Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Beds: Pros and Cons

Deciding to use raised beds vs. in-ground beds for your gardening space is an individual decision that depends on many factors. Understanding the pros and cons of both gardening methods is always a good idea so you can take full advantage of your space and get the MOST out of your garden. We will explain the pros and cons of raised beds vs. in-ground gardening, and you can decide what makes the most sense for you. There is no “one size fits all” answer for this decision.

Raised Beds vs. In-Ground

For clarity, when we refer here to a “raised bed,” it is important to understand that this term refers to any plantings that do not make contact with soil under the container. This means that raised beds, pots, or containers with a bottom to them, which inhibits plant roots from getting to the soil in the ground, can be grouped together in the term “raised bed.” This is a critical distinguishing factor between “raised bed” and in-ground growing.

Why would someone choose raised bed growing?

Growing in raised beds or containers is a great way to concentrate your resources, soil, and amendments to garden more economically. When you have a container of any sort (raised bed, pot, or barrel), your amendments like fertilizer, manure, and compost do not spread throughout the soil and stay concentrated in the container. This is an advantage for growing in raised beds vs. in-ground but also a disadvantage because you are ONLY limited to what you put in that container. So, make it good! When growing in a container, you are limited to what you put in, so you should strive for the best quality compost, manure, and organic fertilizers.

Over the decades we have grown in every setting. Repeatedly, raised beds or containers that are only filled with low-quality “raised bed mix,” lack the important nutrients and essential soil structure critical to growing successfully. Growing in a raised bed or a container requires a wide range of ingredients that mimic good soil. See our blog on Organic Raised Bed Soil for our recipe for successful gardening using containers.

Planting in Raised Beds, Containers, or Pots

Pros:

• You can concentrate on amendments and amend more economically
• Weeding is easier
• You can move smaller containers into dappled shade if needed during the summer

Cons:

• Plants are limited to the soil in their container
• Plants dry out very quickly during hot weather
• The soil microbiology is limited to the soil in the pot
• Large plants like tomatoes have a hard time thriving unless constantly monitored

Other Benefits and Disadvantages of Raised Beds

Although raised beds are easier on your back since they are higher off the ground and easier to weed, they have other serious disadvantages in Zones 9 and 10. They dry out WAY quicker. This is because of their limited soil space, limited water holding capacity, and the increased surface area for hot areas to suck moisture out of the raised bed or pot. If you live in a particularly hot area or are growing throughout the hottest months of the year and are considering raised beds vs. in-ground gardening, you must carefully consider this. Gardeners in hot climates are often victims of hot, dry winds and conditions that suck essential moisture out of the garden between waterings. This causes plants to wilt over and over again, which will never give you a bountiful and happy garden. If you are going to garden in a raised bed versus in-ground, we strongly suggest installing irrigation. We know that it is overwhelming, but we have resources for you!

Intro to Drip Irrigation for Backyard Gardeners Part 1

Intro to Drip Irrigation for Backyard Gardeners Part 2

Intro to Drip Irrigation for Backyard Gardeners Part 3

With irrigation, crops in your raised beds, pots, or containers can be watered regularly and consistently. During the hottest parts of the year, you may need irrigation to water your containers more than once a day!

For those of you in small growing spaces and limited to only raised beds, pots, or containers, celebrate the ability to move containers into dappled shade during the hottest parts of the year — a great advantage of growing this way!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Growing In-Ground

Although in-ground growing takes more time, energy, and resources, it has many advantages that make it a winner for us across the board! The most important benefit is that when you plant in-ground, you have unlimited soil space for the roots of your plants to take advantage of. This means your plants can get very large, grow roots deep into the soil, and become more drought tolerant. Another wonderful benefit of growing in-ground is having a very large soil sponge to retain moisture. This is essential in Zones 9, 10, and other hot climates. The deeper you can get moisture in the ground, the longer that moisture can last between waterings. This means you can water less frequently and more deeply in the soil. As the roots grow deeper and deeper, they will be more drought tolerant during dry spells. For a serious farmer or gardener, these incredible advantages outweigh the disadvantages. We understand that not everyone can grow in the ground, but if you have the chance, try it and notice the difference!

With all things gardening, every gardening choice comes with advantages and disadvantages. Below I will explain the disadvantages of growing in-ground.

Pros:

• You have an unlimited amount of root space in the ground
• You have a larger “sponge” to hold on to moisture (moisture stays in the soil longer)
• Plants will not be restricted by soil availability
• Soil microbes are limited

Cons:

• Plants cannot be moved during extreme weather
• More expensive to amend
• You may not have this option in a small area

The disadvantages of growing in the ground are related to the number of amendments you need to make your soil healthy enough to grow a good crop. If you decide to grow a garden directly in the ground, you must amend it. Doing so will take many more resources than growing in a raised bed, pot, or container. Because the ground’s soil area and volume are bound to be greater than in a raised bed or container, you will need more compost, manure, and fertilizer to amend the area you want to grow in. To add to this disadvantage, you will have to physically work it in, which can be lots and lots of hard work! We recommend tilling the first time you amend an area to work in your compost and thoroughly amend the soil. If you have questions about tilling, see our blog on What is Tilling Blog. We know it’s a lot of work, and there is more cost to the amendments you put in the ground, but your plants will be much happier!