Is plastic the best material for Raised Garden Beds

This article is part three of our look into what is the best material for raised garden beds or planters and try to answer the question Is plastic the best material for Raised Garden Beds

We have looked at the good and not so good in our previous articles covering timber and Metal Garden beds. but is plastic the best material for raised garden beds

Plastic has a high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness and toughness, corrosion resistance, bio-inertness,

It has high thermal insulation, non-toxicity and outstanding durability at a relatively low lifetime cost compared with competing materials; hence this is why plastic is very resource efficient.

So If you are looking for a way to make gardening easier for yourself, then this article is for you. We will be looking to inform you on what the benefits of using a plastic raised garden beds and how it can help you in your gardening endeavors.

Historically there was never a chance that anyone would consider the use of a plastic raised bed with the preference being timber and timber alone.

In recent years Metal raised beds have been competing with timber beds and more recently plastic raised beds have come to the fore on the market.

So why is this ?

Well some of the main factors are that gardeners, home owners are looking beyond the standard square ,oblong low level timber raised garden beds..

The option of plastic allows for a more wider range of choice with differently shaped raised beds that are as as durable yet more lightweight. With numerous sizes and very arstheticallu pleasing to the eye.

You can even find them with a built-in additional extras. Most importantly, the plastic is UV-resistant so it won’t fade in the sun or crack over time.

What are the Best Benefits of Using a Plastic Raised Garden Beds

The benefits of using raised garden beds are many and varied.

Plastic raised garden beds can be a more affordable option than traditional timber nd metal garden beds depending on the size of bed you require. so you’ll be able to get started with your gardening hobby without breaking the bank

The aesthetics, but also the functionality become a big factor in the purchase of a plastic raised garden bed.

The options are far more varied . This is due to the functionality of plastic and the extrusion and moulding process that is undertaen.

If you take alook at the Keter Urban Bloomer 12.7 Gallon Raised Garden Bed.below the moulding of the top tray is all formed from a single mould which gives instand compartmentation which then allows for additional inserts.

To do this with timber or metal there would have to be many different elements fixed together to set up the raised bed.

The legs and bottom shelf will also be mouldedand these elements will be fixed together in just a few simple steps

This is just one simple example of many diffrerent designs made from plastic

Some garden beds on the market are made from recycled plastic so if you are looking for a way to be more environmentally friendly this is the perfect solution for you.

Another great feature is the durability of plastic means it can last for years to come with regular use.

Growing in a plastic raised Garden bed

Some of the high level plastic raised beds are predominently set up for growing Herbs and Vegetanles so there seems to be a more focused element to growing as the area is not as vast.

That is not to say you cannot grow your plants from seedlings to potting stage or panting in a larger garden area later on.

The lower level and generally larger plastic raised beds open up to the growth of herbs,plants, vegetables and flowers,

Either way there are many qualities that a plastic raised bed offers to be

The pros of using plastic over timber and metal

Designed for the application.
100% size and strength consistency.
10 times more durable than timber
Maximum return on investment.
Recyclable, environmentally friendly.
Exempt from ISPM15 regulations.
Safer manual handling – no nails or splinters.

But there is also a downside to the use of plastic

The cons of using plastic over timber and metal

Natural decomposition of plastic can last from 400-1000 years and few types of plastics are non-degradable as well.

Plastic materials clog waterways, oceans, seas, lakes etc. …
Many animals eat plastic materials and die. …
Plastic is widely used in packaging.

A very political and talked about subject when it comes to the use of plastic. As noted earlier in this article there are now more and more processes coming into play where plastic is becoming more and more recyclable.

Some gardeners who typically use timber raised beds and who do not beleive in the use of plastic have in the past used plastic to line their garden beds maybe not realising that they are contributing to the historic environmental issues.

Today there are many Environmentally friendly: Chemical free, fabrics that won’t harm the ecosystem of your garden such as the HOOPLE 4 X 50 ft Weed Barrier below

HOOPLE 4 X 50 ft Weed Barrier Fabric, PP Material,

You can find these at garden centres, or you can buy them online.at many gardening outlets

Conclusion

So this brings us to the conclusion that plastic raised garden beds are a good alternative to the traditional wooden raised garden beds. They are more durable and require less maintenance.

They can be more functionable and offer a very aesthetically pleasing offering to your garden or patio area.

There is always going to be a variation in price depending on the size o raised bed you want so eep this in mind.