like tomatoes. Choose tiers if you need organized spacing or want to maximize vertical growing space.
How important is drainage, and which of these beds provides the best drainage solution?
Proper drainage prevents root rot and ensures healthy plant growth; most raised beds include drainage holes, but the number and placement matter. The mobile bed lists four drainage holes, while the 8‑ft wooden bed includes a built‑in liner and additional holes for excess water. For the most reliable drainage, pair any wooden bed with the supplied liner and verify that holes are unobstructed.
Is the included liner in the wooden beds worth the extra cost?
The liner protects the wood from constant moisture exposure, extending the lifespan of the planter and reducing the risk of rot. It also creates a barrier that helps keep weeds out and makes soil replacement easier. For long‑term value and durability, the liner is a worthwhile addition, especially in humid climates.
How does the nutrient content of FoxFarm’s mix compare to using standard garden soil?
FoxFarm’s mix contains 50‑60% aged forest products, peat moss, and a proprietary blend of worm castings, oyster shell, and dolomite lime, delivering higher organic matter and a broader nutrient spectrum than typical garden soil. Standard soil often lacks consistent nutrient levels and may require supplemental fertilization. The enriched mix can lead to faster, more vigorous growth with fewer additional amendments.
Which option offers the best overall value for a small‑space gardener?
For limited space, the mobile raised bed provides flexibility, easy repositioning, and built‑in storage, making it a versatile choice. Pairing it with FoxFarm’s ready‑to‑use mix eliminates the need for soil preparation, delivering a ready‑to‑plant solution. This combination balances cost, convenience, and performance, offering strong overall value for compact gardens.