8 benefits of a raised bed vegetable garden

It's easier to be even more productive when you develop a raised bed vegetable garden early in he planning process and you don't even have to have raised beds.

Benefits of the bed system include;

• increased yields
• great way to organise your crop rotation
• can easily adopt the no-dig system
• protects the soil from damage by walking
• improves soil drainage
• fewer weeds
• raised beds are easier to garden, better for your back
• you can access your veg. even when the soil is wet

Few downsides exist, but being honest;

• you do have to construct beds and paths
• there is a risk that diseases build up if the soil is not dug over

There are several variants of the bed system for you to consider;

• flat earth beds are the simplest to construct
• raised earth beds improve drainage
• boarded earth beds keep the soil off your paths

These are discussed under raised bed vegetable gardening



As regards layout - it is really up to you.

However, I recommend a maximum 1.2m width for each bed to allow easy reaching without stepping on the soil, and say 3-4m length so you don't have too far to walk round.

As for height consider; 10-15cm to ease access, or 20-25cm to ease back ache!

In between the beds you need to plan paths to allow easy access what ever the weather.


For further information;

• For more design ideas and options
• To return to the home of vegetable gardening