No, the dimensions for our raised garden beds have not changed.

However, the naming has changed to:

Jumbo (New) = Large (Old)
Large (New) = Medium (Old)
Medium (New) = Small (Old)

No, the colors offered for our raised garden beds have not changed.

However, we have introduced new color names.

Here is a easy reference for you:

"Monolith" (New) = "Slate Grey" (Old)
"Merino" (New) = "Light Clay" (Old)

Yes, the steel used by Birdies was developed first in Australia by BlueScope steel 60 years ago and is used for a wide range of building applications including water tanks. Colorbond (BlueScope) steel has been refined over the years and tried and tested in Australia’s harsh weather conditions.

See this link to the Colorbond website.

Birdies uses 24 gauge/0.50mm BMT (Base Metal Thickness), which is the thickness before the colored coating is applied. A BMT thicker than this does not result in a material benefit and only serves to increase cost. Birdies has tested metal thicknesses since 2007 and has determined that 24 gauge/0.50mm BMT is the optimal thickness for superior strength and value.

Keep in mind the Zinc, Aluminium and Magnesium coating (Zam 100) is the important factor in corrosion resistance not the gauge.

ZAM 100 is the zinc, aluminium and magnesium coating on the steel substrate that gives the steel its high corrosion resistance.

ZAM 100 refers to the amount of zinc, aluminium and magnesium coating per square meter of steel i.e. ZAM 100 is 100 grams of zinc, aluminium and magnesium per square meter of steel.

This is what gives Birdies raised garden beds their protective coating and superior corrosion resistance.

ZAM 100 is an optimal protective coating and anything more does not have any material benefit and may result in increased costs. Birdies raised garden beds have stood the test of time in Australia with garden beds purchased as long ago as 2007 still going strong.

Only use a complete organic soil from a landscape supplier or the no-dig method, which involves layering hays/straws with manures and composts.

In our 29" high beds we recommend the bottom 15" be filled with general garden wastes or timber logs (see Hügelkultur method), we have even placed them on tree stumps. Our 15" beds are a perfect depth for veggies so fill the entire space up with a quality soil mix. Always use a minimum of 1 inch of mulch on top to retain moisture and feed the soil as it breaks down.

No, the soil in Birdies raised garden beds is a great insulator. Think of our beds as a giant plant pot. 

Birdies raised garden beds have been tried and tested in Australia for 20 years where we experience some of the hottest temperatures on earth.

As with all types of growing, a soil high in organic matter and mulched is key to a successful vegetable garden.

No, this is to allow for drainage which is required for optimal growing conditions.

If you have gopher or prairie dog issues, consider using galvanized steel mesh at the bottom of your raised garden beds. This prevents pests from invading while maintaining free drainage.

Yes. Our raised garden beds are made from a thick gauge Australian made steel with an Aluzinc/Zincalume coating containing Zinc, Magnesium and Aluminium which ensures superior corrosion resistance and structural integrity.

Birdies also use stainless steel fasteners to ensure the integrity of the raised garden beds.

Birdies raised garden beds have a rolled steel edge with a clip on safety strip.

This quality ensures durability and longevity under all environmental conditions.

Birdies can ship its raised garden beds all over continental United States.

We cannot ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or Canada.

No, the ground does not need to be level for our original raised garden beds.

See question below for our recommendations on placing our raised garden beds on slopes.

Yes, our raised garden beds can be placed on a slight slope.

We recommend:

• Ideally, placing the garden bed long ways down the slope.
• However, if placing the garden bed across the slope place star pickets against the inside of the garden bed 3ft apart and bolt to the garden bed or place against the outside.

Yes, Birdies raised garden beds can be placed on lawn.

We recommend you use whole wet newspapers or thick cardboard overlapped by 4 inches to cover the area you wish to place your garden bed. Spread handfuls of blood and bone and lime onto the lawn before covering to cause the lawn to rot quickly.

Yes, however we recommend using a geo-textile fabric underneath. The fabric allows the water to drain freely but keeps the soil in place.

To use the geo-textile:

1. Place your raised garden bed into position
2. Place the fabric on the inside at the bottom of the raised garden bed
3. Ensure excess fabric is going up each side
4. Fill with soil.

Optional: Builders plastic can be laid down before placing your raised garden bed into position. Trim the excess plastic with a Stanley knife once filled. The plastic will protect the surface.

Please note: if using builders plastic the geotextile fabric must still be used as above.

Geotextile may be available at certain hardware stores.

Use the following formular to calculate how much soil your Birdies raised garden bed will hold.

FORMULA
Bed Length x Bed Width x Bed Height = ft3 of Required Soil
1ft3 of Soil = 7.5 gallons

In order to be more sustainable and reduce waste, the channel is made from steel offcuts produced in our factory. The channel is made from the same high-quality Aluzinc/Zincalume steel as your garden bed.

If your questions has not been answered by our birdies frequently asked questions, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to give you the information you need.