Raised planting beds provide many benefits for gardeners. Those who have back problems or spend a lot of time bent over a bed weeding understand the advantage of a raised bed. The elderly and people with disabilities may also appreciate the convenience of better access to otherwise limited gardening options. Depending on the site, what you are planting, and your individual comfort or access needs, the height of your raised bed should be customized. Does this Spark an idea?
Raised Bed Site Considerations
Raised bed heights will vary depending on the site. For example, temporary raised beds created for one season of growing may be just 8 inches off the ground. A terraced bed built into a hillside may be 24 inches or taller. Beds planted in public areas or private gardens near concrete-paved walkways benefit from several feet of height to prevent plant heat stress.
Raised Bed Plant Requirements
Since most plants root are least 1 foot deep, University of Missouri Extension officials suggest that beds be 2 feet deep for most walled, raised beds. Although some plants will root deeper than 12 inches, the typical garden plant roots between 6 inches and 1 foot. By providing 2 feet, you allow the roots plenty of room to stretch out, as well as providing more soil to carry water and nutrients to plants as they grow.
Raised Beds for Access
A bed raised 27 to 33 inches provides a table height garden, easily accessible by people in wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges.These beds may be positioned on sturdy legs with a container on top for the plants, or built with walls from the ground up like a large box. The latter style of raised garden will require a large amount of bedding media, so calculate the square footage and volume before building.
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