Raised Beds or In-Ground Gardens? Here’s How to Choose the Right Setup for You

You probably have an image that comes to mind when you picture your dream garden, whether that’s a potager garden or an English cottage-style garden. No matter what you have in mind, however, you’ll need to keep in mind a few different considerations to determine what gardening setup will work best for the conditions you have at home. Soil condition, amount of space, and gardening goals will determine when you should use raised garden beds or plant straight into the ground.

Our experts explain the difference between raised garden beds vs. in-ground gardening and the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which one is right for you.

What’s the Difference Between a Raised Garden Bed vs. In-Ground Gardening?

Sara Rubens, certified garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary, explains that raised garden beds are built above ground with materials like wood, metal, or stone. They’re ideal when native soil is poor, drainage is a problem, or space and mobility are limited.

“In-ground garden beds are planted directly into the native soil; they are a good choice when the soil is healthy or can be improved. They’re more affordable, support deeper root systems, and retain moisture better,” she informs.

She advises that in-ground gardens thrive with soil testing, regular composting, and mulching, and raised beds benefit from a rich soil mix with compost and consistent watering with a drip irrigation system.

When Should You Use Raised Garden Beds?

Laura Janney, gardening expert and CEO of The Inspired Garden Masterclass, says you will want to opt for a raised garden bed if the existing soil conditions are poor, filled with rocks, or contaminated.

“A raised garden is also best when you’re looking for a more neat and contained look. It’s also important to keep in mind that raised beds are easier to enclose if your garden is prone to animals/wildlife,” she informs.  

Benefits of Raised Garden Beds

Growing in raised garden beds can ease the process because they offer more control. “Raised beds offer excellent soil control, better drainage, and an aesthetic appearance,” Ruben informs.

Let’s explore deeper into the benefits raised garden beds have to offer that you can look forward to during the gardening season.

Total Soil Control

Nicole Johnsey Burke, the founder and CEO of Gardenary Inc., states that raised beds give you total control over your soil, which means no more battling compacted clay or worrying about what’s lingering in the ground.

“You get to start fresh with a rich, organic mix your plants will thrive in. And with that healthy foundation, you’ll notice fewer weeds and far fewer headaches. I used to spend hours pulling weeds in my in-ground beds. Now, I just top off my raised beds with compost each season and get back to harvesting,” she says. 

Ease of Care

Another big perk Burke says why she prefers raised beds is that they make tending your garden much easier. “The soil stays looser and more workable than compacted in-ground beds, so you don’t need big, heavy tools. I keep it simple with just a hori hori, a pair of pruners, and a hand rake,” she explains.

She continues, “You’re not bending and kneeling as much either, which means more comfort, more time out there, and more joy in the process. No digging, no tilling—just planting  and harvesting in a space that feels good to be in.”

Increased Protection

If you struggle with keeping pests and pets out of your garden, a raised bed may be the way to go. Burke says that raised beds act as a physical barrier—not just for curious kids and wandering pets but also for garden pests.

“Their elevated walls help keep out rabbits, slugs, and even burrowing critters like moles and voles when lined properly. It’s like giving your garden its own little fortress,” she informs. 

Cons of Raised Garden Beds

There are some cons you should consider before you head out to the local garden center to grab the materials you need to build a raised garden bed. Let’s dig into the downside of this gardening method. 

More Costly to Start

Although gardening comes with some expense, Rubens informs that building raised beds can be costly to set up. The reason is you will need to purchase materials to build the beds, such as lumber or metal. However, you can try to reduce the cost by searching for free materials online, but it depends on what is available in your area. The additional amount of soil you will need to buy to fill the beds also adds to the expense. 

Difficult to Expand

Janney says one of the major cons of raised garden beds is that once they are built, it can be difficult to expand or redesign them. Since raised beds are built with various materials, you will have a limited amount of space to grow plants. You will either need to disassemble part of the bed to expand it or build more beds to have additional gardening space. 

Can Be Difficult to Grow Certain Plants

Another con Janney says you need to consider when deciding between raised garden beds vs. in-ground gardening is that it can be challenging to grow deep-rooted plants if the bed is not deep enough. “Consider the types of flowers and vegetables you want to plant. If you’re trying to grow tomatoes, I’d recommend a raised bed; however, for corn or melon, you should opt for in-ground,” she says.

Something else to keep in mind is that aggressive and invasive plants can quickly outgrow the space, too.

When Should You Use In-Ground Garden Beds?

There are instances when in-ground gardening is a better option than raised beds. Janney says that if you have healthy native soil and want a larger, more flexible space, an in-ground garden bed may be the way to grow. Planting in-ground is best if you are looking to create a more layered design, such as growing an English cottage garden, or want to try something like Chaos gardening. 

Benefits of In-Ground Gardening 

While raised garden beds have their benefits, in-ground gardening can be a better option in some scenarios. Here are the experts’ favorite things about growing from an in-ground garden bed.

More Space and Options for Garden Designs

One of the biggest benefits of in-ground gardening compared to having a raised garden bed is the flexibility in designing the type of garden you want to grow. Janney says there is more room for roots to grow, especially when it comes to larger plants and shrubs.

So, if you are looking to turn your backyard into an edible landscape with various fruit trees and shrubs, you can grow them all over your yard rather than in a raised bed.  

Easier to Expand and Redesign

Janney informs us that in-ground gardening is much easier to expand and redesign than raised garden beds. Since raised beds are built to specific measurements, they limit the amount of space you have, which can prove difficult for expansion or changing the design of your garden. In-ground gardening can easily be expanded beyond the original plot you planted. 

Cons of In-Ground Gardening 

More space and design options can make in-ground gardening the go-to method for many gardeners. However, there are a couple of drawbacks to know that can help you make a more informed decision on which type of garden is best for you. Here are some things to keep in mind before you begin planting your favorite vegetables and flowers.

Harder to Keep Soil Healthy

In-ground gardening requires you to start out with the soil you have, and it can be hard to keep it healthy. Janney says if your soil gets contaminated, it will require a significant amount of time to correct. The soil may not have the ideal conditions for the plants and flowers you want to grow and may need to be amended with nutrients, or you will have to stick with plants that thrive in those conditions. 

Can Be Difficult to Maintain

Since these gardens are on the ground floor, so to speak, they can be more difficult to maintain. Janney says in-ground gardens are more likely to have weeds creep in from surrounding areas. Unlike raised beds that offer more protection, gardening directly in the ground will make it much harder to protect your plants from wildlife and pests.

Whether you should grow your plants in raised garden beds or go the traditional route of in-ground gardening depends on factors such as your budget, desired design, etc.

“Both types can be productive with proper care, so I suggest you choose based on your soil, space, and gardening goals,” Ruben says.