Plant Care
The Complete Guide to Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners (2025)
Last updated: November 23, 2025
Master raised bed gardening with this complete beginner's guide covering construction, soil preparation, plant selection, and maintenance for maximum harvest success.
— Image © PlantReference.org 2026
TL;DR
Raised bed gardening transforms any backyard into a productive food-growing space with better drainage, easier access, and higher yields than traditional ground gardens. Success depends on choosing the right location (6-8 hours sunlight), building sturdy cedar or composite beds 12-18 inches deep, and filling with quality raised bed soil mix. Most beginners achieve excellent results with 4x8 foot beds, drip irrigation, and easy crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs planted according to square foot spacing guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I put on the bottom of a raised garden bed?
Leave the bottom open to natural soil for best drainage and root development. Lay cardboard or newspaper as a biodegradable weed barrier that decomposes over 6-12 months. Avoid plastic sheeting which blocks drainage and creates anaerobic conditions. Hardware cloth (1/4-inch mesh) works well if you need pest protection from moles or gophers. Some gardeners add a thin gravel layer for leveling on uneven ground, but this isn't necessary on level sites.
How deep should a raised garden bed be for vegetables?
12 inches minimum works for most vegetables, with 18-24 inches optimal for deep-rooted crops like tomatoes and carrots. Shallow-rooted crops like lettuce, herbs, and radishes thrive in just 6-8 inches of soil. Consider your physical accessibility—beds 24-36 inches tall work well for wheelchair users or those with back problems. Deeper beds cost more to fill but provide better root development and water retention during hot weather.
Should I line my raised garden bed with plastic?
Never line raised beds with plastic as it blocks essential drainage and prevents beneficial soil organisms from moving between bed and ground soil. Use cardboard or newspaper for biodegradable weed control, or landscape fabric if you need semi-permanent weed suppression. Hardware cloth provides pest protection without blocking drainage. Plastic lining creates waterlogged conditions that kill plant roots and beneficial soil microbes essential for healthy plant growth.
Do raised beds need to be on level ground?
Slightly sloped ground (up to 10-15 degrees) works fine—just level the bed frame itself using a 4-foot level. Steep slopes require terracing or significant ground preparation. On uneven terrain, dig out the high side rather than building up the low side for stability. Uneven beds cause water pooling in low areas and excessive drainage in high spots, creating inconsistent growing conditions that stress plants and waste water.
How often should you water raised garden beds?
Water deeply 2-3 times weekly rather than daily light watering, which encourages shallow root development. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep—water when dry at that level. Raised beds drain faster than ground gardens and may need daily watering during peak summer heat. Mulching reduces watering frequency by 30-50% while maintaining consistent soil moisture. Drip irrigation systems automate watering while using less water than hand watering or sprinklers.
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Written By
M
Mike Thompson
Mike's been designing residential landscapes in the Seattle area, with a particular focus on Pacific Northwest natives and sustainable practices. He's a Washington State Master Gardener and worked in construction before landscaping, which gives him a practical edge when it comes to building raised beds and hardscaping projects. He runs a small side business propagating and selling unusual perennials at farmers markets on weekends. His property serves as a testing ground for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly garden designs. Mike's philosophy: if it requires weekly maintenance, it's not sustainable.
