Raised garden beds vs. In-ground Beds: Pros & Cons

Starting a vegetable garden is one of the easiest steps toward self-sufficiency.

But as soon as you get started, you’re faced with an important question:

Should you go with raised garden beds or stick with in-ground beds?

It can be a bit confusing, right?

Each option has its pros and cons, and it can be difficult to decide which is best for you.

You might be wondering which one will give you the lush, productive garden you've been dreaming about.

Or perhaps you’re just itching to get your hands dirty but don’t know where to start.

In reality, both in-ground as well as raised garden beds have their place.

And I’m not here to push you toward one method or the other.

I’ve had success with both, and it all comes down to what works best for you, given your circumstances.

Factors like personal preference, budget, physical health, and even your local climate will play a big role in your decision.

So, in this article, we’re going to break down the pros and cons of both raised and in-ground garden beds.

After that, I'll introduce some key factors to consider, and we’ll go through a simple decision-making process to help you choose the best option for your garden.

By the end of this article, you'll have a much better understanding to make a decision that fits your unique situation.

Let's start by taking a closer look at raised garden beds.

Raised garden beds

These are garden beds elevated off the ground and enclosed by a frame, usually made of wood or other materials.

When I first saw one, I was really impressed by how neat and tidy it looked.

The soil was nicely contained within the frame at a perfect height for working, making it easier to manage.

But there's more to raised garden beds than just good looks.

They come with a bunch of benefits that can make gardening easier and more enjoyable.

The benefits of raised garden beds

1. Easier to access

One of the biggest perks of raised garden beds is how easy they are to access. Since they’re elevated off the ground, you don’t have to bend down as far to tend to your plants. This makes a huge difference for anyone with back problems or limited mobility. If you’re looking for a garden bed that’s kinder on your back and joints, raised beds might be just what you need.

2. Better soil drainage and aeration

Another great benefit is the improved soil drainage and aeration (as long as you don’t fill up your beds with bad soil!). Because the soil is raised, it’s less likely to get waterlogged, which can cause root rot and other issues. Plus, depending a bit on the type of raised bed you use, with the soil exposed to air on all sides, it breathes better, and plant roots can access oxygen more easily. This can make a big difference in the health of your plants.

3. Better control over soil quality

With raised garden beds, you have more control over the soil quality. You can mix in just the right amount of compost, fertilizer, and other goodies to create the perfect growing environment for your plants. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with poor or compact soil.

4. Less weeding

If you’re not a fan of weeding (and let’s be honest, who is?), raised garden beds can be a real time-saver. Since the soil is contained within the frame, weeds have a harder time sneaking in. And because the bed is raised, you won’t have to spend as much time on your hands and knees pulling out weeds. It’s a win-win!

5. Great for people with limited mobility

Lastly, raised garden beds are perfect for people with limited mobility. As I mentioned earlier, the elevated height makes them easier to reach without a lot of bending over. This is a huge plus for people with back or knee problems, or other physical issues. You can even build raised beds that are tall enough to be accessible from a wheelchair.

Of course, raised garden beds aren't perfect, and there are some drawbacks to consider before you decide to use them for your garden.

The drawbacks of raised garden beds

1. More expensive

One of the biggest cons of raised garden beds is that they can be more expensive than in-ground beds. You need to purchase materials to build the frame, and if you decide to use higher-quality wood or other materials, the cost can add up quickly. I remember when I built my first raised garden bed, I was surprised at how much it cost me in materials alone. Having said that, it’s worth noting that you can potentially build the beds for free if you’re able to collect enough materials locally. Think of pallets or repurposed wood from old furniture. You can get quite creative with this.

2. Require more watering

Since raised garden beds are elevated off the ground, they tend to dry out more quickly than in-ground beds. This means you may need to water your plants more frequently, especially during hot weather. I learned this the hard way during a heatwave when I forgot to water my raised bed for a few days. The plants didn't stand a chance. To avoid this, consider setting up an automated drip irrigation system or use water-saving techniques like mulching to keep the soil protected and moist.

3. Limited root depth

Depending on the height of your raised garden bed, another potential drawback is that they have limited root depth. Since the soil is contained within a frame, plant roots can’t grow as deep as they would in an in-ground bed. This means you may need to choose plants that have shallower root systems or be prepared to transplant them if they outgrow the bed.

4. May dry out quickly in hot weather

In addition to requiring more watering, raised garden beds also dry out more quickly during hot weather. The elevated height of the bed means that it’s exposed to more direct sunlight, which can cause the soil to dry out faster. Not much of an issue outside of summer, but definitely worth noting. In some cases, you might have to water your beds twice a day to make sure they get enough moisture. This can be a bit of a chore!

5. Can be less visually appealing

Finally, raised garden beds may not be as visually appealing as in-ground beds. Some people prefer the natural look of plants growing directly in the ground, and raised garden beds can look a bit more artificial. Also, if you don’t choose the right materials or design for your raised garden bed, it may not fit naturally with the rest of your garden design. To avoid this, try to match the materials and style of your raised beds with the overall aesthetic of your garden.

Now that we've covered the pros and cons of raised garden beds, let's take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of in-ground beds.

In-ground beds

If you prefer a more traditional approach to gardening, in-ground beds might be just what you're looking for.

In-ground beds are simply areas of your garden where the soil has been prepped and is ready for planting, preferably using the no-dig method, which can save you a lot of hard work (aka weeding).

Unlike raised garden beds, there’s no frame or structure to contain the soil.

Instead, you plant your seeds or seedlings directly in the ground.

This method gives your garden a more natural look and can be a great way to work with the soil you already have.

Let's dive into the benefits of in-ground beds and see what makes them a good choice for many gardeners.

The benefits of in-ground garden beds

1. More cost-effective

One of the biggest pros of in-ground beds is that they can be more cost-effective than raised garden beds. Since you don’t need to buy materials to build a frame, you save on upfront costs. The amount of compost, soil, and materials needed for raised beds can add up quickly. With in-ground beds, you can grow plenty of veggies and herbs without breaking the bank.

2. No need for additional soil

Another advantage of in-ground beds is that you don't have to worry about filling a frame with extra soil. The soil in your garden is already there, so all you need to do is amend it with compost. This saves you time and money since you won’t need to purchase and transport extra soil, apart from the initial bed setup. I remember when I built my first raised garden bed. It wasn't even that high, but the amount of soil and compost needed to fill it up was huge! With in-ground beds, you skip that extra step.

3. Better for plants with deeper roots

In-ground beds allow plants to grow deeper roots, leading to stronger and healthier plants. That is if you don’t have overly compacted soil. Plants with deep root systems may not thrive as well in raised beds due to the limited soil depth (unless you make your raised beds really high or build them directly on existing soil without a barrier).

4. Retain moisture better

In-ground beds retain moisture better than raised beds because the soil is in direct contact with the ground, which helps to keep it cool and moist. This is especially beneficial during hot and dry weather, as it helps plants survive without needing as much watering.

5. Blend in with the surrounding landscape

Another benefit of in-ground beds is that they can blend in more seamlessly with the surrounding landscape since they don't create a raised structure that stands out. This can be particularly attractive if you're going for a more natural or rustic look in your garden. They fit right in and look like they've always been part of your land.

Yet, while in-ground beds have their advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks worth considering.

The drawbacks of in-ground garden beds

1. Harder to access

In-ground beds can be tougher to access since you need to bend down to plant, weed, and harvest. This can be a challenge for gardeners with back problems, or other physical limitations. Personally, I'm fine with bending over and working low to the ground. My wife, on the other hand, has several back issues, and it's much more difficult for her to spend extended amounts of time working in the garden.

2. Poorer soil drainage and aeration

In-ground beds can sometimes have poorer soil drainage and aeration compared to raised beds. The soil can become compacted over time, making it harder for water and air to penetrate. This can lead to problems like root rot and mold. I’ve dealt with this firsthand in my own garden, and it’s not fun watching your plants suffer because of poor soil conditions. Luckily, using the no-dig method combined with broadforking can quickly improve soil conditions.

3. More weeding

In-ground beds tend to require more weeding than raised beds since there are no borders or frames to keep out unwanted plants. You’ll need to be diligent about pulling weeds as soon as you spot them, or they’ll quickly take over your garden. It’s a bit more work, but staying on top of it can keep your garden healthy. And if you use the no-dig method, weeding can be pretty much eliminated and reduced to a minimum.

4. Soil quality may be more difficult to control

Another downside of in-ground beds is that it can be harder to control the quality of your soil. Since you’re working with the soil that’s already in your garden, you may need to amend it more extensively to get the right balance of nutrients in the beginning. This can be time-consuming and costly, and there’s always the risk that you won’t get it right the first time.

5. Not suitable for people with limited mobility

Finally, in-ground beds may not be the best option if you have any physical limitations. As I mentioned earlier, the bending and kneeling involved can be challenging, and there’s also the issue of accessibility. If your garden is large, getting around to tend to your plants in an in-ground bed can be particularly challenging.

With this in mind…

Which bed type should you choose?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use raised garden beds or in-ground beds comes down to your personal preferences and the specific needs of your garden.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding which bed type is right for you:

1. Budget

Raised garden beds can be more expensive to build or buy than in-ground beds, so budget is a big consideration. When I first started gardening, I didn't have a lot of money to invest, so I decided for in-ground beds. I’m happy I did, and I never looked back.

2. Garden size

The size of your garden can also impact which bed type you choose. If you have a small garden or limited space, raised garden beds may be a better option since they can be built in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you have a larger garden or more space to work with, and you want to grow a larger amount of food, in-ground beds may be more practical.

3. Soil quality

The quality of your soil can also impact your decision. If your soil is highly compacted, raised garden beds may be a better choice since you can add in fresh soil and compost and grow directly on top of this compaction. If your soil is already good quality, in-ground beds will probably be sufficient.

4. Personal preferences

Finally, personal preferences should also be taken into account. Do you like the look of raised garden beds, or do you prefer the more natural look of in-ground beds? Are you willing to put in the extra effort to maintain raised garden beds, or do you prefer the low maintenance of in-ground beds? Do you want to have a decent size garden, or are a couple of beds enough for you?

These are all factors to consider when making your decision.

Action steps

Once you've considered the factors above, it's time to decide which bed type is right for your garden.

Here’s a general process you can follow:

1. Assess your needs

Start by assessing your garden’s specific needs. What types of plants will you be growing? What’s your budget? What’s the size and shape of your garden? By understanding your needs, you can better determine which bed type will work best for you.

2. Weigh the pros and cons

Next, weigh the pros and cons of each bed type. Consider the factors we’ve discussed—cost, accessibility, soil quality, and more—and determine which bed type has more pros than cons for your specific needs.

3. Consider the long-term benefits

While it’s important to consider the short-term benefits of each bed type, it’s also important to think long-term. Will your chosen bed type be sustainable over time? Will it continue to meet your needs as your garden grows and changes? Think about the long-term benefits of each bed type before making your decision.

4. Make the final decision

Finally, it’s time to choose. As you take all of the factors you’ve considered into account, you can make a decision that feels right for you and your garden.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

The right bed type for you will depend on your unique needs and preferences.

For me personally, it's clear that on our journey to becoming more self-sufficient and providing our family with a decent portion of our own food, in-ground beds are the best choice for us.

We don’t rely on constantly having to renovate, replace, or build new raised beds, and the soil in our in-ground beds gets better and better each year.

Plus, it is simply much more cost-effective.

When you’re just starting out, don’t be afraid to experiment.

Try new things and see what works best for your garden.

Whether that’s a small raised garden bed or a small in-ground bed, we all have to start somewhere.

Experiment, and gradually expand your garden from there.

Once you’ve grown some of your own veggies, it’ll become very addictive to start growing more and more of your own food each year.

This way, you can grow extremely nutritious foods you can't get anywhere, reduce your reliance on the grocery store, and become physically and mentally happier and healthier.

Thank you for reading this article.

I hope it was helpful.

If you're interested in learning more, check out my other article: How we grow no-dig vegetables in the Mediterranean.

Happy gardening & Till next time,

Moreno

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