A raised bed makes an excellent place for growing different herbs! It’s incredibly space-efficient, allowing you to make the most of a small space, and relatively easy to maintain. Raised bed gardening also works well for people with mobility issues because the elevated and confined growing space makes gardening faster, easier, and more accessible.
Raised beds come in various types and designs. Some may work well in specific spaces, others might not, so it’s best to measure the area you’ll use before getting a raised bed. This goes especially if you’re buying raised beds online.
In this guide, we’re answering important questions about raised bed gardening, including ways to build a raised bed garden instantly.
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Do herbs do well in raised beds?
The quick answer is yes; most herbs will do well in raised beds. Many herbs have a relatively shallow root system and are small to medium in size. Generally, a rectangular raised bed with good drainage is the best for growing herbs. Most herbs have relatively shallow root systems, so the raised beds do not have to be too deep. Small and medium-sized herbs will do best in an elevated raised bed or tiered raised bed. As for large herbs, their size can be controlled by pruning and harvesting regularly.
How deep should a raised bed be for herbs?
The height of a raised bed is important for drainage. The depth of a raised bed should be enough to accommodate at least 12 inches of soil below the bed. Raised beds 8 to 12 inches in height are best for small herbs. For herbs that grow taller and prefer drier soils, we suggest going for taller raised beds and using a porous growing medium instead of ordinary garden soil.
How do you plant herbs in a raised bed?
Planting different herbs in a raised bed is easier than you think. Below are general tips on herb gardening:
- Taller herbs should always be planted to the back, while petite, creeping, and trailing herbs must be planted in the front. If planted in the front, taller plants will cast shade on smaller plants, leading to stunted growth and wilting.
- Do not use regular garden soil because it absorbs too much water and is quite heavy. No matter how durable the raised bed is, it could give way with excess weight. Use a potting mix or porous growing medium instead of garden soil. Amend the soil with organic compost only when needed.
- Always be mindful of an herb’s full size before buying a raised bed. Many herbs do not grow too tall, but it’s essential to plan the arrangement well:
Basil: grows up to 12 inches in height
Cilantro: grows up to 18 inches in height
Chervil: grows 3 to 6 inches in height
Chives: grows up to 12 inches in height
Dill: grows up to 12 inches in height
Lavender: grows up to 18 inches in height
Lemon verbena: grows up to 36 inches in height
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Mint: grows up to 18 inches in height
- Some herbs cannot be grown together in a confined space. For example, fennel and wormwood are best grown away from other plants. Keep sage, basil, and cabbages away from rue. Dill and anise shouldn’t be grown side by side with carrots. Dill isn’t ideal to be grown together with tomatoes. Sage shouldn’t be grown near onions and cucumbers.
What kind of raised garden bed is best for herbs?
Many herbs will thrive in a raised bed but generally, choose those with shallow root systems like:
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Dill
- Sage
- Mint
- Parsley
- Chives
- Coriander
- Basil
- Marjoram
- Cumin
- Lavender
- Savory tarragon
- Garlic
- Tea plant
- Chamomile
- Lemongrass
- Motherwort
- Licorice
- Calendula
Creating an Instant Garden with the ECOgardener Raised Bed Bundles
For growers who want to create an instant raised bed garden, we highly suggest going for our raised bed bundles because each set comes with everything you need to create a beautiful herb garden, including our 5 + 2 herb kit. Our bundles are available in three variations:
Complete Herb Garden Starter Kit
- 2×8 inches Raised Bed (classic design)
- Herb Garden Starter Kit
- 5oz 3×50-inches Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric
- 11 Gauge Heavy Duty Landscape Staples 100 Pk
Tiered Raised Bed Herb Garden Kit
- 4×4-inches Tiered Raised Bed
- Herb Garden Starter Kit
- 5oz 3×50-inches Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric
- 8 Gauge Heavy Duty Landscape Staples 100 Pk
Elevated Raised Bed Herb Garden Starter Kit
- 2 x4 inches Elevated Raised Bed
- Herb Garden Starter Kit
- 5oz 3×50-inch Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric
- 11 Gauge Heavy Duty Landscape Staples 100 Pk
Planting herbs in a raised bed is easy, especially if you have all the materials you need to build a raised bed garden. We hope that with this guide, we have inspired you to transform any blank outdoor space into a gorgeous herb garden!
