Raised Bed Gardening Can Provide More Food in Less Space

By Trisha Gedon, Oklahoma State University

First posted on 05-05-2011

Just because you don’t have a large area of land to dedicate to vegetable gardening does not mean you will have to depend on the grocery store for produce this summer.

David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist, said raised beds could be the solution for those who want to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers, but are tight on space.

“In traditional garden plots, much of the area is dedicated to walking paths so a gardener can access the plants,” Hillock said. “Shifting a garden layout from rows to raised beds almost doubles the available growing area.”

Raised beds are permanent, rectangular plots that hold soil that remains loose and rich because it is never compacted by foot traffic. The beds are sized so that they are accessible from all sides without having to step on the soil. In addition, the permanent paths between the beds provide access to everything being grown.

“In an ordinary garden you can’t avoid stepping in the garden bed occasionally. A properly designed raised bed garden allows gardeners to do all of their gardening from the garden path,” he said. “You also can space plants a little closer together since you won’t have to leave space between the rows for foot traffic. This increases your productivity per square foot and as an added bonus, reduces weeding when the plants begin to mature. Be careful, however, of overcrowding plants.”

Raised beds tend to drain away excess moisture better than a traditional garden plot. This helps plant roots to breathe. In areas where moisture is high, raised bed gardening may be the only way to grow some types of plants.

Another advantage of raised bed gardening is soil conditions and types can be controlled more efficiently, and water, fertilizer, compost and mulch can be applied more carefully.

An advantage for the homeowner is that raised beds tend to bring more order and pleasing geometry to your garden, especially when forms or edging are used to define the shape. In addition, raised beds can extend the growing season because they tend to warm up a little sooner and stay productive later in the fall.

“Raised beds also are easier on a person’s body. No more bending over to pull weeds or trim plants,” he said. “You can sit on a small stool or put a seat board on your garden wagon for easy access to your plants. Not only are raised bed gardens easier on your body, studies have shown that this type of gardening produces 1.4 to 2 times as much as traditional beds.”

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