How do I design a raised bed garden?

Raised beds work best at 4 feet wide (so you can reach the center from either side), at least 8 inches deep for most vegetables and 12+ inches for root crops, and as long as your space allows. Place beds in the sunniest part of your yard with paths at least 2 feet wide between them for comfortable access with a wheelbarrow. Material choices affect both aesthetics and longevity: cedar and redwood resist rot naturally, galvanized steel looks modern and lasts decades, and stone or brick creates a traditional feel. Arrange beds in a grid for efficiency or a more organic layout for visual interest. Consider adding a trellis or arch between beds for climbing plants — this adds vertical interest and increases growing space. Fill with a mix of topsoil, compost, and organic matter rather than native soil. Use Arden to see how raised bed layouts look in your actual yard before building anything permanent.