The best raised garden plans are dependent on several factors, including yard size, amount of produce desired, and the amount of time the property owner is willing to dedicate to a garden. Appearance is also a factor for many people. While it is important to take the time to choose the right raised bed garden plans for the yard, raised beds are not necessarily permanent, and are easy to move between growing seasons.
For a small yard, a small raised bed makes sense. Raised beds typically produce more produce per square foot than traditional gardens, so even a small raised bed can produce a bounty of vegetables. The reason that raised beds produce more vegetables than traditional gardens is because the plants can be placed closer together, increasing the total number of plants in a given area, and the soil is typically more nutrient rich than regular garden soil. With a larger yard, it is possible to choose larger raised garden plans. Since it is easy to add additional beds, however, it makes sense to choose a smaller bed and, if the upkeep is reasonable, and you would like additional room to plant, you can add additional beds later.
One easy way to choose the best raised garden plans is to list the number and types of plants you would like to grow. When looking at different raised garden plans, sketch the different plants into the plans. This makes it easier to estimate if the plans you are looking at are the correct size.
Raised garden beds can be very ornamental, which is one reason many people like to garden this way. Instead of planting row after row of vegetables, choose a raised bed plan that has sections allows you to walk between the raised beds. Choose a plan that will compliment your yard as well. A raised bed that forms an octagon, or one that is layered so that the inner bed is higher than the outer bed can add a great deal of visual appeal to the entire yard.
Choose a raised bed that allows for creative planning. A raised bed that is divided into sections allows you to plant a salsa garden of tomatoes and peppers, an herb garden with oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and perhaps a pumpkin patch. A vegetable garden planted this way is not only a productive addition to the yard, but also an asset to the landscape.