Have you noticed your garden not yielding like it used to? Struggling with pest issues or tired of wrestling with clay soil? If so, it might be time to try something different this year—raised bed gardening!

Why Raised Beds?

Raised beds are simply planting areas that are built above ground level. They can be framed with wood, cinder blocks, or other materials—or even left unframed and just mounded up. The main benefit? You get to control your soil quality, drainage, and layout from the get-go.

Better Soil, Better Results

One mistake a lot of folks make is trying to fill their beds with our native soils/topsoil from their yard. Unfortunately, that often leads to poor drainage and compaction—two things raised beds are meant to avoid. Instead, use a raised-bed mix from a garden center or local feed and seed store. These blends are lighter, drain well, and give roots room to grow. Healthier roots mean healthier plants, stronger yields, and fewer headaches. You’ll also warm up soil faster in spring, giving you a head start on the season.

Managing Weeds and Pests

One of the benefits about raised beds is that it makes for maintaining a weed-free bed easier. With a defined border, you can use mulch effectively to suppress weeds and keep soil moisture consistent. You can add mulch like pine needles, bark, or straw on top of your raised beds to reduce weeds but also improve soil over time as they break down.

Raised beds also make it easier to spot and manage pests—especially the bigger, furrier kind. Fencing around your garden or using netting over your beds can help keep out rabbits, deer, and other wildlife who may see your veggies as a buffet.

A Fit for Any Space

Short on yard space? No problem. Raised beds can be tucked into small backyards, built on slopes, or even placed over concrete. If bending and kneeling are tough, consider building taller beds to bring the garden up to you. Some folks even install benches along the sides to make gardening more accessible and enjoyable.

What Can You Grow?

Another benefit to raised beds is their versatility. You can grow just about anything you’d grow in a traditional garden—and often with better results. The loose, well-draining soil gives roots room to stretch, which is especially helpful for root crops like:

Carrots, Radishes, Beets, Garlic, Onions

Warm-season favorites like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers also do very well in raised beds, especially when staked or trellised for support.

For leafy greens, consider lettuce, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard—all of which benefit from the improved soil structure and can be planted early in the season.

Raised beds are also a great option for bush beans, okra, and even herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley. Just make sure to group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together to keep things thriving.

Planning a mix of crops in your raised bed will not only increase your harvest, but also help manage pests and improve pollination of certain crops.

Watering

Raised beds do drain more quickly than in-ground gardens, so consistent watering is key—especially during dry spells. You might consider drip irrigation or soaker hoses to help with efficiency. Just remember, with the help of mulch, your beds will retain moisture better and reduce how often you need to water.

Ready to Dig In?

The best time to start a raised bed garden is right now. Whether you’re planting spring lettuce or planning for summer tomatoes, starting with a raised bed gives your vegetables a strong foundation. With fewer weeds, better drainage, and easier access, it’s no wonder more and more folks are choosing to garden a little “above” ground.

For raised bed designs and more planting specifics, visit this article on our website at Raised Bed Gardening Links