About Elevated Garden Beds

Since 1983, we’ve been designing and refining our elevated garden bed offerings—with many crafted right here in Vermont by our team of employee-owners. Our elevated cedar raised beds and planter boxes, for example, are longtime bestsellers. Elevated beds present a practical and often lower-maintenance option for growers of all experience levels.

Elevated beds are a classic choice among gardeners for several reasons. They provide a neat, organized growing space that’s easier to keep weed-free. Plus, they warm up faster than the ground itself in spring, allowing for earlier planting and longer growing seasons. Elevated beds and planters facilitate adequate drainage and soil aeration, creating ideal conditions for plant roots. They also make it easier to protect plants from pests and critters—keeping your harvest safer with less effort required. Finally, their height facilitates “no-bend” gardening and eases strain on the body.

Elevated Bed FAQs

1. Why elevated bed gardening?
   • Gardeners turn to raised and elevated bed gardening for tidiness, better soil control, improved drainage, and reduced weeding needs. Elevated beds don’t require as much bending, so they’re often easier for older or adaptive gardeners to tend. They warm faster than the ground in spring, so they accommodate earlier planting. Finally, elevated beds can be easier to protect from pests—especially with the right barriers or netting.
2. How do I make an elevated bed?
   • Our elevated garden bed and planter box kits come with clear instructions that make assembly a snap. If you’re DIY-ing, we’ve got you covered with rot-resistant cedar boards and heavy-duty aluminum corners that are easy to connect and built to last. Once your bed’s constructed, customize it with accessories like arch trellises, stains, and more.
3. How deep should an elevated garden bed be?
   • Elevated beds should be a minimum of 8” deep to accommodate root systems. A depth of 12–24” is preferable for growing most vegetables. The deeper the bed, the more soil volume it offers, which helps retain moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering.
4. How do I fill an elevated garden bed?
   • First, explore our soil and amendment offerings that include raised-bed potting mix and booster kits. It's important to choose a high-quality soil mix that provides nutrients and drainage.Then, choose your favorite plants! Elevated raised beds are great for growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even small shrubs. Almost anything can thrive in an elevated bed—just remember to assess sun and shade amounts and reinforce climbing plants with an arch trellis or other support(s).