Garden Beds

Our garden beds range covers Green Fingers galvanised steel planter boxes in sizes from compact squares to long rectangles, plus vertical, modular and elevated options. Pick a format that matches your space, how much you want to bend, and what you plan to grow. How to choose garden beds for...

Our garden beds range covers Green Fingers galvanised steel planter boxes in sizes from compact squares to long rectangles, plus vertical, modular and elevated options. Pick a format that matches your space, how much you want to bend, and what you plan to grow.

How to choose garden beds for your space

Start with where the bed will sit and how far you can comfortably reach. A rule most experienced growers settle on: bed width should be about twice your arm reach from each side, which usually caps a standalone bed around 90 to 100cm. Any wider and the centre becomes a stretch once the soil is in and wet.

Next, think about bending. Ground-level beds suit larger veggie patches. Raised and elevated beds are easier on the back. Vertical planters free up floor space entirely.

Finally, match depth to what you plan to grow. Leafy greens and herbs don't need much. Root vegetables want room to push down.

Planter boxes

The Green Fingers planter boxes in this range are made from SGCC steel, a cold-rolled galvanised steel, with an epoxy powder coating that helps resist rust and reduces reactions with planting chemicals. Sizes run from a 100 x 100cm square through to a 320 x 80cm rectangle planter box for longer runs.

One field tip worth knowing: a bed with a rolled or capped top edge tends to outlast a folded edge in humid or coastal conditions, because the rim is where moisture sits. For smaller single-plant setups, browse our freestanding garden planters.

Vegetable garden beds

For vegetable garden beds, depth matters. Leafy greens, herbs and strawberries are happy in shallower beds. Carrots, potatoes and other root crops want more room. Larger footprints like the 210 x 90cm, 240 x 80 x 45cm and 320 x 80 x 77cm Green Fingers planter boxes give you space for a proper mixed patch.

A fair comparison worth making: a wooden planter box often looks cheaper on day one, but treated pine tends to bow and rot at the soil line within 5 to 8 years in most Australian climates. Once you factor in emptying and refilling cubic metres of soil, metal usually works out cheaper per year. If bending is the issue, consider taller raised beds.

Vertical and modular garden beds

If floor space is tight, the Green Fingers 5-tier vertical strawberry planter stacks five pots with an integrated drainage system and four castors. Handy for balconies, courtyards and anyone who wants to shift plants with the sun. For a more flexible layout, the 9-in-1 modular planter box lets you arrange compartments to suit different crops in the same footprint. Both formats work well for strawberries, herbs, succulents and flowers.

Elevated garden beds

The Green Fingers 100 × 40 × 80cm elevated planter reduces bending during planting and maintenance. It includes wheels on one side and a storage shelf underneath. Its internal depth is 19.5cm, making it better suited to herbs and leafy greens than crops needing deep soil. 

Garden beds by space

Balcony or courtyard: A filled 100 x 40 x 40cm bed can weigh 150 to 200kg wet, so check your deck or balcony load rating and your strata rules on runoff. Lightweight, elevated or vertical options are usually the safer pick.

Small backyard: A single raised planter box between 100 and 180cm long gives you room for a decent herb and salad mix without dominating the yard.

Larger veggie patch: Look at the 210 to 320cm planter boxes, or combine two beds for a staggered planting plan.

Why shop with GoodBuyz

  • Australian owned and Melbourne based with local support
  • Genuine stock backed by Australian warranty
  • 30-day change-of-mind returns on eligible unopened items
  • Free shipping on Australian orders over AUD 200 (bulky and partner-warehouse exclusions apply)
  • Layby available at checkout

FAQs

How big should a vegetable garden bed be?

Keep the width to around 90 to 100cm so you can reach the centre from either side without straining. Length is up to your space. Depth should match what you grow: 20 to 30cm is fine for leafy greens, herbs and strawberries, while root vegetables are happier with 40cm or more.

What soil should I use in a garden bed?

Use a quality raised-bed or vegetable mix with compost blended through for nutrients and drainage. If you're setting up a wicking or self-watering bed, pair it with a purpose-blended wicking mix rather than standard garden soil. Wicking only works if the soil draws water up by capillary action, and standard mixes struggle to do that.

Can you put a garden bed on concrete?

Yes. Metal planter boxes sit well on concrete, and good drainage holes let excess water escape. On balconies and shared walkways, add a saucer or liner to catch runoff and protect the surface. Check the loaded weight before placing a large bed on a timber deck or balcony.

What can I grow in a vertical garden bed?

Vertical and stackable planters suit shallow-rooted plants: strawberries, lettuce, spinach, basil, mint, parsley, chives, succulents and smaller flowers. They're less suited to tomatoes, root vegetables or anything that needs deep soil. If you want to stretch the growing season, consider pairing one with a greenhouse.

How long does a garden bed take to set up?

Most Green Fingers galvanised planter boxes assemble in 30 to 60 minutes with basic tools. Filling with soil usually takes longer than the build itself. For larger 210 to 320cm beds, allow a couple of hours and have your soil, compost and plants ready before you start.

Do you deliver garden beds across Australia?

Yes, we ship Australia-wide. Many garden beds are dispatched from partner warehouses rather than our Melbourne distribution centre, so delivery times vary by item and location. Some bulky items are excluded from free shipping over AUD 200. Check the product page for the dispatch note and any delivery exclusions before ordering.

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