Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed: Assembly And Usage Guide

The Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is a convenient and durable planter that can be used to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers on your patio. With a capacity of 22.4 to 31.7 gallons, it offers better drainage, warmer soil, and protection from weeds and critters. The bed is made of polypropylene resin with a rattan pattern finish, ensuring that it won't rot, warp, or fade. It also features a water reservoir, a water gauge, and a drainage tap to indicate when to water or drain the planter. The Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is easy to assemble, with an elevated waist-high design that makes gardening more accessible and comfortable.

Assembly

The Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is easy to assemble and can be put together in minutes without the use of any tools. The product comes with four screws for the legs, which are the only parts that need to be attached.

The first step is to attach the legs to the main body of the planter. The legs should be screwed tightly into place, ensuring that the planter is stable and secure.

Once the legs are attached, the planter can be placed in the desired location. It is recommended to place the planter on a flat and level surface to ensure stability.

The next step is to fill the planter with soil. The amount of soil needed will depend on the size of the planter and the types of plants you wish to grow. As a reference, one user shared that they used two 2 cu ft bags of soil to fill their Keter planter to the lower edge of the upper rim.

After filling the planter with soil, you can begin planting your desired seeds or plants. It is recommended to refer to specific planting instructions for the types of plants you wish to grow.

Additionally, the Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed comes with a handy seed sprouting tray, which can be used to start your seeds before transplanting them into the main planter. This is a great way to get a head start on your garden and ensure the successful germination of your seeds.

With its easy assembly and convenient features, the Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is a great choice for anyone looking to create a raised garden bed on their patio or balcony.

Watering

The Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is a self-watering planter, so you don't need to water your plants every day. It features a water reservoir with a water gauge, which makes it relatively easy to keep your plants adequately watered. The water gauge features a cute leaf that turns red when it's time to drain the planter and green when it's time to water. Keter recommends that water be drained from the planter from time to time to keep the roots of the plants healthy. The planter also has a drainage tap to drain excess water.

The planter is designed with improved drainage in mind, so you won't have to worry about water-logging or root rot. The sealed bed with a drainage plug means you can use it indoors or outdoors without water leaking out.

The dark colour of the planter absorbs and retains warmth for longer, which is beneficial for root development.

Soil type

The type of soil you use in your raised garden bed is crucial to the success of your garden. The right soil will provide the perfect environment for your plants to thrive, while the wrong soil can stunt their growth or even kill them. Here's a guide to help you choose the best soil type for your Keter raised patio garden bed.

Garden Soil vs. Native Soil:

Native soil is the type of soil your house is built on and can vary widely by region. It may not be suitable for your raised garden bed, especially if it's dense or full of clay. Native soil can make it difficult for plants with fragile root systems, like tomatoes, peppers, and squash, to push through and grow properly.

Garden Soil vs. Topsoil:

Topsoil refers to the top layer of soil in your landscape, usually about 3-6 inches deep. It is typically nutrient-rich and permeable, making it a good option for your raised bed as long as it hasn't been degraded by chemicals or pesticides. However, if your topsoil is heavy in clay, it may not drain well and could impact the growth of your plants.

Garden Soil vs. Potting Soil:

Potting soil is designed for potted plants and may not contain any actual soil. It is usually lightweight and designed to provide support and nutrients for young roots. While potting soil can be used in your raised bed, it may not provide enough structure and nutrients for mature plants.

The Ideal Soil for Raised Beds:

The key to successful raised bed gardening is to create a soil blend that mimics nature and provides optimal growing conditions for your plants. The ideal soil for raised beds is a mixture of clay, silt, sand, and compost.

• Clay gives structure to the soil and helps hold roots in place, allowing them to grow strong.
• Silt holds nutrients in the soil and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Sand adds porosity and permeability, creating a sponge-like quality that improves drainage.
• Compost adds additional nutrients and improves soil structure.

When creating your soil blend, aim for a mixture that is dark in color, moist, and loosely packed while still holding its shape. This type of soil will provide the perfect balance of water retention and drainage for your plants.

Maintaining Your Raised Bed Soil:

Even if you start with the perfect soil blend, it will need to be maintained over time. Here are some tips to keep your raised bed soil healthy:

• Add a layer of fresh compost to your raised bed before planting something new to renew the nutrient base for your plants.
• If your plants start to fall over or struggle to stay upright, add more topsoil or clay to provide additional support.
• If you notice that your plants' leaves are turning yellow or the plant is rotting, improve drainage by adding more sand to create air pockets for the roots.
• Regularly test your soil to check for changes in pH, nutrient levels, and soil structure. This will help you identify any issues and make necessary adjustments.

Drainage

The Keter garden bed also includes a water gauge that indicates when the reservoir is filling up and when it needs to be drained. This helps take the guesswork out of watering and ensures that your plants get the right amount of moisture. When the leaf gauge turns red, it's time to drain the planter, and when it turns green, it's time to water again. By following this simple indicator, you can keep the roots of your plants healthy and avoid overwatering.

Additionally, the elevated bottom of the Keter garden bed acts as a water reservoir, providing a self-watering system for your plants. This feature not only saves you time and effort in watering your plants daily but also helps maintain the right moisture level in the soil. The reservoir can be drained through the drainage plug to prevent water buildup, ensuring your plants have access to fresh, oxygenated water.

The drainage features of the Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed make it a convenient and effective solution for gardening enthusiasts. By addressing common drainage issues, the garden bed helps prevent root rot, promotes healthy plant growth, and allows for flexible placement, both indoors and outdoors. With proper drainage, you can ensure that your plants thrive and that your gardening experience is enjoyable and successful.

Storage

The Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed offers a convenient and durable solution for your gardening needs. Its elevated bottom with a water reservoir and drainage plug means you can control water levels and drainage with ease, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The planter also features a water gauge with a pop-up leaf indicator that lets you know when to water or drain the reservoir.

The Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is designed with convenience and functionality in mind. Its elevated design eliminates the need for crouching or kneeling, saving your back and knees from strain. The planter's dark colour absorbs and retains warmth, promoting root development. Additionally, its sealed bed ensures that dirt stays contained, making it a clean and tidy option for your patio or indoor space.

Assembly of the Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is straightforward and simple. With only four screws needed for the legs, you'll have your garden bed ready in no time. The bottom shelf of the planter provides additional storage space for your gardening tools and supplies, keeping everything organised and within reach.

The Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is an attractive and functional addition to any patio or balcony. Its trendy dark colour and rattan pattern finish complement the aesthetics of your outdoor space while providing a practical solution for your gardening endeavours. The planter's dimensions of 32.3" L x 14.7" W x 30.7" H offer ample space for your vegetables, herbs, or flowers, with a capacity of 22.4 gallons of soil.

Overall, the Keter Raised Patio Garden Bed is a versatile and user-friendly option for gardeners of all skill levels. Its self-watering feature, convenient storage, and durable construction make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of greenery to their outdoor living spaces.

Frequently asked questions