Learn how to build productive raised beds that extend your growing season and maximize yields.
Raised beds offer several advantages for backyard market gardeners. They warm up faster in spring, extending your growing season. They provide excellent drainage, which is crucial for preventing root rot and disease. You have complete control over soil quality since you fill them with your own mix. They're easier on your back and knees, making gardening more sustainable for you physically. Finally, the defined edges help prevent soil compaction from foot traffic.
For sellers on LocalRoots, raised beds can increase your yields per square foot by 2-3 times compared to traditional row gardening, meaning more produce to sell from the same space.
The most common materials for raised bed frames are:
Untreated Cedar or Redwood: Naturally rot-resistant and will last 10-15 years. This is the premium choice but costs more upfront.
Douglas Fir or Pine: More affordable but will only last 3-5 years. A good starter option.
Concrete Blocks: Extremely durable and allow for creative designs. The hollow cores can be filled with soil for extra planting space.
Galvanized Steel: Modern look, very durable, but can get hot in summer. Consider adding shade cloth in hot climates.
Avoid treated lumber for growing food - the chemicals can leach into soil. If you must use it, line the inside with landscape fabric.
Width: Keep beds 3-4 feet wide so you can reach the center from either side without stepping on the soil. This prevents compaction.
Length: 8-12 feet is common, but any length works. Longer beds mean fewer paths, maximizing growing space.
Height: 6 inches minimum for most vegetables. Go 12-18 inches for root crops like carrots, or if you have poor native soil. Taller beds are also easier to work without bending.
Spacing Between Beds: Leave 2-3 feet between beds for comfortable walking and wheelbarrow access.
A productive raised bed soil mix follows roughly this recipe:
For a 4x8 foot bed that's 12 inches deep, you'll need about 1 cubic yard of material. Mix thoroughly before filling.
Pro tip: The soil in raised beds will settle 10-20% in the first year. Overfill initially, and top dress with compost annually to maintain levels.
Raised beds excel with intensive planting methods. Instead of traditional rows, use:
Square Foot Gardening: Divide your bed into 1-foot squares and plant according to spacing needs. One square might hold 1 tomato, 4 lettuce heads, or 16 carrots.
Succession Planting: As soon as one crop is harvested, replant the space immediately. This keeps your bed producing continuously.
Interplanting: Grow quick-maturing crops (radishes, lettuce) between slower ones (tomatoes, peppers). The fast crops will be harvested before the slow ones need the space.
These techniques can triple your harvest compared to traditional row planting - meaning more produce for your LocalRoots listings.
Watering: Raised beds drain faster and may need daily watering in summer. Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses for consistent moisture and time savings.
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Annual Refresh: Each spring, add 1-2 inches of compost to the surface. No need to till it in - worms will do that work.
Crop Rotation: Move plant families to different beds each year to prevent disease buildup and nutrient depletion.