FAQ's

Check out the most frequently asked questions here, and if you still need help, get in touch with us via the contact form at the bottom.

Q: Will the garden beds get too hot during the summer or in hot climates?

A: No, they won't for the following reasons:1. The superior reflectivity of the material keeps most of the heat from ever passing through into the soil.
2. The bulk of the soil within the bed quickly absorbs and dissipates heat from the thin, but strong stainless steel edges.
Compared to the standard wooden, concrete, or plastic garden beds - especially if it is made from a darker color or material - Olle garden beds outperform in maintaining even and cool soil temperature.

Q. Where are the garden bed drainage holes?

A: The garden beds are bottomless which allows water to escape and removes the need to drill any drainage holes. By connecting the soil below the garden bed to the soil you add on top, you can build stronger soil resulting in a healthier garden.

Q. What does "12-in-1" modular design mean?

A: Olle’s unique 12-in-1 modular design means that same set of parts allows you to assemble them into 12 different shapes to fit your yard for a personalized effect, making your garden transformation as easy as putting together Lego blocks.

Q. Is Olle made of aluminium? Is it toxic?

A:Olle metal garden beds are not made of aluminum, as aluminum contains toxins that can contaminate soil and vegetables.

Each Olle metal garden bed is made of 0.6mm galvanized steel as the main material, with Aluzinc color coating on the surface for anti-corrosion as well as acid and alkali resistance. All materials have been tested by SGS. They are 100% safe and non-toxic so you can use it with confidence.

Q: Can we place stones at the bottom of the garden bed to increase drainage space?

A: Yes, you can,especially with the 32" tall Olle garden bed or in a garden bed located in a yard with poor drainage. Placing gravel at the bottom of the raised bed will help improve drainage and air circulation. As the soil settles and becomes compacted over time, the rock at the bottom of the bed provides space for excess water to drain away from the roots of the plants.

Q. Why do you offer your garden beds in 17” and 32” heights?

A: Most raised garden beds are less than 11", which isn't enough for healthy roots to grow - especially when you're gardening in a fresh area where soil quality is poor. Deeper soil means deeper roots and happier plants. Many root plants, such as carrots, need extra space for the roots to grow, so 17" is an optimal length. Higher garden beds also mean less bending over. We launched the 32" extra-tall series so you can enjoy a first-class gardening experience. We call it standing-up gardening because you can enjoy hours of gardening without the extra strain on your back.

Q. Are Olle Raised Garden Beds safe for children and the elderly?

A: Olle probably has the safest raised garden beds on the market. It features rounded edges instead of the standard rectangular design to eliminate any sharp corners. Everything is smoother and safer. The top edges are rounded over and we also include safety rubber strips that you can top on for added safety.

Q. What is the safety edge cover? Do I have to install it?

A: The safety edge cover is a soft trim that we provide for the top edge of our raised beds. It's a durable material that covers any exposed steel edges to help eliminate potential safety hazards. Yes, you will need to install it. After your Olle raised bed is assembled, simply attach the safety rubber edge onto the top section of the metal garden bed and you’re ready to start gardening!

Q. How do you fill a raised bed cheaply?

A: From our experience, the Hugelkultur method is the easiest and most cost-efficient method to use. Hugelkultur is a method of layering organic materials such as rotted hay, branches, plant waste, and compost to the soil. You can easily fill a raised garden bed using materials lying around in your yard. As the organic matter decomposes, it breaks down into rich nutrient soil that mimics the natural soil found in a forest. You can refer to this article for more detailed information.

Q. Is galvanized steel ok for a vegetable garden?

A: Galvanized steel is safe to use for a vegetable garden. Although it contains zinc, it does not leach into the soil in a way that may cause harm, which makes these garden beds completely safe to grow vegetables in. Besides, zinc is an essential micronutrient for plants and is a natural part of the soil.

Q. What type of soil should I use for a raised vegetable garden?

A: The ideal soil type for raised beds is sandy loam, which is essentially soil that is loose, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. You can buy specialty bagged garden soil to fill your raised bed. You can also create your own raised garden bed soil by combining garden soil with potting soil, making sure to use more garden soil than the potting mix, usually at a 5:1 ratio. Alternatively, you can try a soil blend of 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% organic matter. When buying in bulk, you should try to purchase certified organic compost, as it ensures better quality.

Q. How many bags of soil do I need for a 4 x 8 raised garden bed?

A: Assuming that your raised garden bed is 17 inches tall, you will need 45 cubic feet, or 1.2 cubic yards of soil. If there is 1.5 cubic feet per bag of soil, you would need 30 bags of soil. For more information regarding the soil measurements for different raised garden bed configurations, check out this article.

Q. Can you put cardboard on the bottom of a raised garden bed?

A: You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to deter rodents and weeds. For best results, choose cardboard that has no tape and less markings in order to minimize the chances of chemical substances leaking into the soil.

Q. Can we place rocks at the bottom of the garden bed to increase drainage space?

A: Yes, you can, especially in the 32 inches tall garden beds or when the garden bed is in an area of the yard with poor drainage. Placing crushed rock or pea gravel at the bottom of a raised bed will work well in improving drainage and air circulation. Because soil settles over time and becomes compacted, the rock at the bottom of the bed allows space for excess water to drain away from plant roots.

Q. Can I place the beds on hard surfaces such as wood or concrete?

A: If you're placing your bed on pavers, concrete, tiles, or anything you don't want to stain, we recommend using a bed liner or geotextile fabric. Place your raised bed in the position you want, then place the fabric inside the bottom of the garden bed. Run the excess fabric up each side and then fill your garden bed with soil. The fabric allows water to drain freely, but keeps the soil from touching the surface of the ground.

Have other questions?

You can contact us by email and phone.

Please email us at:
📞 1-866-403-3953
📧 info@olleusa.com