Elevating a garden solves numerous problems. Raised beds warm up faster in spring for an earlier start to the gardening season. They offer total control over the soil makeup, fertility, and moisture. They reduce or eliminate bending and stooping for ground-level tasks like planting and weeding. In areas where the soil is loose sand or heavy clay, elevated garden beds address water retention and drainage issues. Raised bed gardening also helps to reduce weed competition—and the list goes on.
Whether your garden is limited to a patio or if it expands over several acres, a raised bed could be a good fit. Building one is an easy DIY project that you can complete in a day or two. Raised bed garden plans come in all shapes and sizes to fit almost any space, and they can include conveniences like benches, trellises, or cages to support and protect sensitive plants. Follow along as we take a look at some of the best elevated planter box plans available.
I’ve always found raised beds to be a game-changer for small spaces. When I started gardening in my tiny backyard, the ability to control soil quality made all the difference—my tomatoes thrived in a way they never did in the ground. Plus, not having to bend over as much saved my back during those long weeding sessions. According to a study from the University of California, raised beds can increase crop yields by up to 20% in poor soil conditions due to better drainage and soil management. If you’re dealing with sandy or clay-heavy soil like I was, you’ll notice the difference right away. Another tip: consider adding a layer of organic mulch on top to retain moisture and further reduce weeds—it’s a trick I learned the hard way after battling crabgrass for a season.
Tips for Building a Raised Garden Bed
When planning a raised garden bed, choose a suitable location for it and assemble it in that spot so you don’t have to carry the finished product to another location. It’s important to note that you’ll want to choose a location that gets a lot of sun exposure year-round. The size and depth of the bed should be informed by the plants you plan to grow. “A raised garden bed should be at least 12 inches deep,” Tony O’Neill, gardening guru and founder of Simplify Gardening, says. “This depth supports most vegetables, allowing enough room for roots to grow. However, if you’re planning to grow root crops like carrots or potatoes, a depth of 18 to 24 inches can be more beneficial.”
Keep your veggies safe from rodents. To prevent pests from burrowing into the bed, staple hardware cloth to the underside of the bed to keep them out. Use scrap wood or rope to test out the layout and location of the raised bed before making final decisions. Choose a durable wood species for the raised garden bed, like cedar or redwood, to prevent rotting and prolong longevity. According to O’Neill, raised beds made from wood species like cedar can last 10 to 15 years. To prevent weeds and grass from growing into your raised bed, consider adding a weed-blocking fabric at the bottom before filling it with your chosen type of soil. Use high-quality soil that’s meant for raised bed gardening. “You don’t necessarily need to change all the soil in your raised bed unless you encounter disease or severe nutrient imbalance,” O’Neill states. “Instead, amend the soil annually with compost to replenish nutrients. This practice keeps the soil healthy and productive.”
One thing I’ve learned from setting up my own raised beds is to really think about sunlight patterns before you commit to a spot. I made the mistake of placing one bed too close to a tree that cast shade in the afternoon, and my peppers suffered. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least six hours of direct sun daily—most veggies need it. Also, when it comes to soil, don’t skimp. I mix in about 30% compost with a quality garden soil blend, which keeps things fertile without breaking the bank. Hardware cloth is a lifesaver, too; I had a mole problem one year, and that mesh saved my carrots. If you’re on a budget, check local lumber yards for cedar scraps—sometimes you can score them for cheap, and they’ll last just as long as pricier boards.
DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans for Large and Small Spaces
1. U-Shaped Cedar Raised Garden Bed
Cedar is known for its natural rot resistance, making it an excellent material for garden bed construction. This U-shaped raised garden bed is an ideal design to maximize your growing space in a smaller area. The easy-to-follow instructions integrate three garden boxes to form a compact garden with an open center for easy access from every side. Get the Stewart Landing Co U-Shaped Cedar Raised Garden Bed Plans at Etsy for $12.99.
This U-shaped design is perfect for anyone tight on space, like I was when I lived in an apartment with just a small patio. The open center makes it so easy to reach every plant without stepping into the bed, which keeps the soil from getting compacted. I’d recommend this for herbs or small veggies like lettuce. One thing to consider: cedar can be pricey, but it’s worth it for the durability. If you’re cost-conscious, compare prices at local suppliers—sometimes you can find cedar boards at a discount during off-season sales.
2. Set of Three Raised Garden Beds
Designed with durability in mind, these raised bed frames are made of double-height 2×6 lumber for many years of intensive gardening. The simple pattern offers a finished look that accentuates the appearance of your flowers, veggies, and herbs. This digital plan set includes instructions for building three different sizes of raised beds—4 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet by 8 feet, and 4 feet by 10 feet. Get the Vendura Set of Three Raised Garden Bed Plans at Etsy for $16.95.
I love the versatility of having three size options in one plan—it’s like getting three projects for the price of one. The 4×4 size worked great for me when I just wanted a small herb garden, while the larger ones are perfect for ambitious veggie patches. A quick tip: if you’re building the bigger beds, make sure you have a level surface. I had to shim one corner of my 4×8 bed with a flat stone because my yard slopes slightly, and it saved me from drainage issues later.
3. Corrugated Metal Raised Garden Bed
This waist-height elevated garden bed minimizes rabbit damage and weed pressure while eliminating bending and stooping. The 4-foot by 8-foot box is constructed so that the wooden frame does not contact the garden soil (and possibly rot), extending the life of the planter by many years. Plans for additional planter sizes are available through the link. Get the Knotalotta Acres Craft 4×8 Corrugated Metal Raised Bed Plans at Etsy for $5.99.
The corrugated metal design is a favorite of mine because it’s not only durable but also gives a modern look to the garden. I built one of these last year, and it’s held up beautifully against our wet springs. The metal also heats up the soil a bit faster, which is great for early planting. Just a heads-up: make sure to wear gloves when working with the metal edges—they can be sharp. Also, if you’re in a hot climate, consider adding extra mulch to keep the soil from drying out too quickly.
4. Stand-Up Planter Box
Here is the perfect spot to grow herbs or flowers on the deck, patio, or balcony just outside your door. The elevated 36-inch by 14-inch, 10-inch deep planter box stands 33 inches high at the rim. The shelf beneath the box offers a convenient storage location for pruners, fertilizer, garden gloves, and other small gardening equipment. Get the Overall Makerworks Stand-Up Planter Box Plans at Etsy for $5.
This stand-up planter is a lifesaver for anyone with limited mobility or a small space like a balcony. I gifted one to my mom, who loves gardening but struggles with kneeling, and she’s been growing basil and parsley like a pro. The shelf underneath is super handy—I keep a small watering can there for quick access. If you’re building this, double-check the height to make sure it’s comfortable for you; I had to adjust mine slightly to match my mom’s reach.
5. Two-Tier Raised Bed
We love the idea of this clever, two-tier raised garden bed: The top of the lower tier is 2 feet off the ground, so you don’t have to do much bending or squatting, and you can easily reach over the lower tier to access the second one. Each bed is 11 inches deep, which will accommodate most garden vegs, and the bed is 24 square feet total. Plant some beans and peas up top and some carrots, herbs, and salad greens on the lower level, and you’re golden. Get the Shedplan Two-Tier, 3×8 Raised Garden Bed Plan at Etsy for $8.74.
This two-tier design is brilliant for maximizing vertical space. I tried something similar in my garden, and it’s great for separating crops with different needs—beans love the extra height for climbing, while carrots do fine below. One thing to watch out for: ensure the structure is sturdy, as the upper tier can get heavy with wet soil. I added extra bracing to mine after a windy storm almost tipped it. Also, consider companion planting to make the most of the space—marigolds with your veggies can help deter pests naturally.
6. Greenes Raised Garden Kit
For those who are not interested in buying supplies and following a plan to measure, mark, and cut lumber, a DIY raised garden bed kit is just the thing. This 2-foot by 8-foot, 10.5-inch deep raised bed kit comes ready to build. Just slide the side rails into the slotted corner posts and screw the tops in place and your raised bed frame is ready to fill with soil. These kits can also be double-stacked for a 21-inch deep garden. Raised bed garden soil is sold separately. Get the Greenes Fence 2 ft. x 8 ft. Raised Garden Kit at Amazon for $129.99.
If you’re new to gardening or just want something quick, this kit is a no-brainer. I helped a friend set one up in under an hour, and it was ready for soil by lunchtime. The ability to double-stack is a nice touch if you want deeper beds later on. My only advice: budget for good soil, as the kit doesn’t include it. A 50/50 mix of topsoil and compost worked well for us, and we found bulk soil at a local nursery for about $50 per cubic yard, which was enough to fill two kits.
7. Garden Bench Planter
This sturdy garden bench planter is made with strong 2×6 and 2×4 lumber and includes an integrated full-length bench along one side. The strong, linear form and elevated garden surface make it perfectly suited for adding an element of privacy at the edge of a patio or defining a garden border. The overall dimensions are 74 inches long, 39 inches wide, and 18 inches high. Get the Horizon Design Studios Garden Bench Planter Plans at Etsy for $6.75.
I’m a big fan of this bench planter because it’s both functional and stylish. I built one for my patio, and it’s become a favorite spot to sit and enjoy the garden. The bench is sturdy enough for adults, and the planter depth is great for shallow-rooted plants like herbs or flowers. If you’re placing it on a patio, consider adding felt pads under the legs to prevent scratches. Also, a quick coat of sealant on the bench part can make it more comfortable for sitting in damp weather.
8. Cedar Planter Box
A cedar planter is a natural alternative to glazed pottery for container gardening. Build your own with these easy-to-follow plans. If you’re not sure what size you need, no problem. Each order comes with complete plans for three different sizes—14 inches square by 12 inches deep, 18 inches square by 18 inches deep, and 24 inches square by 18 inches deep. Get the Stewart Landing Co Cedar Planter Box Plans at Etsy for $12.99.
These cedar planters are perfect for anyone who wants a portable option. I built the 18-inch version for my front porch, and it’s held up through two seasons of harsh weather. The different size options are great for mixing and matching—I used the smaller one for herbs and the larger for flowers. A pro tip: drill a few extra drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging, especially if you’re in a rainy area like I am.
9. 18-Foot Raised Planter and Trellis
When you need to grow more, you need a bigger garden. This extra-long planter offers plenty of growing space, along with a built-in trellis system to train climbers like beans, cucumbers, or even roses. The planter box measures 18 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 22 inches deep, and the trellis rises 5 feet above the box. Build it with cedar boards for natural rot resistance. Get the Stewart Landing Co 18-Foot Raised Planter and Trellis Plans at Etsy for $12.99.
This is the one to go for if you’ve got big gardening dreams. I helped a neighbor build something similar, and the trellis was perfect for her cucumbers. The 22-inch depth is ideal for root crops, too. Just make sure you’ve got enough space and a level spot—moving this beast after assembly is no joke. Also, consider adding a drip irrigation system if you’re growing climbers; it saves time and keeps the soil consistently moist, which my neighbor found made a huge difference in her yields.
10. Cedar Raised Bed Garden Box
This 4-foot by 8-foot, 24-inch deep cedar raised garden bed is made with heavy-duty 2×6 lumber for natural beauty and excellent durability without paint, stain, or varnish. The surface is high enough to eliminate most bending and stooping, and the box offers plenty of soil depth for all kinds of plants. Get the Shovel and Sage Cedar Raised Bed Garden Box Plans at Etsy for $20.
This classic 4×8 bed is a staple for a reason—it’s versatile and spacious. I’ve got one in my backyard, and it’s been home to everything from zucchini to kale. The 24-inch depth is a big plus for root veggies, and the cedar looks great even after a couple of years. If you’re building this, make sure to check your lumber for warping before you start—it’ll save you headaches during assembly. Also, I found that adding a thin layer of gravel under the bed helps with drainage and keeps the wood off damp ground.
11. Elevated Garden Planter
Build this versatile elevated cedar planter for the patio, deck, balcony, or further out in the garden. The elevated surface saves fatigue to your back and knees while tending your plants, while the generously proportioned planter box offers ample room for roots to spread. It measures 51.25 inches long, 22.25 inches wide, and 28.25 inches high. Get the Wolf Spirit Wood Work Elevated Garden Planter Plans at Etsy for $6.98.
This elevated planter is a great middle ground between a full raised bed and a small container. I built one for my deck, and it’s perfect for growing strawberries without taking up too much space. The height is just right for tending plants without straining, and the cedar gives it a nice, natural vibe. If you’re in a windy area, make sure to anchor it well—I added some heavy-duty brackets to mine after a storm nearly knocked it over.
12. Elevated Farmstand
No, it isn’t a raised bed, but this versatile DIY farmstand is the perfect addition for those whose raised bed gardens overflow with produce. The plans include easy-to-follow instructions to help build a charming 63 inch-by 48-inch wide farmstand, which rolls on casters so you can stow it safely at night. Get the Kroma Acres Plans DIY Farmstand at Etsy for $14.52.
This farmstand is such a fun addition if you’re growing more than you can eat. I built one last summer and used it to share extra tomatoes with my neighbors—it’s a great way to build community. The casters make it easy to move, which is handy if you need to bring it in during bad weather. One tip: paint or seal the wood if you want it to pop visually or last longer. I went with a bright red stain, and it’s become a real conversation piece in my yard.
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We’ll help you set up your first garden—whether that’s a few pots on your patio, a raised bed, or an in-ground plot out back—and select the right plants for your soil and region.
Starting a garden can feel overwhelming, but raised beds make it so much easier. My first garden was a single raised bed, and I stuck to easy crops like lettuce and radishes to build confidence. A good tip for beginners: start small and test your soil’s pH before planting—most veggies like a range of 6.0 to 7.0, and a cheap test kit from a garden center can save you trouble later. Also, don’t skip crop rotation; I learned that lesson after my tomatoes got hit with blight because I planted them in the same spot two years in a row. Local extension services often have free guides on what grows best in your area, so check those out to pick the right plants.