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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Photo: Stewart Savin
Vego Elevated Garden Bed – V Series
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.
In this Article
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The bed right after construction and filling.
Photo: Stewart Savin
The bed after the installation of the trellis.
Photo: Stewart Savin
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.