Raised Garden Beds

by Ken Murray
(Yacolt, WA)

What is the minimum depth raised garden beds should be? Can I make them 10 inches and be OK for all types of vegetable plants?


ANSWER:

Hi Ken,

Yes, you should be fine with 10" beds. Usually raised beds are between 6" and 15" tall.

There is no exact height requirement. However, some deep-rooted vegetables such as beans, tomatoes, and squash may be happiest with a bit more depth.

You can always work the ground soil under your raised bed 6" or so to provide more growing space for the deep-rooted vegetables.

It would also be a good idea to add some compost into the soil underneath the bed if needed, before building your raised bed frame.