Cedar Raised Garden Beds
The Value of Cedar Raised Garden Beds
We've been designing and perfecting our collections of cedar raised garden beds and planter boxes since 1983. Many are manufactured right here in Vermont by a team of our employee-owners. Raised and elevated beds create a neat and tidy growing space that’s easier to protect from critters, warms up faster in spring, and typically requires less weeding. Cedar is an excellent material for raised garden beds for several key reasons:
- Natural resistance to rot and decay: Cedar contains natural oils that make it resistant to moisture, rot, and decay. This is important for raised garden beds, which are constantly exposed to water and soil. The wood’s durability ensures the structure will last longer, even in humid or rainy environments.
- Pest resistance: Cedar has natural insect-repellent properties that discourage bugs like termites, ants, and other wood-boring insects, helping to protect your garden from damage.
- Attractive: Cedar has a warm, rich color and a pleasant aroma that adds rustic charm to your garden. Over time, it weathers to a silvery gray patina, which many gardeners find visually appealing and harmonious with their natural surroundings.
- Lightweight yet strong: Compared to other hardwoods, cedar is lightweight, making it easier to handle and build with—while still being strong and sturdy enough to support the weight of soil and plants.
- Non-toxic: Unlike pressure-treated wood, cedar is naturally non-toxic and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into soil, making it a safe choice for growing edibles and ornamentals alike.
These benefits make cedar an ideal material for building raised garden beds that will be long-lasting, attractive, and safe for your plants.