The Pros and Cons of Raised Beds (2024)

FAQs

The Pros and Cons of Raised Beds? ›

The cons of raised beds

The soil mix also can be a significant, albeit one-time, expense. Raised beds need water more often since the soil is more exposed to air and dries quicker. Similar to growing in containers, the extra watering can leach nutrients out of the soil quicker than in-ground gardens.

The cons of raised beds

The soil mix also can be a significant, albeit one-time, expense. Raised beds need water more often since the soil is more exposed to air and dries quicker. Similar to growing in containers, the extra watering can leach nutrients out of the soil quicker than in-ground gardens.

The Disadvantages of Raised Beds

They heat up more and dry out a lot faster than level ground, which can be a big disadvantage in very hot or dry climates. They can cost a lot of money to create the frames, and fill the beds with soil, especially if you choose to use Mel's Mix (square foot gardening potting soil).

Water Usage and Seasonal Considerations - Due to a raised garden's superior drainage, they tend to dry out faster in the warmer months. This requires more frequent watering to keep your plants hydrated. Due to the increased air circulation, raised beds can become colder sooner than natural soil.

Building raised beds is a great way to add more growing space to your garden, especially if your soil is poor. If you plan ahead, constructing them can be accomplished in a weekend, and you can quickly get growing fruit, vegetables, cut flowers or even small trees and shrubs.

You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to block out weeds or act as a barrier against rhizomatous, weedy or invasive plants. While some may opt for landscape fabric, cardboard is a more cost-effective option.

Plant Type

Some perennials that grow well in raised beds include daylilies, lavender, oregano, rhubarb, raspberries, and hostas. Just know that if you plant these in your bed, they'll continue to occupy that space for quite a while (unless you decide to pull them, of course!).

Raised beds offer better soil structure and drainage, which can help grow plants more effectively. They also provide an opportunity to amend the soil with organic matter, improving its fertility and nutrient content. Additionally, the raised bed frame can act as a barrier against soil compaction caused by foot traffic.

The Best Height for Raised Beds

Keep in mind that beds 18 inches deep or more will have better drainage than shorter beds. While most plants don't need anything deeper than 18 inches, I prefer beds that are two feet deep (24 inches). The extra height is mostly just for the ease and convenience of the gardener.

What is the difference between a planter box and a raised bed? ›

Planter Boxes vs. Raised Garden Beds. Planter boxes, which work best for plants with shallow roots, are self-contained with solid sides and a bottom. On the other hand, raised garden beds include sides but no bottom and sit on top of the soil—allowing plants with deeper roots to grow past the depth of the bed.

Store-bought raised garden beds come in a variety of sizes and styles, but can be pricey. For those interested in raised bed gardening without the expense, these DIY raised garden beds with step-by-step instructions can be built in a few hours and often for a fraction of the cost of store-bought kits.

Raised Garden Beds Can Last a Couple Years to a Lifetime

Here's the short answer based on the type of material used for the raised bed: WOOD RAISED BED: 5-10 years. METAL RAISED BED: 30 years. STONE RAISED BED: lifetime.

The soil in your raised beds will break down over time; however, you don't need to replace all of the soil in your raised bed garden to have beautiful, vibrant, or bountiful plants. Before planting the following growing season, add Miracle-Gro® Refresh™ Soil Revitalizer to your old soil, following package directions.

A: You should avoid putting rocks in the bottom of your garden bed. A common myth is that this will improve drainage. Instead, this can actually increase water saturation levels as well as allow gravel to mix in with your soil, which can prove very difficult to remove later on.

One potential drawback of elevated garden beds is the cost. Depending on your design's size, materials, and complexity, elevated garden beds can be more expensive than traditional gardens. However, the long-term benefits of soil quality, reduced maintenance, and improved drainage may make the investment worthwhile.

Raised beds offer better soil structure and drainage, which can help grow plants more effectively. They also provide an opportunity to amend the soil with organic matter, improving its fertility and nutrient content.

Raised Beds Are Environmentally Responsive

Raised beds are deemed environmentally responsive if they can adapt their characteristics to the changing environment. You should consider purchasing environmentally responsive raised beds as they offer the best chance for plants to flourish and produce better yields.