Do raised beds produce higher yields?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Raised beds consistently produce greater yields than typical gardens through thoughtful design decisions. Dense planting schemes maximize every square inch (or foot) of space. Vertical growing systems utilize air space. Optimized soil delivers optimal nutrients. Succession planting generates continuously harvestable crops.
Use the principles of square-foot gardening to maximize density. Space lettuce at 6 inches instead of 12 inches, and carrots at 2-inch intervals. That means you increase production by three times in that area. I grow enough salad greens to pick from daily in an area of only 16 square feet.
Vertical Systems
- A-frame trellises support 20+ cucumber vines
- Wall-mounted planters for strawberries
- Tiered shelves for herb gardens
- Hanging baskets for trailing tomatoes
Succession Strategies
- Spring peas followed by summer beans
- Radishes interplanted with slow-growing cabbage
- Fall kale planted after garlic harvest
- Year-round lettuce with cold frame protection
Optimize soil composition for maximum productivity. Blend 40% compost for nutrients. Include 40% topsoil for minerals. Add 20% sand for drainage. This formula supports dense root systems. Plants access nutrients without competition.
Lengthen your growing season for more harvests. Raised beds warm quickly in the spring. They retain heat longer in the fall. Use row covers plus raised beds for winter crops. I pull kale in January when in-ground gardens are frozen solid.
Select compact varieties intended for limited areas. 'Patio' tomatoes develop full-sized fruit. 'Paris Market' carrots can grow within shallow beds. Dwarf fruit trees provide standard-sized fruit. These varieties are highly productive.
Read the full article: 10 Key Benefits of Raised Beds for Your Garden
