Raised garden beds are one of the easiest ways to grow more vegetables, herbs and flowers. You control the soil, drainage improves, weeds are easier to manage and the soil warms up faster in spring, giving you an earlier start. Taller and elevated beds also mean far less bending and kneeling.
Choosing a material
- Galvanized metal beds resist rust, won't rot and last for many seasons. Rolled edges and coated panels add safety and style.
- Wood beds in cedar, fir or pine bring natural warmth to the garden. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects.
- Plastic and self-watering beds are lightweight, easy to move and keep soil evenly moist.
- Gabion beds are filled with stone for a striking, durable border.
Size and depth
Keep beds no wider than you can comfortably reach to the middle from each side, usually about 3 to 4 feet. Shallow beds work for lettuce, herbs and strawberries, while tomatoes, potatoes and carrots appreciate deeper soil. Elevated beds on legs put your garden at a comfortable working height and keep plants away from rabbits and pets.
Getting started
Place beds where they get at least six hours of sun, fill them with a quality mix of topsoil and compost, and water deeply. Add a trellis for climbing crops and keep your watering tools close by for an easy, productive season.
