What is a Raised Bed Garden? + How to Tell if It's Right for You

So, you want to grow your own vegetables but aren’t sure where to start? Raised bed gardening might be the perfect solution! It’s one of the easiest ways to set up a low-maintenance, productive garden—even if you’ve never gardened before. I’m going to break down exactly what a raised bed garden is, why it’s such a great gardening method, and how you can tell if it’s the right fit for you.

What’s a Raised Bed Garden?

A raised bed garden is exactly what it sounds like—a garden that sits in a raised container rather than being planted directly in the ground. These beds are typically framed with wood, metal, or stone and filled with high-quality soil. Unlike traditional in-ground gardens, raised beds offer better drainage, improved soil quality, and easier access to your plants.

There are two main types of raised bed gardens:

Ground-Level Raised Beds

These are the most common type of raised beds. They’re built directly on or into the ground, usually framed with wood or stone to hold in the soil. You can also get plastic ones that snap together over the top of the ground.They can be anywhere from 6 inches to about 2 feet tall, depending on your needs.

Best for:

People who have outdoor space for a garden
Those who don’t mind bending or kneeling while gardening
Gardeners who want to grow a variety of vegetables in a designated area

Elevated Raised Beds

These raised beds are built on legs, making them look like a garden table. They’re perfect for those who don’t want to bend over or kneel while gardening. They can be made of many materials, including wood and metal. They can be any height if you build them to your own body specifications, but they’re usually around 3 feet tall.

Best for:

People with mobility concerns
Those gardening on patios, decks, or balconies
Anyone who prefers a more accessible way to garden

Why Raised Bed Gardening is a Great Choice

There are many reasons why raised beds are a favorite among gardeners, especially beginners. Here are some of the biggest benefits:

Less Weeding – Because your garden is contained, weeds are less likely to take over. (Read tips for keeping weeds at bay in raised beds and regular gardens.)
Better Soil Quality – You get to fill your raised bed with nutrient-rich soil, so your plants have the best possible start.
Improved Drainage – Raised beds prevent water from pooling around your plants’ roots, which helps keep them healthy.
Fewer Pests – Since your plants are off the ground, some common garden pests (like slugs and rabbits) may have a harder time reaching them.
Easier on Your Back and Knees – If bending over isn’t comfortable, a table-style raised bed makes gardening much more accessible.
Longer Growing Season – Raised beds warm up faster in the spring and drain better in rainy seasons, giving you more time to grow vegetables.
Grow Any Vegetable You Want – While some vegetables grow better in raised beds than others, you can actually grow any kind you like – including pumpkins, corn, and more!

Is a Raised Bed Garden Right for You?

Not sure if a raised bed garden is the best choice for your situation? Ask yourself these questions:

Do I have poor or rocky soil that makes traditional in-ground gardening difficult? (Here’s how to tell.)
Do I want or need a garden that requires less bending, kneeling, and weeding?
Do I have somewhat limited space but still want to grow a variety of fresh produce?

If you answered yes to any of these, a raised bed garden is probably a great fit for you!

When Raised Beds Might Not Be the Best Choice

While raised beds offer plenty of advantages, they’re not perfect for everyone. Here are a few reasons why they might not be the right fit for you:

Higher Initial Cost – Building or buying raised beds can be more expensive than planting directly in the ground.
Not Always Ideal for Large Gardens – If you want to grow a large quantity of vegetables, raised beds might take up more space and require more materials than traditional garden plots.
Ongoing Maintenance – Wooden raised beds may eventually rot and need to be replaced, and some materials (like untreated wood) break down faster than others.
Not Ideal for Moving Around – While some elevated beds can be put on wheels and moved, they’re usually too heavy to schlep around during the growing season. If you move often or live in a very cold zone, you may want to use containers instead.

Ready to Start Your Own Raised Bed Garden?

Are you ready to start your own raised bed vegetable garden? I recently wrote a guide that will take you from complete beginner to accomplished vegetable gardener – with low-maintenance tips so you can spend fewer hours working and more time enjoying your harvest!

My complete beginner’s guide to starting a low-maintenance raised bed vegetable garden will walk you through everything you need to know—from building your raised bed to choosing the best vegetables to grow. Get it now!