Best Above Ground Planters for Your Garden or Patio

These three stand out in the product table above for different budgets and needs.

Best overall: the AMERLIFE 7x2 Ft Raised Garden Bed, around $170, is our first choice from the table.

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Best value: the 4'x4' Vinyl Raised Garden Bed Kit Outdoor Above Ground, around $71, is the lowest priced of these three.

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Also great: the VEIKOU 6x3x2FT Raised Garden Bed, around $160, is another strong option with a different set of features.

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Material is the single biggest factor in how long an above ground planter survives outdoors, and each option trades durability for weight, cost, or appearance.

Wood (cedar, redwood, and treated pine)

Cedar and redwood resist rot naturally thanks to their oils and are the classic choice for a garden look that ages gracefully. Untreated pine is cheaper but breaks down within two or three seasons unless lined with a plastic barrier. Wood planters also insulate roots better than metal, which matters in both summer heat and early frost.

Galvanized metal and corten steel

Metal planters, especially galvanized steel and weathering (corten) steel, have become popular for their clean, modern look and long lifespan. The tradeoff is heat: dark metal walls can bake root systems on hot afternoons unless the planter is large enough to buffer the soil mass, or is double walled.

Resin, plastic, and fiberglass

Resin and fiberglass planters are lightweight, resist rot and rust completely, and now come in finishes that mimic stone or wood. Cheaper plastic versions, though, become brittle and crack after a year or two of UV exposure, so it pays to check for UV stabilized resin specifically.

Fabric grow bags and concrete containers

Fabric grow bags are the most breathable option, which improves root pruning and drainage but means faster drying and more frequent watering. Concrete and hypertufa planters are the heaviest and most permanent, ideal for a fixed patio spot rather than anywhere you might want to rearrange.

Depth is the detail most buyers overlook, and it is the reason plants stall or bolt early in an otherwise nice looking planter.

• Herbs and lettuces need only 6 to 8 inches of soil depth.
• Bush beans, peppers, and most flowering annuals want 10 to 12 inches.
• Tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash perform best with 14 to 18 inches of depth and at least 5 gallons of soil volume per plant.
• Carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables need 12 to 16 inches of loose, unobstructed depth to size up properly.

Width matters almost as much: a planter that is deep but narrow limits how many plants you can space at their recommended intervals, so measure both dimensions against your actual planting plan, not just the container's total volume in the product listing.

An above ground planter with poor drainage is more dangerous to plants than one made of a slightly inferior material, because standing water suffocates roots and invites fungal rot within days. Look for multiple drainage holes along the base rather than a single center hole, which clogs easily with compacted soil.

A gravel or coarse mulch layer at the bottom, or a fabric liner cut for drainage, prevents fine potting mix from washing straight out of the holes during the first few waterings. Larger soil volume also buffers against drought stress and temperature swings, so where budget allows, buying one size up from what a plant technically needs pays off in fewer watering emergencies over the season.

Freeze thaw cycles crack rigid materials like concrete and cheap resin when moist soil expands inside them, so gardeners in cold climates should look specifically for freeze rated planters or plan to empty and store containers over winter. UV exposure is the quieter threat: unstabilized plastic and some powder coated metals fade, chalk, or become brittle within two to three summers of full sun.

Wood planters benefit from an annual coat of linseed oil or exterior sealant on the interior surface where soil moisture sits longest. Metal planters should be checked yearly for scratches in the coating, since exposed steel rusts quickly once the protective layer is compromised.

A planter that looks perfect in a listing photo can become a two person lifting job once it is filled with wet soil. Planters with built in caster wheels or a lightweight resin build make it realistic to chase sun exposure through the season or move containers indoors before a hard freeze.

Self watering designs, which use a water reservoir beneath a false floor and a wicking mechanism, reduce watering frequency dramatically and are worth the added cost for anyone who travels or gardens on a balcony with limited access to a hose. For rooftop and balcony placements, always check the loaded weight against the structure's load rating before committing to a large or concrete style container.

Do above ground planters need drainage holes?

Yes, without exception. Even self watering models need an overflow route so excess water cannot pool above the reservoir line and drown the roots.

What is the best material for an outdoor planter that gets full sun?

Galvanized metal or UV stabilized resin generally holds up best in intense sun, though metal needs enough soil mass or a double wall to avoid overheating roots.

How deep should a planter be for vegetables?

Plan for at least 12 inches for most vegetables, and closer to 18 inches for tomatoes, squash, and other deep rooted crops.

Can I leave planters outside over winter?

Freeze rated materials like fiberglass and treated wood can usually stay outside; concrete and cheaper resin containers are more prone to cracking and are safer emptied and stored.

Are fabric grow bags better than rigid planters?

Fabric bags improve drainage and root health but dry out faster, so they suit gardeners who can water more frequently or who live in humid climates.

Do self watering planters work for vegetables, not just flowers?

Yes, as long as the reservoir is sized appropriately and the wicking soil mix stays loose enough for roots to draw moisture without becoming waterlogged.