Ideas for Raised Planting Beds

Raised planting beds are ideal for growing vegetables, flowers, fruits and shrubs, especially for those who have poorly draining gardening soil. According to the University of Missouri Extension, raised beds make gardening possible on sites where growing plants would otherwise be impossible. Raised beds also require less stooping while weeding and pruning. Versatile, raised planting beds fit into compact, small spaces, ideal for those who don't have a large garden.

Planter Fountain

Build a trio of small raised planting beds filled with favorite herbs to use for cooking and adding to fresh cut arrangements. Nestle the square planters, 30 inches by 14 to 15 inches tall is ideal, side-by-side, keeping the center planting bed free for a trickling container fountain. Container fountains are available in small sizes and are typically made from stone like terra cotta, perfect for creating a subtle and natural design. Nestled within the raised bed, the spray from the water feature helps to moisten the surrounding herbs to become the focal point to the garden. Inside the two remaining beds, grow annual and perennial herbs. Use one side for perennial herbs like fennel, rosemary and tarragon. Plant the taller herbs in the back of the raised bed to create a backdrop for the planter. Along the front of the raised bed grow low-growing herbs like creeping thyme, sage and oregano. Annual herbs like basil and cilantro grow in upright tufts to help fill out the herb beds for a lush landscape display.

Planter Bench

Create a raised planter with a built-in bench. Benches flanking the sides of a raised planter bed creates a resting area while picking vegetables and flowers from the bed. A spot for relaxing in the garden, planter benches with built-in storage also provides a space for storing garden equipment like pruning shears and spades. Inside the raised bed bench, grow perennial vegetables that sprout up year after year for a constant source of color to the bed. Grow both cool- and warm-season vegetables to keep the bench planter with color all year long. Cool-season perennial vegetables like asparagus and broccoli add a bright burst of green to the container while creating delicious meals. Warm-season veggies like artichokes keep the planter bench with color during the summer and years after.

Multitiered Planter

Multitiered planters are ideal for growing vegetables in one level and plants in another. When planted strategically, the planter is in bloom with color throughout the seasons. The top part of the raised planter is tall enough to garden while standing up, creating an easy way to prune, deadhead flowers and harvest vegetables. Along the tiered raised planter perimeter, a ledge for sitting makes for a comfortable resting spot while gardening. For the top tier of the raised planter bed, install a trellis within the soil to use for growing beans and other vertical vines like clematis or jasmine. Train tomato plants to grow up the trellis for a mass of mouth-watering fruit during the summer months. Along the front of the beds, plant trailing squash and zucchini vines to meander around the planter. Candytuft, a billowing and cascading flower looks striking spilling over the bed for a bright burst of color to the garden.

Keywords: raised planting bed, raised bed ideas, planter fountain, raised planter bench, multitiered planting beds

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