You don’t need a sprawling lawn to be a gardener. Any outdoor space - be it a balcony or small patch of grass - can be home to a raised garden bed. Though useful for all gardeners, they’re especially great for beginners because you can control factors like garden size and soil conditions, making it feel like “gardening with training wheels,” says Carmen DeVito, a certified New York State landscape professional and founder of Garden Cult, a garden and landscape design company. I talked with experts about the benefits of raised garden beds and how to make your plants thrive in one. I also rounded up highly rated raised garden beds across different sizes, styles and price points from Best Choice Products, Foyuee, Land Guard and more.
Types of raised garden beds
There are three types of raised garden beds: raised ground beds, supported raised beds and containerized raised beds. All three work to lift plants and their root systems above the ground, but from there, they differ in style and construction.
Raised ground beds are flat-topped mounds of soil. They’re typically six to eight inches high and do not have elevated support frames. Raised ground beds are the simplest above-ground gardening option since they only require soil, and they’re sometimes referred to as built-in raised beds, says Venelin Dimitrov, senior product manager for Burpee, a gardening company. They’re especially useful for gardeners with large areas for planting who do not want the added expense of building support frames.
Containerized raised beds are essentially large planters or pots, and they’re typically what most people think of when they talk about raised garden beds, according to our experts. Containerized raised beds have tall sides and a base, and they can be used on lawns, walkways, decks, patios, driveways and porches. Always make sure the area you put this type of raised garden bed can tolerate its weight and the moisture it may give off, says Dimitrov. You also may need to use more soil to fill a containerized raised bed, but they’re versatile and work well in high-traffic areas, he says.
Supported raised beds consist of a mound of soil surrounded by a supportive edge or frame. These beds are especially useful for sloped or uneven ground, says Dimitrov - you can use them to build a flat surface on top of an uneven surface. Many brands sell edges or frames for supported raised beds, but to save money, you can also DIY your own with materials like bricks, concrete blocks and large stones.
How to shop for raised garden beds
After deciding what type of raised garden bed works best for you, further narrow down your options by considering factors like material, drainage holes and liners.
Material: Raised garden beds are commonly constructed from wood, metal or plastic - metal and plastic beds usually last longer compared to wood, which may rot over time, says DeVito. Some people may prefer wood, however. In those cases, she suggests investing in a pressure-treated or rot-resistant wood bed, and looking for those made from Ipe or Cedar wood. Some companies sell raised garden beds made from fabric, which are a more affordable option, says DeVito. If you’re opting for fabric, she recommends using smaller sized beds since they’re easy to move. Fabric raised garden beds should be put on top of gravel, soil or stone - they would make a deck too wet if you placed them directly on top, says DeVito.
Drainage holes: Like indoor pots, outdoor planters (such as containerized raised garden beds) need drainage holes to allow extra water to drain out the bottom. This ensures that water does not gather at the base of the planter, which can cause plant roots to rot or fungus and bacteria to build up, experts told us. A lack of drainage puts plants at risk of staying wet for a long period of time, and too much water is just as harmful to plants as too little, says DeVito.
Liners: Some raised garden beds come with liners, which you place at the bottom of your bed before adding soil. DeVito typically does not suggest using liners inside raised garden beds unless there’s a reason for it, like soil contamination, tree roots or aggressive weeds. Liners can also come in handy if you’re putting a raised garden bed on a wood, stone or concrete surface - this can help protect the surface from staining, says DeVito.
How to fill and plant raised beds
The first step to preparing your raised bed for planting is filling it with garden soil. What you’re planting often dictates what type of soil you should use, but as a general rule, DeVito relies on screened topsoil - soil without any rocks, sticks or clumps - mixed with compost. You can also purchase soil that’s premixed with compost - look for options that have 50% soil and 50% compost, says Dimitrov. There’s no special way you need to water plants in a raised garden bed, says Dimitrov. In fact, raised garden beds are able to drain excess water away from plants’ root zones, which ensures that they don’t get over-saturated. Raised-bed gardens tend to dry out more than in-ground gardens, which may mean plants like flowers, vegetables or herbs need to be watered more often, especially during the hot, dry summer, says DeVito. Overall, she recommends hand-watering plants using a garden hose with a shower nozzle attachment, or, for larger raised garden beds, setting up an automatic soaker hose system.
Raised garden beds are most often used for growing food like vegetables, herbs and fruit. You can also use them for a cut flower garden filled with perennials or small shrubs. The only plants DeVito recommends against putting in a raised garden are large trees or shrubs that require a lot of space for their root systems, leaves or branches.
Benefits and considerations for beginners
Raised garden beds are a great way to introduce kids to gardening. The contained area gives kids their own space to explore working with dirt and seeds, and DeVito recommends starting kids off with growing easy, low maintenance vegetables like radishes and beans, or those they eat frequently, like leafy greens for salads.
Meet our gardening experts: Carmen DeVito and Venelin Dimitrov emphasize that raised beds offer control over soil quality, better drainage, and easier accessibility, which can be particularly helpful for beginners and people with mobility considerations.
Any serious gardener will spend countless hours planning and planting, weeding and watering, cursing groundhogs, and drowning slugs in beer. If you’re up for all of that, a raised-garden-bed kit will certainly make it easier to get started. A raised bed offers advantages: it can prevent soil compaction, drain reliably, and extend the growing season. And you can avoid planting in contaminated soil. Also, orderly, organized beds tend to look tidier than an in-ground garden.
What to consider about size and layout
Ideal raised garden bed dimensions balance accessibility, soil depth, and space. The minimum height generally suggested is 6 inches, with 18 inches to 24 inches offering better drainage and root room. The width should typically be between 18 inches and 4 feet for comfortable reach from all sides; if space is tight or the bed is against a wall, aim for under 2.5 feet. Length should suit space and materials, with 8 feet common for economical boards and up to 10-12 feet for ease of use, though longer can lead to structural bowing.
For modular or vertical designs, consider options like multi-level containers or stacked boxes, which can maximize small spaces such as balconies, patios, or narrow spaces. Vertical beds often feature several tiers or levels, enabling separation of vegetables, herbs and flowers while remaining accessible.
Some popular material choices
Cedar wood is durable and rot-resistant, a favorite for long-lasting wooden raised beds. Avoid chemically treated boards that could leach into soil. Eco-friendly finishes are recommended if you stain or seal wood. For the interior, a natural wood treatment helps prolong life without harming soil or plants.
Steel and metal beds, including corten steel and powder-coated options, last a lifetime and warm soil quickly in spring. They are typically modular with sleek aesthetics but may require careful delivery planning due to weight. They tend to heat soil faster, which can benefit some crops but may also demand more attentive watering in hot climates.
Containerized or fabric beds offer portability and flexibility, with the caveat that fabric beds should be placed on stable bases like gravel or stone to avoid excessive moisture on decks.
Stone beds provide longevity and a timeless look, though they represent a higher budget and heavier installation.
For those preferring DIY, notched concrete blocks or cedar boards can form custom beds, though cost comparisons against preassembled kits show variable value depending on materials and space.
What to fill raised beds with and watering tips
Compute cubic feet to determine soil volume, based on the bed’s length, width, and depth. Fill with a mix that provides balanced nutrients and drainage. A common recommendation is 50% soil and 50% compost for premixed soils. Watering: raised beds drain more quickly than in-ground beds, so expect more frequent watering, especially in hot, dry seasons. A hand-watering approach with a garden hose and shower nozzle works well for most, while larger beds may benefit from an automated soaker hose system.
Raised beds can support a wide range of crops, including vegetables, herbs, fruits, cut flowers, perennials, and small shrubs. The main exception is large trees or shrubs with extensive root systems, which are not suitable for typical raised beds.
Frequently asked questions
Raised beds provide a controllable soil environment, improve drainage, and warmth, enabling faster early-season growth. They’re particularly helpful where soil quality is poor or contaminated. They also offer accessibility advantages for gardeners with mobility limitations, reducing the need to bend or squat.
The first step to planting is filling the bed with garden soil and compost, then selecting crops suited to your climate and space. With thoughtful planning and the right materials, raised beds can be a durable, beautiful, and productive addition to any outdoor area.
Selected top picks and practical guidance
- Best overall/editor’s pick: durable cedar with accessible assembly and long lifespan.
- Best vertical bed: space-saving design with multiple levels for herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
- Best for large yards: modular metal bed with stability and resilience against the elements.
- Best for portability: containerized on wheels with organized storage and soil separation liner.
If you’re interested in a practical, ready-to-use option, a raised-bed kit can simplify setup and start you on a productive kitchen garden journey with less physical strain and more harvest potential.
The Best Raised Garden Bed Option for you!
For inspiration and further reading, consider curated gardening literature that emphasizes creating productive kitchen gardens with thoughtful bed design, soil blends, and seasonal planning. Resources cover practical layouts, soil mixes, watering approaches, and crop rotations to maximize yield in constrained spaces.