When springtime rolls around in Madison, Wisconsin, we can’t wait to start planning our gardens and choosing which flowers and vegetables we’ll grow this season. But before we get to the fun stuff, we must decide what will be the best solution for our gardens: raised beds or in ground beds. While one solution isn’t better than the other, there are many considerations you should ponder before choosing the best option for your space:
Soil conditions. This may be one of the larger factors in choosing whether to grow in a raised or in-ground bed. With raised beds, you are better able to control the quality, texture and condition of your soil compared to working with an inground bed where you may be stuck with less-than- ideal soil. If your home soil is rocky, clay-like or does not drain well, you may want to consider using raised beds. Lead and other hard-metal contaminants in the soil are another good reason to consider raised beds. And beware if you have Black Walnut trees on your property! These trees produce a chemical called juglone, that can severely impact the health of other plants root systems. If this is the case for you, raised beds may help keep your other plants happy and healthy!
If raised beds are not the desired look for your garden, there are some amendments you can make to your soil to make it more suitable for growing. You may find there are less local microbes and mycellium in soil brought in versus the soil that is present on site.
Pets and pests. This may be an obvious one, but raised beds can do a lot to deter animals. Adding hoops or netted row covers over raised beds can also aid in keeping out unwanted pests. Those work well for in-ground beds too, but unfortunately don’t detract the pests that like to dig. For animals like gophers and moles, adding in a layer of protection on the bottom such as galvanized hardware cloth can help keep those digging critters out. Chicken wire is another common solution but often less effective.
Comfort and ergonomics. If you’re an avid gardener, you may know the strain that garden maintenance can have on the body. The constant bending and reaching can be difficult for some, so raised beds may lend some relief. Opt for a raised bed that is no more than 4’ in width to allow for easy access. Raised beds are also a wonderful option for people who use wheelchairs. Being able to construct a raised bed to your desired height will allow easier access and maintenace for all.
Weeds. Raised beds can be a great solution for weed control. Adding in a weed barrier or cardboard at the bottom of a raised bed will add another layer of protection to your garden. This is more difficult to control in an inground bed which has a seed bank (although good mulching practices an no-till methods can help).
Location. A nice benefit of raised beds is they can be placed almost anywhere in your space, unlike an in-ground bed that may be more restricted in terms of location. As long as there is good sun exposure, a raised bed can be placed in many locations, including near underground utilities. You may want to be careful to locate any easements first though
Cost and materials. This may be where raised beds lose compared to in-ground beds. Materials for building a raised bed can be expensive, especially if using lumber or steel. Red cedar for instance tends to be a popular option for raised beds. Unfortunately it is not local to us in Madison, Wisconsin, and it is also very expensive, making it a more costly and less sustainable option. There is also the cost of soil that needs to be considered, especially if you are planning on building a larger raised bed. In-ground beds are simpler and cheaper overall since you are mostly using what you already have on site.
Maintenance and permanence. While there is the obvious maintenance with in-ground beds, such as weeding and mulching, there is the less obvious maintenance of raised beds which may entail repairs later down the road depending on the material you choose to use. Lumber specifically may need to be replaced after some normal wear and tear which can add to the costs overall. Soil and compost may also need to be added in after compaction and breakdown occurs. Permanence of a raised bed may also be a factor, as raised beds are difficult to move, although not impossible. You are also more limited with your shapes and sizes compared to in-ground beds.
While raised beds are often viewed as the shinier option, there are also benefits to an in-ground bed. Factors such as access to the site and overall aesthetics may determine the best solution for your space. Some trial and error may be necessary to figure out how to be successful in your garden. At Aspen Garden & Landscape, LLC we love both– either option can be good if it gets you outside growing things.