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Short answer: the right raised garden bed depends on where it's going, how much you want to grow and what you need to keep out. Compact beds fit patios and narrow spaces. Mid-size beds fit most backyards. Our walk-in ergonomic beds, from 8'x8' to 8'x16', grow enough for a family and can add a deer fence, bird net or greenhouse cover.
Why Raised Beds?
- Less bending: taller walls bring the soil up to you.
- Better soil: you fill the bed with good soil instead of fighting clay or rocks.
- Better drainage and soil that warms up earlier in spring.
- Fewer weeds and easier pest protection, especially with a fence or cover.
Step 1: Match the Bed to Your Space
| Your space | Good choices | Growing area |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow patio, deck or against a wall | Plant Inn Compact, with a 24½" deep profile, hinged covers and storage underneath | Compact |
| Small to mid-size yard | 6'x3' Cedar Bed with Trellis/Lid, 6'x3' Cedar Raised Bed Mini Greenhouse | About 19.5 sq ft |
| Family-size garden | Ergonomic Cedar Garden Bed in 8'x8', 8'x12' or 8'x16' | 44.1, 61.3 or 79.3 sq ft |
Step 2: Pick a Comfortable Height
Most of our cedar beds have 20-inch growing walls, which cuts down a lot on bending and kneeling. The ergonomic walk-in beds go a step further. You walk down a central path through a door, and the growing beds on each side are 20 inches high and 28 inches wide, so you can reach the whole bed without stepping on the soil.
Building your own layout? A bed you can reach from both sides is comfortable at 3 to 4 feet wide. If you can only reach it from one side, keep it narrow enough that you can reach the back without leaning in.
For gardeners who use a wheelchair or walker, see our 12'x8' Wide Access bed, which has a 46-inch doorway, and the ADA-compliant forward-facing bed, which a wheelchair can roll right up to. Our guide ADA-Compliant Raised Garden Beds explains the differences.
Step 3: Decide What You Need to Keep Out
- Dogs, rabbits and small critters: our cedar beds have a wire mesh panel above the walls, for a total height of about 33.5 inches.
- Deer: add the 5'7" Deer Fence. It's also sold on its own if you already have the bed.
- Birds: the Bird Net Fence version encloses the whole bed and gives you 7 feet of standing room inside.
- Frost and a short season: the Greenhouse Cover version adds a removable greenhouse with insect-netted vents and a zippered door, so you can start earlier in spring and grow later into fall.
- All of the above, delivered built: the Modular Garden is an 8'x12' wire-enclosed garden room, built by Amish builder teams and delivered fully assembled.
Step 4: Plan Your Soil
Soil is the cost people forget. Here's roughly how much you'll need to fill our beds:
- 6'x3' Cedar Bed: about 1 cubic yard
- Ergonomic 8'x8': about 3 cubic yards
- Ergonomic 8'x12': about 4.5 cubic yards
- Ergonomic 8'x16': about 6.5 cubic yards
Use a good raised-bed mix of topsoil and compost rather than bagged potting soil alone. For larger beds, ordering in bulk from a local landscape supplier usually costs less than bags.
Why Cedar?
Our OLT garden beds are solid Western Red Cedar, which is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects with no chemical treatments. That matters when you're growing food. The panels come pre-assembled, so most beds go together in an afternoon or less.
Line it before you fill it. OLT's limited 3-year warranty against rot and decay on its raised beds applies only if the inside of the bed is fully lined with a waterproof membrane before you add soil. Lining also helps any cedar bed last longer.
Add Automatic Watering
An automatic watering system is available for the ergonomic beds. It delivers water directly to the roots, which is great for busy schedules and vacations.
FAQ
What is the best size raised garden bed for a family?
For a family garden, our Ergonomic Cedar Bed in 8'x12' (61.3 sq ft) or 8'x16' (79.3 sq ft) gives you serious growing space. The 8'x8' is a great first bed for 2 to 4 people.
How tall should a raised garden bed be?
Around 20 inches of soil depth cuts down a lot on bending and gives roots plenty of room. For gardeners who can't bend or kneel, look at our wheelchair-accessible and forward-facing beds.
Can I put a raised bed on a deck or patio?
Yes. Choose a self-contained bed with its own bottom and drainage, like the Plant Inn Compact, so soil and water don't stain or damage the surface underneath.
How do I keep deer out of my raised bed?
Add the 5'7" Deer Fence, or choose the Bird Net Fence version for full enclosure.
Can a raised bed extend my growing season?
Yes. The Greenhouse Cover version turns the bed into a small greenhouse in spring and fall, and the cover comes off in minutes for summer.
Not sure which bed fits your yard? Call or text us at 732-806-7959. We're happy to help you choose the right size and options for your space.
