Raised garden beds, generally speaking, are planting beds that sit on top of the existing soil. They vary in height and can be made of many different materials. Garden boxes usually come with frames, but that is not a rule. There is usually some room left around each garden bed to allow walking by and also to keep the soil loose and fluffy instead of compacted. A narrow raised garden bed can leave room for circulation where the available planting area is limited.

Raised garden beds are an excellent and relatively comfortable solution for growing small plots of herbs, veggies and flowers. Garden boxes keep weeds and pests away, ensure reliable drainage, and protect the gardener's back. At ArchiPro, we offer a variety of raised garden beds in different sizes and depths, suitable for all kinds of plants.

Benefits of Raised Bed Gardening

Raised gardens are great for growing small plots of vegetables, spicy herbs, and flowers. Garden boxes keep pathway weeds away from garden soil, prevent soil compaction and serve as a barrier to pests.

Furthermore, a raised vege garden provides good drainage, keeping valuable garden soil from eroding or washing away during the rainy season. On average, the soil is warmer and better drained when resting above ground level.

Raised garden beds make gardening more comfortable, reducing back strain.

Garden Beds Materials

Raw Wood

The best types of untreated wood for garden boxes are cedar, cypress, redwood, or oak, due to their rot-resistant properties. While it’s not the most affordable option around, such containers can last for many years in diverse conditions. Untreated pine is a cost-friendly, sustainable alternative with a somewhat shorter lifespan. Timber raised garden beds may use untreated or treated wood, with the material affecting durability and concerns about chemicals leaching into the soil.

Treated Wood

Treated wood has been infused with chemical elements for longevity and preservation. Some prefer to avoid it as a garden bed material, concerned with the possibility of chemicals leaching out into the soil, which can happen in small volume boxes and moist conditions.

Composite Wood

A mix of recycled materials can last for years. However, there hasn’t been much research on its pros and cons for use in close proximity to edibles. White raised beds include a PVC model with a shelf.

Height of Raised Garden Bed

The average height for raised garden beds is around 30 cm or a height of two regular wooden boards. It’s ideal for providing adequate drainage for most crops. However, some plants require a minimum of 45 cm of soil depth. To secure success, veggie garden boxes or a flower bed should be placed over an additional 15-30 cm layer of soil.

Another essential factor in choosing the ideal height for a raised garden bed is the amount of bending a gardener is prepared to do. High garden beds can reduce the amount of bending required, although their added soil volume may increase the weight carried by the supporting structure. Elevated planting beds can reduce bending, though the supporting structure needs to carry the added soil weight.

What Can Be Planted in Raised Garden Beds

Garden boxes can grow almost all types of vegetables the gardener would like to eat. Everything from lettuce to cherry tomatoes, carrots, onions and potatoes can fit into a raised vegetable garden.

Even some watermelons can grow in a vegetable planter box, as long as available space is sustainably used, and each plant's growth habit taken into consideration.

Irrigation Tips for Garden Beds

There are multiple ways to water a raised bed, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Drip irrigation is a system of hoses with holes that allow water to drip out slowly. It’s precise and affordable but requires some efforts to install.

Soaker hose leaks or soaks water out along its entire length. It requires less work to install than a drip irrigation system.

Sprinklers feature holes that spray water through the air. It can cover broad areas.

Wicking implies filling a porous reservoir under the soil. It slowly releases water into the ground. While very precise, it is less affordable than other options and requires a lot of work for a proper set-up.

Raised Garden Beds