Raised bed gardening is an increasingly popular method for growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs in limited spaces. It’s a technique that elevates the soil above ground level, creating an organized, controlled environment where plants can thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, raised bed gardening offers a host of benefits that make it accessible and rewarding.
If I could find pictures of our first year of raised bed gardening you would see how little we started with and how far we’ve come. The top picture is from this spring (2024) right after we transplanted the sprouts but before we added, dare I say, an AMAZING irrigation system. So, if this is your first year, I would urge you to start slow. We are in our 8th year and every year we’ve changed and added something. If we were to have just started big, I think we would have seen how many changed we wanted to make because there were a lot of things that didn’t work for us in the first couple of years. This has been a trial and error process but I am overjoyed with our crop this season.
Why Choose Raised Bed Gardening?
There are several reasons why raised beds are becoming a go-to for gardeners:
- Better Soil Control: With raised beds, you have full control over the soil quality. You can fill your bed with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil, which is especially helpful if the natural soil in your area is poor or contaminated. We have clay for soil so amending it is pretty much a need for most plants.
- Improved Drainage: Because the soil is elevated, raised beds allow for better drainage, reducing the risk of waterlogged plants. This is particularly beneficial for crops like tomatoes and root vegetables, which need well-draining soil.
- Easier Maintenance: Raised beds bring gardening to a more manageable height. For people with mobility issues or those who prefer not to bend over, raised beds provide a more ergonomic way to garden. (Read more about my tips later in the article)
- Pest and Weed Control: Raised beds can help keep pests and weeds at bay. You can place barriers under the bed to prevent burrowing pests and keep the area more contained, making weed control easier, or, like we did this year, put a nice weed fabric on top of the soil and cut or burn out holes for each plant.
- Extended Growing Season: Since raised beds warm up faster in the spring and retain heat longer in the fall, you can often extend your growing season. This allows you to plant earlier and harvest later than with traditional in-ground gardening.
How to Set Up a Raised Bed Garden
Getting started with raised bed gardening is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up your own garden:
1. Choose the Right Location
Select a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily, as most vegetables and flowers need plenty of sun to thrive. Make sure the area has good air circulation and is close to a water source.
2. Pick Your Materials
You can build raised beds from various materials, such as wood, stone, metal, or composite. Cedar and redwood are popular choices for wood because they are naturally rot-resistant. Ensure the bed is deep enough—12 to 18 inches is usually sufficient for most plants.
3. Prepare the Ground
Before placing your raised bed, remove any grass or weeds from the area. You may also want to lay down landscape fabric or cardboard underneath to block weeds and prevent burrowing pests from reaching your plants. We used cardboard. Between the weed fabric and the cardboard underneath there were close to ZERO weeds that needed to be pulled! I’m still kind of shocked that it worked as well as it did!
4. Fill with High-Quality Soil
The soil mix is one of the most important aspects of a successful raised bed garden. A good mix usually consists of equal parts topsoil, compost, and a soil amendment like peat moss or coconut coir. You can also add organic fertilizers such as bone meal or blood meal to boost nutrients. We have our own compost bin and by spring it is in great condition to mix with the soil. More about composting in another blog 🙂
5. Plant Your Garden
Once your bed is set up and filled with soil, it’s time to plant! Choose plants that are suitable for your climate and growing season. Make sure to give each plant enough space to grow, and consider companion planting to maximize productivity.
*A good tip is to make the space between each bed the size of your lawnmower. We can easily zip through the garden to mow instead of having to weed whack in between.
Best Plants for Raised Beds
While most plants can grow well in raised beds, some tend to perform particularly well due to the enhanced soil and drainage conditions:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, carrots, radishes, and spinach
- Herbs: Basil, rosemary, thyme, and parsley
- Flowers: Marigolds, nasturtiums, and zinnias
These plants thrive in the well-drained, nutrient-rich soil typical of raised beds.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining a raised bed garden is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind:
- Watering: Raised beds can dry out more quickly than in-ground gardens, so regular watering is essential. A drip irrigation system or soaker hose can help deliver consistent moisture to your plants.
- Mulching: Adding a layer of mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw or wood chips work well for raised beds.
- Fertilizing: Even with rich soil, your plants will use up nutrients over time. Periodically add compost or an organic fertilizer to keep your soil fertile.
- Weeding: Although raised beds have fewer weeds, some will still find their way in. Regularly pull weeds to keep your garden looking tidy and to prevent them from stealing nutrients from your plants.
Raised bed gardening is a flexible, efficient, and productive way to grow a variety of plants, even in small spaces. Whether you’re looking to boost your vegetable yield, create a vibrant flower garden, or simply enjoy a more accessible way of gardening, raised beds are a fantastic option. With the right setup, soil mix, and maintenance routine, you’ll be on your way to a flourishing garden in no time.
So why not get started today? Happy gardening!