Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners

Raised bed gardening is an easy and accessible way to start gardening, especially for beginners.  You can grow almost anything in raised beds, and these contained spaces are easier to manage, weed, water, and maintain with minimal effort. 

Raised bed gardening is one of the most popular types of backyard gardening, and it’s an excellent option for those working with poor soil conditions or limited space. By using raised beds, you gain better control over your soil quality, which is often the key to a successful garden.

In our particular case, we have heavy clay soils with poor drainage, and we found it almost impossible to grow a garden.  Once we moved to raised beds, everything became much easier, and we were able to grow much of our own food with minimal effort.

Unlike traditional in-ground gardening, raised bed gardening requires minimal equipment—no need for expensive tillers or heavy tools. Provided you start with good soil in the beds, that soil will support your garden for a decade or more with minimal additions each year.  It really is an investment, but well worth it upfront.

Gardening in raised beds is also easier on your body. Because the plants are elevated, there’s less bending, kneeling, and stooping, making gardening more accessible for all ages. This can help ensure that gardening remains a lifelong hobby.

Benefits of Raised Bed Gardening

There are several advantages to using raised beds:

• Better Soil Control: You can tailor the soil to your needs, avoiding poor native soil that may be compacted or nutrient-deficient.
• Fewer Weeds: Because the soil is contained, weed seeds from the surrounding area are less likely to invade.
• Improved Drainage: Raised beds drain better than traditional gardens, reducing the risk of overwatering or root rot.
• Higher Yields: With better soil and controlled growing conditions, many gardeners find they can grow more food in a smaller space.
• Extended Growing Season: Raised beds warm up more quickly in the spring, allowing for earlier planting.  And spring perennials, like strawberries, will set fruit earlier in the year, too.

Downsides of Raised Bed Gardening

While raised beds offer many advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Increased Watering Needs: Because raised beds drain well, they can also dry out faster. This means you may need to water more often, especially in hot weather.  Here in Vermont, we get plenty of rain, and the good drainage was actually a benefit.  We rarely have to water our beds.
• Higher Soil Temperatures: In warm climates, the soil in raised beds can heat up more than traditional ground soil, which can be good or bad depending on the plants you are growing.  Certain crops, like tomatoes, watermelons, and sweet potatoes thrive in warm soil.  Others, like greens, peas, and root crops, tend to prefer cooler soils.  The difference is minimal in most of the US, but it can be a big concern in hot, arid climates like Southern California, Arizona, and Texas.
• Initial Setup Cost: Raised beds require an initial investment in materials, whether it’s wood, metal, or stone. However, they often pay off in the long run with increased yields and reduced maintenance.

Types of Raised Beds

Raised beds come in a variety of materials and styles. The most common types include:

Wooden Raised Beds

A popular and affordable option. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant and long-lasting.  We’re using rough-sawn hemlock from a local mill, and the beds are still in great condition after 5 years. 

I expect we’ll get 10 years, which is the normal lifespan of cedar-raised beds. It helps that the wood is 2 inches thick, which adds strength and helps them last longer.

Metal Raised Beds

Galvanized steel or corrugated metal raised beds are durable and resistant to pests.  The galvanization will wear down eventually, though, leading to rust.  They may not always look as pretty as the day they’re installed.

Personally, I worry about the coatings on some of these raised beds, especially when growing food.  I’ve also taken a few severe injuries while working with sheet metal (roofing, not garden beds) and I worry about sharp edges,  if not initially, in the long term if they bend, crack or start to rust.

Brick or Stone Beds

These provide permanent and beautiful raised beds, but can be more expensive to construct.  That is, of course, unless you happen to live in an area with plenty of stone in the soil and have enough brute strength to build them by hand.

We’ve built quite a few using the natural stone pulled up from our garden soil.  (Yet another reason to garden in raised beds, if you have this much stone in your soil, it’s hard for plants to thrive.)

Fabric Grow Bags

These are portable and ideal for renters or those who want a temporary raised bed solution.  They come in 5 to 20 gallon sizes, and inexpensive fabric grow bags are perfect for growing just a few crops in an extremely limited space (and on a budget).  

Since they’re not permanently installed, they’re great for apartments or other places where you’re not sure you want to put down roots.

Best Raised Bed Size

The ideal raised bed size depends on your space and accessibility needs. Generally, a good size is 4 feet wide so you can reach the center from either side without stepping in the bed.

The length can vary, but 6 to 8 feet is common. A depth of 12 to 18 inches allows for proper root growth and good drainage. We were able to source 12 inch boards from a local mill at a great price, and we stacked them 2 deep to make our beds 24” deep since we have shallow soils beneath the beds.

How to Fill Raised Beds

Properly filling your raised bed is crucial for plant health. Avoid making the soil too rich or overly compost-heavy, as this can cause nitrogen imbalances and micronutrient deficiencies. Ideally, you should use a mix of topsoil, compost, and a soil-lightening material like peat moss or coconut coir to prevent compaction.

A good formula is 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% aeration material (such as perlite or sand). This mix provides nutrients while allowing for proper drainage and root development.

We didn’t have access to sand, and pearlite can be expensive, especially because we were creating nearly 30 raised beds (4’x8’x24’’).  We opted for a 50/50 mix of topsoil and compost and it’s worked out well for us.

If you’re planting acid-loving crops like strawberries, cranberries, or blueberries, then adding peat is a great option, too.  It will lighten the soil and adjust the pH.

Most heat-loving crops, like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, prefer slightly acidic soil, and it’s a good idea to add a little peat if you have alkaline soil. Potatoes also love slightly acidic soil, even though they thrive in cooler weather.

Most cool weather crops, like beets, salad greens, broccoli, and asparagus, like slightly alkaline soil, so avoid adding peat for those (and maybe add a little wood ash from a campfire or wood stove to amend the soil).

Choosing What to Grow in Raised Beds

When selecting plants for your raised beds, it’s crucial to consider their specific needs and growth habits. Some plants flourish in these contained spaces, while others may struggle due to their requirements for space, soil depth, or moisture.

Good Choices: Plants like lettuce, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, strawberries, and bush beans are excellent choices for raised beds. They thrive in the well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, and controlled environment that raised beds provide. Herbs, both medicinal and cullinary, are also great choices as they don’t tend to tolerate weedy competition.

Challenging Crops: Certain plants are not well-suited for raised beds due to their specific needs. For example, parsnips require deep soil to grow straight and healthy, which can be a challenge in shallower-raised beds. Watermelon and sweet corn also pose difficulties; watermelon needs extensive horizontal space for its sprawling vines, while sweet corn requires large blocks for effective pollination, both of which can be hard to accommodate in typical raised bed setups.

It’s often said that potatoes aren’t the best for raised beds simply because they need deeper soil, but if you have 18 to 24 inch raised beds they’ll really thrive. We harvest 50 to 60 pounds of potatoes from each 4×8 raised bed.

Planting in Raised Beds

When planting in raised beds, consider using companion planting to maximize space and efficiency. This technique involves pairing plants that complement each other in terms of growth habits, pest resistance, and nutrient requirements. For example, taller crops like tomatoes, corn, or trellised cucumbers can provide shade for more delicate plants such as lettuce or basil, which might struggle in direct sunlight. This method not only optimizes vertical space but also reduces crowding, improving overall plant health by allowing for better air circulation and sunlight distribution.

Avoid overcrowding your raised beds. While it can be tempting to plant closely to maximize space, plants still need adequate airflow to prevent disease. Proper spacing allows for healthier growth and easier maintenance, reducing the likelihood of fungal issues and poor yields. 

A general rule of thumb is to follow the spacing recommendations on the seed packet or plant label to ensure each plant has enough room to grow without competing for resources.  I know it kills me to plant as sparsely as the seed packet’s recommend, but every time I try to cram more plants into a bed, I regret it. 

The plants will eventually grow to fill that space, and overcrowding actually reduces yields.

Watering a Raised Bed

Because raised beds drain well, they require regular and deep watering. Unlike traditional in-ground gardens, raised beds often dry out faster, especially during hot summer months. The best watering method is deep soaking, ensuring moisture reaches the roots rather than just wetting the surface. This encourages deep root growth and makes plants more resilient to drought.

Using drip irrigation or soaker hoses can provide consistent moisture without overwatering. These systems deliver water directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and runoff. 

Mulching the surface with straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips helps retain moisture and reduces how often you need to water. Mulch also regulates soil temperature and suppresses weeds, creating a healthier environment for your plants.

Garlic, tomatoes and strawberries especially benefit from a bit of straw mulch under the plants.

Weeding a Raised Bed

Weeds are less common in raised beds, but they can still appear. Mulching is the best way to suppress weeds, as it prevents weed seeds from reaching the soil. Organic mulches, such as straw or bark, break down over time and improve soil health by adding nutrients and structure.

Hand-pulling is usually the best option in raised beds since the soil is loose and weeds come out easily. Regular maintenance—checking for weeds once a week—can prevent them from becoming a problem. It’s also important to remove weeds before they go to seed to prevent future infestations.

Weeds tend to develop deeper roots in raised beds, just like your plants.  Still, since the soil is loose, they should slip out of the ground easily.  Just look at the root of this dandelion we found growing in one of our raised beds!  It looks gigantic, but it was still easily pulled by my 5-year-old.

Fertilizing a Raised Bed

Over-fertilizing can be a problem, so it’s best to use compost or slow-release organic fertilizers to nourish the soil without overwhelming the plants. Liquid fertilizers, such as compost tea or seaweed extract, can provide a nutrient boost during the growing season. These organic options promote healthy microbial activity in the soil, which is essential for nutrient cycling and plant health.

To keep soil healthy long-term, add worm castings or aged manure before each planting season. These natural amendments provide a steady supply of nutrients without the risks associated with synthetic fertilizers. 

Regularly testing your soil can also help determine if additional nutrients are needed, ensuring your plants receive exactly what they require to thrive.  

One year, I assumed our strawberry plants needed more phosphorus to set better fruit, so I dusted the soil with bone meal.  It turns out, the plants didn’t really need it, and believe it or not, most of them died from over-fertilization.  A soil test can really help identify what’s needed, and what’s not.

Supporting Plants in a Raised Bed

Some plants, like tomatoes, peas, and beans, need support to grow upright and produce well. Trellises, stakes, or cages can prevent plants from sprawling and encourage upward growth. 

Cattle panels, bamboo stakes, or netting are great options for keeping plants stable and making harvesting easier. For example, indeterminate tomatoes benefit from cages or trellises to manage their height and promote fruiting, while peas and beans can be trained up bamboo stakes or netting to maximize space.

Protecting Plants in a Raised Bed

Protecting your plants from pests and harsh weather is important for maintaining a healthy garden. Row covers or mesh netting can keep out pests like cabbage worms and rabbits. 

In hot climates, shade cloths help prevent sunburn and heat stress on sensitive crops. These protective measures can be especially crucial during extreme weather conditions, ensuring your plants remain healthy and productive.

Here in Vermont, our plants don’t require much protection.  Our dog keeps deer and other predators away, and we have mild summers.  Crop protection is only really necessary if you have a more extreme climate, or incredible pest pressure.

Raised Bed Greenhouse Options

For an extended growing season, you can create a simple greenhouse using PVC hoops and plastic sheeting over your raised bed. This provides frost protection and allows year-round gardening, even in colder climates. 

Cold frames or mini hoop houses can also be used to insulate plants in early spring or late fall, giving you a head start on the growing season or extending it well into the fall.

We tried a raised bed greenhouse kit one year, and it worked wonderfully adding extra heat to help our peppers thrive.  That is, of course, until our dog decided it was an intruder and tore it to pieces.  He keeps the deer and groundhogs out of the garden, so he’s doing his job, but sometimes he takes his job a bit too seriously.

Still, in general, mini raised bed greenhouses can be a wonderful option for season extension or for supporting crops that need a bit more warmth when you live in a colder climate.  Be aware that they’ll block rainwater though, so you’ll need extra water when using greenhouse covers.

We also use raised beds in our attached greenhouse, which works out really well for year round gardening.

Raised bed gardening is an excellent option for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. By selecting the right bed type, filling it properly, and maintaining it throughout the season, you can enjoy a productive and manageable garden with less effort than traditional in-ground methods. 

Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, raised beds offer an efficient and rewarding way to garden. With proper care and attention, your raised bed garden can thrive, providing you with fresh produce and a sense of accomplishment all year round.