When we first looked at our modest backyard, we saw potential but faced a common urban gardening challenge: limited space.
Like many city or suburbia-dwellers, we wanted fresh produce without sacrificing our entire yard.
After researching options, raised garden beds quickly stood out as the ideal solution—and Vego’s offerings caught our attention for good reason.
By the way, you can get $10 off your Vego raised beds with our code: FOODPREPGUIDE10OFF
Why We Chose Vego Raised Garden Beds
Quality was our first priority. Vego’s materials are sturdy and built to last, unlike the flimsy options we’d seen elsewhere.
What really won us over were the thoughtful details:
- protective nuts that won’t scratch your hands during assembly,
- metal strips covering potentially sharp edges,
- and caps that hide unsightly screws.
For a small yard like ours, making the most of limited space while maintaining a nice look was critical. The clean lines and modern design of Vego beds complement our outdoor space rather than looking utilitarian or out of place.
Planning Our Garden
After measuring our available space, we realized the standard U-shaped configuration wouldn’t fit perfectly. This is where Vego’s flexibility proved invaluable.
My husband reconfigured the components to create a custom layout that worked with the natural contours of our yard.
The modular design meant we could adjust and experiment until we found the ideal arrangement.
We ended up with two beds: one smaller rectangular bed and one larger L-shaped bed that maximizes our usable growing space while still allowing comfortable access to all plants.
Assembly and Setup
The assembly process was straightforward. All pieces fit together logically, and the included instructions were clear.
The thoughtful design touches we mentioned earlier made the process comfortable—no cut hands or frustrating moments trying to align difficult components.
If you want to see video footage of assembly, check out Jordan’s family assembling theirs.
She’s using Vego’s 11″ 10-in-1 Bed with the Vego Garden Cover System to keep cats out of her “salad bar” garden!
Filling the Beds: Our Hugelkultur Approach
When we realized just how much soil we’d need to fill these beds, we decided to try the Hugelkultur method—a traditional technique that creates nutrient-rich, self-sustaining garden beds.
We started with a layer of plain brown cardboard directly on the ground, which helps smother grass and weeds underneath.
Next came branches from weed trees and pines we’d removed years ago:
This woody material breaks down slowly, providing nutrients for years while creating air pockets for good drainage.
Over the branches, we spread leaf mulch that had been decomposing in a corner of our yard for a couple of years—free organic matter!
For the next layer, we added eight 2-cubic-foot bags of basic garden soil from Walmart.
Finally, we topped everything with 16 bags of FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, which provides excellent nutrition for new plants.
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This layered approach not only saved us money on soil but will continue feeding our garden for seasons to come.
Planting Strategy
Our timing wasn’t perfect—in the excitement of planning and building, we missed the window for cool-weather crops from seed.
Instead, we purchased seedlings to get a quick start.
In our smaller bed, we created what we’re calling a “strawberry forest.” We planted them closer than typically recommended, but we’re banking on the rich soil mixture to support this density.
It’s an experiment we’re eager to watch unfold!
The larger bed houses a more diverse community. Along the trellis, we planted sweet peas with cucumbers in front, planning for the cucumbers to climb the trellis after the peas finish their season.
One end contains melons, parsley, rosemary, and marigolds (which help deter pests), while the other end features tomatoes, sweet alyssum (to attract beneficial insects), and basil (a perfect companion for tomatoes).
REMOVE THE GUESSWORK FROM GARDENING!
These garden plans include 10 themed garden blueprints—complete with beneficial pairings, proper spacing & more!
Current Garden Progress
Just weeks after planting, our garden is already showing promising signs. The strawberry plants are sending out runners, and our peas have started reaching for the trellis.
The tomato seedlings have nearly doubled in size, suggesting they approve of their new home.
Tips for Urban Garden Success with Raised Beds
Based on our experience so far, here are some practical tips for making the most of raised beds in limited spaces:
- Consider vertical growing opportunities from the start. Trellises, cages, and stakes multiply your growing space.
- Layer your soil using the Hugelkultur method to create long-lasting fertility without constant fertilizing.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with closer spacing, especially for shallow-rooted plants like strawberries and lettuces.
- Group plants with similar water needs together to make maintenance easier.
- Include flowers and herbs among your vegetables—they attract pollinators and beneficial insects while deterring pests.
For urban gardeners dealing with limited space, poor native soil, or simply the desire for a tidier growing area, Vego raised beds offer an excellent solution.
Get $10 off your order with our code: FOODPREPGUIDE10OFF
The initial investment pays off quickly in durability, flexibility, and the pure joy of growing your own food just steps from your door!
