This story was updated at 10:40am on Wednesday, July 9, to reflect Amazon Prime Day pricing. We’ll continue updating this story throughout the event.
Like many other young couples, my husband and I have feverishly taken up gardening as a hobby. It all started last year when we were forced to remove an oversized, invasive Bradford Pear tree from our front yard and install a large ornamental plant bed to limit regrowth. This spring, we’ve faced a new challenge: pests, from aphids to mealy bugs. We now spend our free time researching horticultural topics (shoutout to Hortube) on ways to maximize our space while minimizing issues, which led us to the Vego Elevated Garden Bed. Having mostly done in-ground gardening, I was a little apprehensive of this container method but excited to give it a try.
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Although we haven’t grown edible plants in it yet, it has already become a highlight in our outdoor space. Delivery went smoothly, with assembly only requiring one person and a few hours of work. The elevated height is a major advantage, making it easier to inspect greenery for new growth and potential problems. So far, our plants are thriving, and I have not encountered a single weed or pest. It’s great to have one low-maintenance area to enjoy while we battle the bugs in the larger bed. Read on to learn more about the Vego elevated garden bed and all of its benefits.
The Setup
The elevated planter took about a week to appear in a shockingly small box. It was so compact that I worried pieces may be missing, but everything was there plus extra screws. I was able to move it myself, so it was likely under 50 pounds but still fairly heavy. I also received the coordinating cover system, but it took another two weeks to come in.
I worked on assembly in my driveway, as I wanted to use the planter along a big blank wall. The instructions were clear, and although two people are recommended to tackle the installation, I was able to knock it out easily by myself. Do note that constructing on grass is a better strategy, as concrete can scratch the paint surface. Unlike some similar products, I could tell this item was really built to last. The metal won’t break down as quickly as treated wood, and I like that the optional wheels make it easy to relocate if needed. Once I put it together, I filled the bottom with old sticks from around the yard to help with water retention, then with raised bed soil. This soil provides better drainage and minimizes compaction in containers.
Since I was placing the bed in a very hot and sunny location, I knew I would need tough plants if I wanted to keep maintenance down. For this year, I went with a Kaleidoscope Abelia, an Ascot Rainbow Euphorbia, two Tri-Color Sedum, and a Clematis for the trellis. Next year, I think I’ll relocate these items elsewhere in the yard, then try tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. For these crops, I plan to move the bed into the shade or lower the cover during the hottest part of the day.
The Specs
Vego offers numerous raised bed options, but most are meant to sit directly on the ground. They are great if you’re planning to do more edible gardening, and there are tons of customizations available. I’m playing around with the idea of filling the rest of my front yard with them, but that is a project for another day.
When it comes to elevated planters, there are three to choose from: 2’ x 4’, 2’ x 6’, and 2’ x 8’. They’re all 32 inches tall, ideal for those with back or mobility issues. The bed is 12 inches deep, which helps keep soil costs low. I only used four bags myself, compared to about 50 in my larger plant bed. Here is a breakdown of the sizes:
| Model | Height | Depth | Capacity in Cubic Ft | Capacity in Lbs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2’ x 4’ | 32” | 12” | 7.63 cubic ft | 700 lbs | $239.95 |
| 2’ x 6’ | 32” | 12” | 11.15 cubic ft | 1,000 lbs | $379.95 |
| 2’ x 8’ | 32” | 12” | 15.01 cubic ft | 1,400 lbs | $449.95 |
Each is available in three colors: olive green, modern gray, or pearl white. They’re all constructed using Vego’s VZ 2.0 material, which is a unique zinc, magnesium, and aluminum-coated steel. Tested at the Texas A&M National Corrosion and Materials Reliability Lab, it was found to perform well in different extremes—from heat and humidity to high levels of acidity and alkalinity. In short, you likely won’t have to deal with rust for at least 20 years. It is made using USDA-compliant paint, which means that you don’t have to worry about chemicals leaching into your soil and edible crops. This is a common concern with wood, depending on how it was sealed.
The welded corner legs provide superior stability, while the bottom insert allows for proper drainage to prevent root rot. This has been super helpful for me to combat the rainy season where I live. The lower shelf provides handy storage for extra materials. Vego even offers accessory options like solar lights and tool boxes.
The Verdict
Whether you’re a seasoned botanist or a newbie with some seeds and a dream, this bed can fit into any outdoor space. From patios to balconies and driveways like ours, it can naturalize even the most difficult areas with minimal effort. If you’re interested in container planting, the Vego elevated bed is a sound investment that should last for many seasons. The price is comparable to competitors, plus the products are regularly on sale with free shipping and gifts. I’m excited to see what else we can grow in this elevated bed for years to come.
