Vego garden 17" Tall 9 in 1 Novel Metal Raised Garden Bed Kits Modular Planter Beds with 2 in 1 Wrench & Magnetic Plant Tags for Vegetables Flowers, Olive GreenLast year, I purchased and reviewed the 17" Tall 10 in 1 Modular Raised Garden Beds Kit. That kit is now called Classic; and has been exceptional. Assembly was a breeze and it’ll last for years to come. If you are interested in all the costs of DIY versus Vego, the review I posted for that kit contains costs. The result, you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck purchasing a Vego Garden Bed over doing your own build.So let’s talk about The Vego garden 17" Tall 9 in 1 Novel Metal Raised Garden Bed. This is their 2024 refreshed version, labeled as Novel. While there are some subtle differences, the DIY versus Vego debate remains the same. You’ll still get more bang for your buck going with Vego.Let’s talk about some basic differences between the Classic and the Novel.PANEL MATERIALWhile both use the same materials, the Novel panels use 1” less material (18”) than the Classic (19”). The removal of two ribs creates the flat face on the Novel. While aesthetically pleasing, the Classic panels will be stiffer. Given the performance difference will be minimal, If you like the design of the Novel panels, go for it.HARDWAREAnother interesting item here is the number of bolts necessary to assemble the Novel versus the Classic. With the redesign of the panels, there is one less bolt per connection. The Novel requires five bolts, while the Classic requires six. It’s just a subtle difference, but worth pointing out.A couple more notes here. - The bolts on the Novel are certainly a simpler design. There is a flanged nut that threads on to the bolt. The Classic has a non-flanged nut, washer, and bolt.- In addition, the Novel assembly tool has a plastic handle with a removable socket that can attach to a cordless drill. The Classic is 100% manual unless you have sockets to attach to your drill.OTHER NOTES:- The Novel includes some magnet tags you can write on. I’m not sure how they’ll be if I’m using an Expo marker when it rains. I’ll likely continue to use basic plant tags.- The Novel keeps the rubber cord that runs along the top of the garden. While the metal is not sharp, it’s just simply safer. I’m glad it’s included.- Yay, the included sticker still exists. Display your farming skills proudly and stick it on your laptop. :-DECO FRIENDLINESSThe Novel is more environmentally friendly than the classic; yet, there are pros and cons here.- The walls of the Novel use less material; a good thing, but at a slight cost to stability.- There are fewer nuts and bolts on the Novel kit; yet, a washer in front of a nut can prevent damaging a surface when tightened.- The bags and instructions are all compostable; a great feature.SUMMARYThis is going to depend on your point of view.- The Novel uses fewer materials overall, so it’s definitely more environmentally friendly. Conversely, you might feel that it should also be cheaper and could argue stability.- The Classic feels more stable because of the extra wall ribs and hardware. Compared to the Novel, it will not be as environmentally friendly as it requires more material.FINAL RATING: 5 starsSimply put, it’s going to come down to a personal point of view. Whether you purchase the Classic or the Novel, you’re getting a great product from a great company. Plus, you get the bonus of fielding a bumper crop at harvest. Get the color you want and the style you want. You’ll enjoy it either way.REMINDER: Remove the plastic that protects that panels!