Forget Amazon and IKEA — I just found a $14 stylish raised bed planter at a retailer you might not be checking

Patio area with comfortable seating and parasol
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you're on the hunt to upgrade your backyard on a budget in time for entertaining outside in the warmer months, you're probably watching the latest IKEA deals or scrolling through Amazon. But if you haven't considered a trip to Aldi, you could be missing out.

Right now, the budget retailer is gearing up for the onset of summer with a plethora of new arrivals that — if you don't move fast — can sell out in days. Case in point: the $14 Belavi Black Raised Planter that's a perfect, low-effort addition to your patio. This planter sold out fast last year, so it's good to see it back at Aldi this spring.

Aldi Belavi Black Raised Planter
Aldi Belavi Black Raised Planter: $14 at aldi.us

This space-saving raised planter is made of galvanized, powder-coated metal that's weather and frost-resistant for year-round use. You can use it for a variety of plants and shrubs, and can place it either outdoors or inside. You can pick this up in either black, blue or pink.

I'll admit that while I've picked up my fair share of gadgets and gizmos from the middle aisle at Aldi, a raised planter has never been among them. And yet, I've heard from several colleagues on the Tom's Guide Homes desk that a raised planter is an excellent way to upgrade your patio space.

Article continues below

"Raised planters are an excellent way of changing up the height with your planting, while if placed on a porch or patio they can add an extra level of privacy without being a full-height screen," says Camilla Sharman, our Tom's Guide Homes writer and resident gardening expert.

Planters provide a safe zone for you to experiment with different shrubs and plants. You don't need to worry about rival plants, irregular soil or a lack of space and time. What's more, raised planters like this one can be easily moved around — giving you a way to freshen up your patio look with minimal effort.

There's another good reason to invest in a planter as a way to give your yard a new look: you'll be able to get rid of some pots. Having plants all over the place in small pots is a quick route to a chaotic and cluttered patio. It's much better to have one large planter that will both create a statement and mean less watering.

Watering raised vegetable bed

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you're not sure what to add to a planter, you could try one evergreen shrub, two perennials and then seasonal bedding to add color.

This approach will let you keep the same three plants through the year and, since Aldi's planter is made from galvanized, powder-coated metal, it's resilient to frost and the changing seasons. Evergreens are also a good option for year-round enjoyment and will add structure to your planting.


Google News

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok.


More from Tom's Guide

Jeff Parsons
UK Editor In Chief

Jeff is UK Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide looking after the day-to-day output of the site’s British contingent.

A tech journalist for over a decade, he’s travelled the world testing any gadget he can get his hands on. Jeff has a keen interest in fitness and wearables as well as the latest tablets and laptops.

A lapsed gamer, he fondly remembers the days when technical problems were solved by taking out the cartridge and blowing out the dust.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.