Look around the next time you step onto your balcony, patio, or deck. Are you inspired by what you see? If your answer is “No,” you are not alone.
Plants matter whether you live in a small condo or a sprawling mansion. A vibrant garden can boost your home’s curb appeal AND improve your mental health. However, finding the time and budget for a garden makeover can be challenging.
Enter planter boxes, the ultimate solution. They offer a cost-effective alternative to a full-scale landscaping project, and with the right choice, you can instantly transform any outdoor space. In this post, we’ll unveil our top 2024 planter box picks, each tailored to various outdoor settings.
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What Are The Best Planter Boxes of 2024?
Best Raised
Vego 17″ Tall 9 In 1 Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit
Best Deck
Barros Cedar Wood Outdoor Raised Garden Bed Planter Box
Best Patio
Polystone Planters Milan
Best Window
Mayne Fairfield 60″ x 11″ Self Watering Window Box
Best Metal
Wallowa Metalic Outdoor Planter
Best Wood
Cedar Planters 18″ X 48″ Planter Box
Best Plastic
Veredeck Pure Series Midori
1. Vego Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit (17")
Best Raised Planter Boxes
Vego is a Houston, TX-based start-up founded by Robert Xiong in 2021. The 17″ Vego Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit is Vego’s flagship product. It combines functionality with style, offering a durable and highly functional solution for gardeners of all levels. Whether nurturing delicate flowers, growing your own vegetables, or creating a vibrant herb garden, the Vego raised garden bed provides an ideal environment for your plants to thrive.
Here’s what sets the Vego raised garden bed apart:
Durable Metal Construction: Made from a steel substrate with a zinc, aluminum, and magnesium coating, this raised garden bed is designed to last 20 years (wood beds typically only last five years).
Modular Design: Vego’s modular design allows you to customize the layout of this raised bed to fit your space and gardening needs.
Easy Assembly: With an estimated 40 minutes of assembly time, you can finish your installation on the same day that your Vego shipment arrives.
Ideal Height: The bed’s 17-inch height provides ample space for various plants, promoting healthy root growth and optimal plant health.
Food Safe Option: This is a verified food-safe planter built from sustainable materials using USDA-approved paint.
2. Barros Cedar Wood Outdoor Raised Garden Bed Planter Box
Best Deck Planter Boxes
Three Posts is a quality home decor brand available only at Wayfair. The Three Posts Barros Cedar Wood Outdoor Raised Garden Bed Planter Box is a classic planter box with a simple and elegant design. Made from premium cedar wood, the Barros is visually appealing and inherently resistant to rot and insect damage.
Here’s what sets the Barros Cedar Wood Planter Box apart:
Material: This planter box is made with high-quality cedar, known for its longevity and resistance to outdoor elements. It also smells fantastic.
Simple Design: The Barros comes with 16 screws and can be assembled in 10 minutes with a simple Philips head screwdriver.
Durability: Cedar wood’s natural oils make the planter resistant to decay, ensuring your investment lasts several years.
Aesthetic: The natural wood finish complements any deck or outdoor setting, enhancing the overall appeal of your space.
Drainage: Pre-drilled drainage holes prevent overwatering and root rot. I suggest adding a permeable liner before adding soil.
Pro Tip: If you place this planter on soft surfaces like soil, grass, or mulch, place stones or concrete pavers under its legs. This will ensure that the planter does not settle over time and minimize the amount of moisture damage to its legs.
3. PolyStone Planters Milan Tall Trough Planter
Best Patio Planter Boxes
PolyStone Planters is based in Kansas City, where they design and manufacture their signature lightweight planters. Using their years of waterproofing and liquid-applied membrane experience, the PolyStone Planters team makes their planters from high-density polystyrene encased in polyurea (the same material used to make pickup truck beds). Planters are finished with synthetic stucco in a range of color options. The PolyStone Planters Milan Tall Trough Planter is a stellar choice for anyone aiming to infuse their patio with modern style and practicality. This planter stands out for its lightweight yet durable construction and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty on quality and weather resistance.
Here’s what sets the PolyStone Planters Milan Tall Trough Planter apart:
Material: These planters are made from high-density polystyrene encased in polyurea and finished with synthetic stucco, making them some of the lightest planters on this list.
Durability: The built-in insulation allows this planter to withstand temperatures ranging from -34C – 65C (-30F – 150F) while protecting the roots of your plants from harm.
Design: The tall trough shape offers ample space for various plant species and sizes, making this an excellent option for creating plant screening.
Weight: At 27 lbs (empty), the Milan planter is the lightest quality option for its size available today. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone needing to rearrange layouts frequently or comply with balcony weight restrictions imposed by strict condo boards.
Aesthetic: Its modern and elegant design enhances the visual appeal of any patio area. “It looks like concrete and lifts like a feather.”
Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain.
4. Mayne Fairfield 60" x 11" Self Watering Window Box
Best Window Planter Boxes
All Mayne products are designed in Canada and manufactured in the United States. The Mayne Fairfield Window Box series features a traditional design with modern twists, like self-watering functionality and lightweight yet durable construction. Ideal for busy homeowners or those who travel often, this window box ensures your plants stay hydrated and healthy.
Here’s what sets the PolyStone Planters Milan Tall Trough Planter apart:
Self-Watering Planter: This planter is equipped with a reservoir that provides consistent moisture to plants, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Size: Its dimensions of 60″ x 11″ offer ample space for various plants, from vibrant flowers to fresh herbs.
Material: Constructed from high-quality UV-resistant polyethylene resin, this window box is lightweight and resistant to the elements.
Installation: Comes with wall mount brackets, making it easy to secure under a window or on a railing (this model is only compatible with the Fairfield mounting brackets).
Design: The classic, clean lines add a touch of elegance to any window space.
Warranty: Backed by a 15-year residential warranty and a 5-year commercial warranty.
5. Wallowa Metalic Outdoor Planter
Best Metal Planter Boxes
Wallawa Design was founded in 2019 in Anaheim, CA. They have made it their mission to build the highest quality metal planter boxes available today. The Metallic Heavy Long and Large Outdoor Planter is a robust choice for gardeners and decorators who aim to showcase large plants and flowers with sophistication. Wallawa offers a 30-day return for all orders with a full refund minus the shipping costs.
Here’s what sets the PolyStone Planters Milan Tall Trough Planter apart:
Size: Generously proportioned to house a variety of large plants and flowers.
Material: Crafted from galvanized steel coated in a rust-resistant paint finish (multiple color options), this planter looks great and will last for years.
Design: The sleek metallic finish adds a modern touch to any outdoor space, complementing contemporary and traditional decor.
Versatility: Ideal for various large plant species, from decorative bushes to vibrant floral arrangements.
Ease of Use: Built-in self-draining holes and rubber feet to elevate the planter bottom from the ground ensure that soil remains drained.
6. Cedar Planters 18" X 48" Planter Box
Best Wooden Planter Boxes
Cedar Planters by Earth Elevated is a Canadian small business founded by Jason and Haley Besworth. Their love for gardening near the big city pushed this entrepreneurial couple to start their own business designing and manufacturing sustainable western red cedar planter boxes. These planters are naturally rot-resistant and smell amazing. The steel frame and deep planter trough of the Cedar Planters 18″ X 48″ Planter Box make it ideal for a wide range of different plant species and climates.
Here’s what sets the PolyStone Planters Milan Tall Trough Planter apart:
Material: Made from high-quality western red cedar, known for its natural resistance to rot and decay.
Dimensions: At 18″ x 48″, it provides ample space for a diverse range of plants, from deep-rooted vegetables to sprawling flowers.
Design: The classic wooden look adds a natural, earthy touch to any backyard setting.
Ease of Assembly: Designed for straightforward assembly, you can set up your gardening space quickly and effortlessly.
Environmental Benefit: Made in Canada and free shipping. We love supporting our fellow Canadian garden gurus!
7. Veredeck Pure Series Midori Trough Planter
Best Plastic Planter Boxes
We have another Canadian company to round out our list of the best planter boxes for 2024. Veradek Outdoors was founded by friends and former accounting colleagues Dan Greenberg and Lucio Bovolini in 2012. From humble beginnings, Veradek has expanded into a mecca for high-quality outdoor products. The Veredeck Pure Series Midori Trough Planter is a stylish and functional choice for those looking to add curb appeal or a touch of greenery to their balcony. This planter’s sleek, modern design makes it an attractive addition to any outdoor space, while its trough-like shape is perfect for accommodating a variety of plants. Designed with the urban gardener in mind, it’s ideal for making the most of limited space on a balcony, allowing for a generous soil capacity to nurture a healthy, flourishing garden.
Key specifications and features of the Veredeck Pure Series Midori Trough Planter include:
Design: Contemporary and sleek, perfect for modern balcony aesthetics.
Material: Constructed with high-grade plastic, ensuring durability in any climate.
Soil Capacity: Offers ample space for soil, promoting healthy root growth and plant vitality.
Drainage System: Equipped with adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging and protect plant health.
Size: Optimally sized for balcony spaces, allowing for a significant display of plants without overcrowding.
Ease of Use: Simple to set up and maintain, suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor planter boxes transform spaces without breaking the bank. We curated our list of the best planter boxes of 2024 to provide a variety of styles, materials, and sizes to fit a range of different settings and tastes.
From enhancing curb appeal to creating intimate garden spaces, these planter boxes provide a versatile solution for incorporating greenery into your environment. Consider how each design aligns with your home’s architecture, the plants you wish to cultivate, and the atmosphere you aim to create.
Remember, the transformation of your home extends beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that resonates with you, offers a nature sanctuary, and brings joy through gardening. With the vast selection of outdoor planters in 2024, your opportunities to beautify your home are boundless. So, choose the planters that speak to you, fill them with your favorite plants, and watch your home transform into a vibrant, verdant oasis.
