Every Choice Tells a Story
I used to think buying a planter was just about picking a size and hoping I didn’t kill the basil. But somewhere along the way, I realized that every backyard choice we make—every material, every design—has a ripple effect. That’s why at CedarCraft, we don’t just use cedar. We believe in it. Deeply.
Cedar isn’t just beautiful and durable—it’s also the heart of our sustainability mission. And as it turns out, that mission is shared by some pretty big names… including Costco, and our other retail partner. More on that in a bit.
The Roots of CedarCraft: BornFrom a Road Trip and a Really Good Idea
Let me tell you a little story. In the early 2000s, our founders, Glen and Carol, found themselves at a crossroads. Literally. Unsure of what came next, they hit the road in search of meaning, wood, and maybe a better way to make a living.
Carol had noticed cedar grilling planks popping up at places like Williams-Sonoma. What if they could make those planks more accessible—and ensure they came from responsible, sustainable sources?
Their search led them through the forests of the Pacific Northwest, eventually landing at Gorman Bros. Lumber, a sustainable mill in British Columbia known for its commitment to forest stewardship. The match? Perfect. The mission? Clear.
Repurposed With Purpose: From Smart Sourcing to Stunning Design
At CedarCraft, sustainability doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means making smart, intentional choices—like sourcing solid cedar from responsibly managed forests and working with partners who prioritize forest health over fast profits.
While our story began with finding ways to use rescued wood, today we proudly use sustainably sourced cedar to craft our signature pieces—including our self-watering elevated cedar planters and the beautifully designed Bali Pergola.
What hasn’t changed is our commitment to reducing waste, maximizing material use, and creating products that honor the forests they come from.
Why Western Red Cedar?Sustainability You Can See—And Smell
We choose Western Red Cedar for a lot of good reasons. It’s naturally rot-resistant, chemical-free, and weathers like a dream—making it ideal for outdoor planters, pergolas, and raised beds. No pressure-treated mystery materials here. Just real wood that’s built to last (and smells amazing)
But cedar isn’t just a pretty face. It’s part of a bigger promise. Our cedar is sourced from responsibly managed forests across North America, primarily in Canada and the northern U.S. Working with trusted partners like Gorman Bros.—a leader in FSC® and PEFC-certified practices—means our supply chain stays close to home and focused on forest health.
CedarCraft supports local jobs in Canada and the US, reduces transportation emissions, and keeps quality at the forefront. When you grow vegetables, flowers, or herbs in one of our self-watering elevated cedar planters, or lounge under a Bali Pergola, you’re not just investing in your outdoor space—you’re backing a whole system built on responsible forestry and thoughtful design.
GrowingForests, Not Just Tomatoes
Our Partnership with the National Forest Foundation - Here’s something we’re truly proud of: CedarCraft supports the National Forest Foundation’s reforestation efforts across the U.S. to helps restore ecosystems, fight climate change, and bring life back to damaged lands.
Further, we believe in third-party accountability. That’s why our materials are PEFC-certified—a globally respected sustainability standard.
PEFC Quick Guide
- Forests are managed to the highest environmental, social & economic standards
- Materials are traceable through the entire supply chain
- PEFC products meet procurement and sustainability expectations
- Supports the long-term health of forest ecosystems globally
Look for the PEFC label—it’s more than a symbol, it’s a promise.
Honored to Be Aligned: OurShared Values with Costco
CedarCraft is proud to be an honored seller at Costco, and not just because they have great snacks.
Costco partners with brands that meet high standards for sustainability, quality, and integrity. We’re proud to be one of them. This partnership is about more than shelves and barcodes—it’s about shared values. Values that put people and the planet first.
Direct From Us, Direct From the Source
When you shop with us online, you get the full CedarCraft experience—stories, sourcing, impact, and all. From our Bali 8x8 Cedar Pergola to our best-selling self-watering elevated planters, we make it easy to bring sustainability home.
Everyday Sustainability: Tips for a Greener Backyard
Sustainability doesn’t stop at checkout. Here are five simple ways to keep the mission going at home:
- Collect rainwater to hydrate your garden naturally
- Compost leaves and veggie scraps to feed your soil
- Mulch your clippings to keep soil cool and hydrated
- Look for certified products (like PEFC or FSC) when shopping
It’s not about perfection—it’s
about momentum.
From Mischelle: Beauty With Purpose
I have two teenage boys. I’d love to leave them a world that’s not so polluted they need an inhaler to play tennis—that’s assuming I don’t strangle them before they graduate. So yeah, sustainability matters to me. Not just as a feel-good buzzword, but as a way of pushing back—one planter, one pergola, one conscious choice at a time. If you’re here for beauty and purpose, you’re in the right place.
Blog posts
When Frost Happens: A Real Gardener’s Guide to Surviving the Chill
Back in college in Ohio, I once walked out to my car and found it literally frozen shut — like a block of ice on wheels. I gave it one good tug, decided it wasn’t worth the frostbite, and went straight back to bed. Ahhh, college days — when you could just go back to bed without the kids missing school or you missing a meeting.So yes, I’ve seen real cold. The kind where you wear your shoulders around your ears just to stay warm. (When I lived in Colorado, my boyfriend used to walk behind me and gently push my shoulders down — I think he was afraid they’d stay there.)These days, though, I’m in Texas — land of the “is-it-fall-or-is-it-July” weather. We’ll have an 82° afternoon, and two days later, I’m out there covering my planters, expecting a scene from Frozen. Every year, without fail, my poor basil waves the white flag as soon as the thermometer dips below 40°F. But this year, I’m trying something new — building a DIY cover to see if I can extend the growing season through the next cold snap that’s headed our way. Because yes, it’s supposed to hit 32°F, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to fresh herbs just yet.If you live somewhere that gets cold but doesn’t stay cold — or you’re up north bracing for the deep freeze — understanding the difference between frost, freeze, and chill can help you decide when to panic, when to prep, and when to just pour another cup of cocoa.Frost vs. Freeze vs. Chill — What’s the Difference?It all sounds the same until your plants start drooping. Here’s the quick breakdown: Frost happens when moisture in the air freezes onto surfaces like leaves, grass, or car doors (trust me). It usually occurs on clear, still nights when the temperature dips close to freezing but not for long. Freeze means the actual air temperature drops below 32°F long enough for the cold to penetrate soil and plant tissue. That’s when cells burst and you get that sad, wilted look by morning. Chill is what we get here in Texas — temperatures that yo-yo between summer and shiver. Plants don’t get a chance to adjust, so they often suffer more from the swings than the cold itself. If you’re in colder regions like Ohio, Idaho, or New York, you get the full winter residency package — sustained freezes, frozen soil, and snow that sticks around. Down south or along the coast, like in Southern California, you might only see a real frost once a year. Still, that one night can do more damage than a week of steady cold.What Happens to Plants When It Gets ColdWhen temperatures drop suddenly, plant cells freeze from the inside out. Ice crystals expand, cell walls rupture, and when the sun hits them the next day, they collapse into sad, soggy heaps.It reminds me of when we lived in New York and planned a vacation to the Florida Keys. The airline called to say a storm was coming — we could either leave in three hours or wait four days. With two little kids (one and two years old), I wasn’t about to stay snowed in. Picture me running around packing for four people in thirty minutes. We made it, the trip was amazing, but… we left a case of seltzer in the car.When we got back from our sunny escape, the car looked like a fizzy explosion had gone off inside. Every can had burst, spraying sticky seltzer across the seats, the windows, the ceiling — everywhere. It had warmed up just enough to turn the mess into a syrupy disaster.That’s basically what happens to plant cells after a hard freeze — everything expands, cracks, and leaks. Messy, sticky, and not pretty.Some plants handle this better than others: Perennials: usually shrug off short cold snaps if they’re mulched and happy. Tropical plants and tender herbs (like my basil): can’t handle temps below 40°F — they droop fast. Leafy greens (kale, spinach, arugula): can survive light frosts. Root veggies (carrots, beets, garlic): pretty tough — they actually get sweeter with frost.DIY Covers That Actually Work (and Some That Don’t)When the forecast hints at frost, covering your plants helps trap the earth’s warmth and keeps frost from forming directly on leaves. But there’s a right way to do it. Here’s my go-to quick setup for raised beds or large planters: Grab four wooden stakes — about 4 feet tall — and stick one in each corner of your planter. Drape a frost cloth, old sheet, or lightweight fabric over the top. Make sure it extends all the way to the soil line — you’re creating a tent. Secure the edges with clips, bricks, or clothespins so the wind doesn’t undo your good intentions. Optional bonus: run a strand of old-fashioned (non-LED) Christmas lights underneath for gentle warmth. It’s not only practical — it’s downright magical. I did it in this picture, and my plants survived :) Or just do it the easy way: grab a greenhouse cover — CedarCraft’s fits perfectly over planters and takes the guesswork out of sudden cold snaps. If you don’t have time for any of that, get creative: Laundry baskets over smaller plants work in a pinch. Cardboard boxes can cover delicate herbs overnight. But avoid plastic touching the leaves — it traps moisture and can do more harm than good. And remember: uncover your plants once temps rise again. You’re protecting them from frost, not holding them hostage. A sunny morning under fabric can turn into a sauna fast.When to Save It, When to Let GoHere’s the tough-love section: sometimes you just have to let nature take the lead.If your plant’s leaves have turned black and mushy or the roots smell off, it’s time to compost and move on.Don’t beat yourself up — every gardener has lost a favorite plant to an unexpected cold snap. (I’m looking at you, basil.) Instead, think of it as part of the rhythm. Some seasons are for growing; some are for resting, planning, and trying again — maybe with sturdier setups for next time. “Plants — like people — can only handle so much drama. Sometimes they need a reset.”Wrap-Up: Be Ready for the Weather WhiplashCold weather doesn’t have to mean garden heartbreak. Check overnight lows, keep a few old sheets or a roll of frost cloth handy, and don’t underestimate how fast that first frost can sneak in.Whether you’re tending raised cedar planters or a backyard bed, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your plants thriving through every “gets cold but doesn’t stay cold” moment.And if you’ve ever used a laundry basket, a cardboard box, or your kid’s old blanket to save a plant — I’d love to hear it. Drop your best frost-hack stories in the comments below. Author Bio: Mischelle Raftery is the Backyard Hopeful — a writer, former chef, and reformed plant neglecter who’s survived both Texas heat and Ohio ice. She writes about real-life gardening with a cup of cocoa in hand and dirt under her nails.
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Thinking About a Pergola? Fall Is the Time
Thinking About a Pergola? Fall Is the TimeIf you’ve been dreaming of adding a pergola, fall is honestly the best season to do it. The days are cooler, the bugs are fewer, and outdoor time finally feels like a reward again.Right now, the CedarCraft Bali Pergola — our signature 8x8 cedar design — is on fall special for just $599. It’s the perfect way to refresh your backyard before winter, and once it’s up, you’ll wonder how you ever did outdoor season without it.If you already own a Bali, this is your moment to give it a glow-up. After months of triple digits and mirage heat rising off the patio, we’ve finally hit that magic stretch where evenings are crisp, the air smells like cedar, and you can actually enjoy sitting outside again. Step 1: Build Warmth You Can Feel Think of your pergola as a blank canvas for comfort. Start with layers that last through chilly mornings and evening breezes. Add weather-resistant throws, thick outdoor cushions, and a small rug to anchor your space. For longevity, look for UV-rated fabrics — the fall sun can still fade cheap textiles in weeks.A few well-chosen textures — soft knits, woven accents, and the natural warmth of cedar — can make your Bali Pergola feel more like an outdoor living and dining room than a simple patio cover. This is the kind of space where conversations stretch out, and dinner turns into dessert without anyone checking the time. Step 2: Make the Light Work for YouGood lighting transforms your pergola from functional to inviting. The secret is layering light at different levels to create warmth and depth.Run Edison-style LED string lights (like Brightech Ambience Pro) across the Bali Pergola’s crossbeams to highlight the wood grain. Add solar lanterns or clip-on sconces along the posts for soft side lighting, and use rechargeable LED candles or a small outdoor table lamp for close-up glow.Use clear zip ties or small cup hooks to attach the lights neatly — they stay secure without marking the cedar. The result is soft, layered illumination that makes your backyard feel like a destination, not just an afterthought. Step 3: Bring the Heat — Then Bring the Meal Cooler weather doesn’t mean retreating indoors. Fire up the grill, then bring your meal beneath the pergola’s canvas canopy to dine in comfort. Add a short propane heater or a small freestanding fire pit a few feet away for just enough warmth to extend your evenings.Set a simple table — cedar or neutral wood, a cloth napkin or two, and maybe a thermos of something warm or a bottle of Bordeaux. The Bali’s canvas top keeps stray leaves from landing on your dinner, while its cedar frame adds a subtle, woodsy scent that feels distinctly fall. Step 4: Keep the Color GoingYour summer herbs may be fading, but fall planters bring new personality. Combine ornamental kale, violas, and dwarf grasses in your CedarCraft Elevated Planters for color and texture that lasts. The natural cedar finish pairs beautifully with rich autumn tones and resists rot even in damp weather.Add a few pumpkins, pinecones, or dried branches around your pergola posts for a quick seasonal refresh. For more inspiration on plant pairings and container styles, explore this excellent 27 Plants for Gorgeous Fall Containers — it’s packed with ideas to keep your garden lively through the colder months. Step 5: Turn It into a HabitThe best pergola setups don’t just look beautiful — they draw you in. Make it part of your daily rhythm: morning coffee while the fog lifts, dinner outside before the time change, or a quiet evening with a blanket and a good playlist.Keep a basket of throws nearby, a few sturdy mugs ready to fill, and let your Bali Pergola become the reason you spend more time outdoors this season. With its cedar scent, canvas shade, and clean, open design, it’s the easiest way to make your backyard feel like home — even when the weather cools. Final Thought: Comfort Isn’t SeasonalWe wait all year for this. The air turns cooler, the light gets softer, and suddenly your backyard feels like the best room in the house.Whether you’re giving your pergola a fall upgrade or finally adding one to your space, the CedarCraft Bali Pergola turns any yard into a four-season retreat — a place to breathe, gather, and make the most of this perfect stretch of weather.So grab your blanket, set the table, and stay a while. After that summer? You’ve earned this. About Mischelle, the Backyard Hopeful Mischelle is a writer, former chef, and the proud survivor of many, many houseplant casualties. While most greenery in her care has met a leafy end, she’s found redemption in CedarCraft’s self-watering planters — where her herbs actually thrive. She loves warm weather, outdoor BBQs, and believes you don’t need to be an expert gardener to create something beautiful — just the right tools, a little sun, and a whole lot of hope.
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Best Plant Apps for Gardeners: When Your Ghost Peppers Ghost You
My Pepper Plants Have Commitment Issues This season, my ghost peppers completely ghosted me—big leafy plants, but no fruit at all. My banana peppers were a little more generous, sending out plenty of flowers, but only a handful ever turned into actual peppers. Raised beds make gardening easier, but they don’t explain why your peppers play hard to get.That’s when I turned to plant apps. Whether it’s figuring out why my peppers won’t perform or identifying that mystery sprout in the corner of the bed, these apps act like a pocket garden coach—ready whenever I need a second opinion. Top Plant Apps Worth Downloading App Name Rating Free or Paid Approx. Cost Standout Feature PictureThis 4.8/5 Freemium → Paid ~$30/year Identifies plants instantly, flags pests/disease, and gives tailored care tips PlantNet 4.4/5 Free Free Community-powered ID, perfect for flowers and veggies iNaturalist 4.0/5 Free Free Connects your finds to global citizen science projects PlantSnap 4.6/5 Freemium → Paid In-app purchases Large database, great for ornamentals and edibles alike Planta 4.7/5 Freemium → Paid ~$35/year Creates customized care schedules based on your climate and sunlight For a deeper dive into how these apps compare head-to-head, GrowIt BuildIt ran extensive tests and shared their full results. Why These Apps Are Great for Pepper Problems PictureThis: Snaps a photo of your plant and helps diagnose common issues (like poor pollination or nutrient needs). PlantNet: Great for quick ID when you’re not sure if that’s a volunteer pepper sprout—or an ambitious weed. iNaturalist: Not just peppers—connects you with a community of gardeners and scientists who love troubleshooting. PlantSnap: Broad coverage across veggies and ornamentals—useful if you’ve got more than peppers in your beds. Planta: Tailors watering and fertilizing reminders to your local conditions, which is especially helpful for peppers that are sensitive to heat and timing. Extra Tips for Choosing the Right App Check for troubleshooting featuresSome apps go beyond plant ID and actually suggest care solutions. PictureThis will flag pests, nutrient deficiencies, and stress symptoms—helpful when peppers look fine but aren’t producing fruit.Ease of photo uploads mattersPeppers can look very similar at different stages. Apps with strong AI, like PictureThis and PlantSnap, quickly analyze photos and reduce misidentifications.Look for regional accuracySome apps adjust advice to your climate zone. Planta is especially strong here, creating care schedules based on your local weather, daylight, and humidity—great for peppers that demand consistent warmth and pollination.Try before you buyMany apps start free with limited features. Test them before committing to an annual subscription—especially if you just want ID versus detailed coaching.Use app journalsTracking bloom time, fruit set, and soil conditions makes patterns easier to spot. Both Planta and PictureThis include journaling features, which is perfect for comparing this season’s pepper success (or struggle) and prepping for a fall garden—more on that in an upcoming post. Pairing Apps with CedarCraft Raised Beds Raised and elevated beds already give peppers a head start with warmer soil, better drainage, and easy access for care. Add in an app that reminds you when to water, fertilize, or troubleshoot—and you’ve got a recipe for a stronger harvest, without the guesswork. Wrap-Up Ghost peppers that ghost you, banana peppers that flirt with flowers but won’t commit—every gardener has been there. Plant apps can’t guarantee fruit, but they can help you figure out why things aren’t going as planned and what to try next. Combined with raised-bed planters that give your crops the best growing environment, they’re the kind of backup every gardener needs. Mischelle, the Backyard Hopeful Mischelle is a writer, former chef, and the proud survivor of many, many houseplant casualties. While most greenery in her care has met a leafy end, she’s found her redemption in CedarCraft’s self-watering planters—where her herbs actually thrive. Basil is her crown jewel; her kids eat it like lettuce, and she turns it into a killer artichoke hummus pesto. She loves warm weather, outdoor BBQs, and believes you don’t need to be an expert gardener to create something beautiful—just the right tools, a little sun, and a whole lot of hope
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