How High Should An Herb Garden Bed Be Raised?

Briana Yablonski shares nine tips for growing culinary and herb-friendly herbs in raised beds. She emphasizes the importance of efficient raised bed design, proper drainage, and strategic arrangement of herbs based on height. Most herbs require at least a foot of soil for growth, while some, like basil and rosemary, require at least 2 feet. Raised beds 8 to 12 inches in height are best for small herbs, while taller beds and porous growing mediums are recommended for taller plants.

The ideal raised bed height for productivity is 16 to 18 inches, with a minimum of 10-12 inches for quality soil and proper root development. Herbs should generally be planted 6-12 inches deep, depending on the variety. For example, lettuce should be 6 inches deep, carrots 6 inches deep, and radishes 12 inches deep.

Spacing plants in a raised garden bed 6 inches apart, parsley, Chervil, oregano 12 inches apart, basil, dill, chives, rosemary, sage, and thyme 18 inches apart, and a minimum height of approximately 24-inches accommodates the diverse root depths of various plants. By following these tips, you can create a well-rounded and efficient herb garden.

How to set up a raised garden bed for herbs?

To facilitate optimal growth of herbs and vegetables in a raised garden bed, it is imperative to ensure that the bed is filled to a depth of 10 centimetres from the rim. This practice ensures that the soil quality is adequate and that there is sufficient space for mulch.

What is the best layout for an herb garden?

A simple herb garden design involves four square yard beds around a sundial or small round bed with one tall herb, such as Rosemary bush, Bay tree, or Fennel. This allows for grouping similar herbs and protects them from colder nights. Robust herbs like Sage and Rosemary require little watering and a sharply drained soil. If the herb area is small, these perennials can be relegated to flower borders, as sage grows too close and can swamp smaller herbs. This design allows for easy protection from colder nights and allows for easy growth.

How high should my raised garden bed be?

The ideal height for raised garden beds is 24-inches, as it accommodates diverse plant root depths and is cost-effective. This depth promotes healthier plant growth, higher yields, and better water management, contributing to the garden’s success. The 24-inch height also ensures a comfortable and enjoyable gardening experience, making it a top choice for both seasoned and novice gardeners. Custom discounts are available on qualifying orders of $4, 000 or more, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a rich herb and vegetable bounty or vibrant flower additions. The Durable GreenBed raised garden bed kits are also breathable, well-draining, higher yields, non-toxic, and have a 20-25 year lifespan.

How do you space herbs in a raised bed?

The author shares her love for gardening and the art of garden design, which involves planning the appearance, footpath, and type of raised garden beds. She enjoys harvesting sweet peas and heirloom tomatoes, but also enjoys planting raised garden beds. Garden design allows her to combine landscaping, gardening, and planting herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers. She credits her husband for the manual labor when she decides to carve out new patches in the lawn, but she repays him with salsa, sauces, and jams all summer long.

She plans to plant more raised garden beds next year to make it easier to navigate and pick vegetables while still allowing them to root deeply in the ground. She shares tips for those on a similar journey.

What’s the best thing to put in the bottom of a raised garden bed?

One of the advantages of gardening with a raised bed is you’re in control of the soil. It’s a significant benefit for homeowners with yards of clay or hardpacked soil, tree root issues, or concerns about pollutants in the ground. Soil is the foundation of your garden, and you want it to be healthy so you can set your plants up for success! We recommend buying high-quality, nutrient-rich soil in bulk. Or, you can make a soil mix with equal parts topsoil, organic materials (leaves, composted manure, ground bark), and coarse sand.

You can build your raised garden bed however you see fit. Feel free to get creative or stick to a simple design; it’s your choice! Below are some raised garden bed ideas you can use for inspiration.

Built-in raised beds: You can build a raised bed with brick or wood and put it in the best place for sun or shade (depending on the plants and flowers you choose). If you select a wood design, ensure it’s intended for outdoor use and holds up well to the elements (sun and rain). If not, you’ll find yourself replacing it every year.

What should you not grow in a raised bed?

Raised garden beds can be a helpful solution for home gardeners, but not all plants are suitable for them. Some plants, such as squash, melon, corn, blackberries, mint, apple trees, asparagus, and pumpkins, require more space for their roots to spread out due to their sprawling vines or complex root systems. Raised beds can help incorporate the right soil for your plants and extend the amount of garden space, but not all plants will thrive in a raised bed.

Horticulturalists and arborists have provided more information on which plants should never grow in a raised bed. Some plants, such as squash, melon, corn, blackberries, mint, apple trees, asparagus, and pumpkins, are better off directly in the ground.

What size planter is best for herbs?

6-inch pots are ideal for dwarf varieties or shallow-rooted herbs like thyme or globe basil. They require more frequent watering and maintain consistent soil moisture to avoid unhealthy plants. Container gardening is a convenient and aesthetic solution for small spaces, providing a control over plant growth. It offers flexibility and control that traditional gardening lacks, making it an ideal choice for those with limited outdoor space. Purchase 6-inch pots on Amazon.

Are raised beds good for herbs?

Most herbs thrive in raised beds due to their shallow root systems and small to medium size. A rectangular raised bed with good drainage is ideal for growing herbs. Small and medium-sized herbs thrive in elevated or tiered raised beds, while large herbs can be controlled by pruning and harvesting. The height of the raised bed is crucial for drainage, with a depth of at least 12 inches. Raised beds 8 to 12 inches in height are best for small herbs. For taller herbs that prefer drier soils, taller raised beds and porous growing mediums are recommended. Planting herbs in a raised bed is easier than expected, with general tips on gardening.

What should you not put in a raised bed?

Raised beds are ideal for growing a wide variety of edible plants, but not all plants can or should be grown in them. Some plants grow too large for raised beds, such as potatoes, asparagus, artichokes, rhubarb, corn, wheat, rice, and winter squash. Raised beds can be challenging to maintain due to the need for ladders, which can be dangerous for harvesting plants. It is essential to consider the specific needs of each plant when choosing a raised bed, as not all plants can thrive in raised beds. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the type of plant and the space available for each plant to ensure the best growth and care.

How deep should the soil be for herbs?

Growing herbs in containers requires a minimum depth of 6 inches, with a foot depth being ideal for herbs in the Apiaceae family like cilantro, dill, and parsley. A container should be at least a foot wide to accommodate multiple herb types. The largest rollable steel planter, measuring 2 feet wide x 6 feet long, provides 12 square feet of gardening space, which can be rolled around to chase sunlight.

This planter is easy to put together and can be rolled around the deck to chase sunlight. Creating your own herb garden can be a rewarding experience, as it allows for the growth of various herbs in one container.

How deep should a raised bed be for herbs?

Six inches is enough for growing lettuce greens, herbs, and plants with shallow root structures. For those not ready to build a full raised bed, a six-inch deep container is recommended. A 12-inch-deep garden bed can grow plants with deeper roots like carrots, radishes, celery, and peppers, but may struggle with tomatoes, kale, and eggplants with deep root structures. However, this height of raised bed can be difficult to tend as it requires more bending over from the waist to reach down.