Why is raised bed gardening so popular?

Adaptability. More control over the location of the garden.

Manageability. Raised beds offer a manageable way to garden a smaller space intensively.

Better Soil. Ability to choose the best soil for your particular plants. When you plant a garden directly in the ground, you need to start with the soil that’s already there, and that soil might not be ideal for gardening. You can add things to it to make it better, but it may never be ideal. However, when working with a raised garden bed, you can use whatever soil will work best for your garden, right from the get-go. Raised beds can be built on parking lots and other compacted, contaminated, or difficult-to-garden soils. 

Drainage. A well-prepared raised bed allows the soil to drain better than in an in-ground garden. In some areas, the soil drains so poorly that raised beds enable gardening of crops that would not otherwise grow. A properly prepared raised bed allows plant roots to breathe.

Aesthetically Pleasing. Raised garden beds look neat and tidy. In addition, if you’re a creative person, you can make some pretty cool looking gardens. Your garden could easily become the focal point of your yard.

Less Weeding and Maintenance. Because a raised garden bed is planted above existing soil, you can put down weed barriers between the ground and the soil you put in your garden box. If you’re diligent to use weed-free soil in your box, any weeds in your garden should be few and far between. Once the soil in a raised bed has stabilized, compaction is almost non-existent so there is no need for seasonal tilling.

Longer Growing Season. The soil warms up faster in a raised bed, so you can plant earlier and extend your growing season.

Pest Control. Chicken wire can be placed beneath the garden, keeping underground critters out. Also, chicken wire or fencing can be placed above the garden bed, keeping out other animals.

Higher Yields. Because of the better soil used in raised bed gardens, they will have higher fruit and vegetable yields than traditional row gardens.

Accessibility. One of the best things about raised bed gardens is their accessibility. You can easily reach every single plant to water, inspect, and pick the produce. Gardening will be easier on backs and knees due to less bending and stooping.

Material Conservation. Because the gardening space is concentrated, the management of water, fertilizer, mulch and soil amendments can be more carefully controlled, leading to less waste.

Prevention of Soil Compaction and Plant Damage. One of the greatest advantages of raised beds comes from the protection the structure provides from foot traffic, especially from children working in a garden area. Since people work beside and don't walk in raised beds, the soil does not get compacted and plants are less likely to be damaged.