How Deep Should A Raised Garden Bed Be? - Durable GreenBed

When planning a raised garden it can be hard to know where to start. There are many factors that go into creating the perfect garden bed place to grow the perfect yield. In this article we will help you determine the best height for a successful raised garden bed. 

Some questions to ask when deciding how deep your raised should be: 

What kind of plants do I want to grow? 

Different plants grow roots to different depths, and some require more vertical space than others. When planning your raised garden, be sure to think about access to sunlight, and the growth heights of your chosen plants. 

Where will the raised beds be, and what will they be resting on? 

The surface underneath your raised beds affects what depth is best. Generally, if the soil in your bed will be able to exchange moisture with the ground soil underneath, you can get away with a shallower bed. Depth is especially important if your raised bed is resting on concrete or another surface that restricts water flow. 

How can the beds be the most accessible? 

A deeper bed will have a taller in-fill of soil, and the plants will rest higher off the ground, which means less bending and stooping while tending the garden. Widely spaced rows of 2-foot raised beds with aisles on the sides can be maintained from a seated position, and are perfect for a wheelchair-friendly garden plan. 

Let’s break down each of these questions to help you plan the perfect raised garden. 

Determining Garden Bed Depth by Plant Type

When planning your raised garden bed depth, the root system is the main piece to keep in mind. Deep-rooting vegetables usually aren’t suitable for raised beds because of the amount of the space they require in all directions–perhaps most importantly, down into the soil. If you are hoping to grow, say, a crop of corn, that may not be your best bet. Luckily, there are plenty of perfect candidates. 

Herbs like basil, cilantro, and other low leafy greens like lettuce will grow and grow with just 6 inches of soil. A 1-foot raised bed is more than enough to accommodate a salad garden box plan.

Carrots, radishes and peppers thrive with 12 inches or more. Medium-rooting vegetables like kale, cucumbers, and zucchini love at least 18 inches. A 2-foot bed is ideal for these types of vegetables, as well as fruits that grow on bushes like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.