The Best Raised Bed Garden Layout for Your Space and Goals

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The perfect raised bed garden layout is the one that works best for your space and gardening goals—especially if you're just starting out.

Want to grow food and flowers for the experience? One or two beds are enough.

Feeling more ambitious? The more beds, the better!

Here are some raised bed layouts to suit different garden setups.

All in a Row

Best for: Small yards, driveways, and narrow spaces

Short on space? Line up your raised beds along a fence, driveway, or side yard for a sleek, organized look. We would suggest placing beds at a comfortable 24-inch height with a wide lip for sitting or resting tools.

Pro tip: Align pathways between beds with patio steps or walkways for a natural flow.

Two of a Kind

Best for: Aesthetic symmetry and easy maintenance

A "twin garden" layout features two raised beds with a pathway between them, often connected by a trellis for a magical, walk-through effect. Recommendation would be planting a mirror-image crops to enhance beauty while minimizing disease risk.

Trio of Beds

Best for: Circular or curved garden spaces

The rule of threes applies to gardening, too! A three-bed layout works beautifully in round or curved spaces:

Mirror the planting combos in the two outer beds
Dedicate the center bed to perennials, flowers, or specialty crops
Add trellises to each bed to define the space

Courtyard Setup

Best for: Gardens centered around a patio or focal point

Surrounding a central gathering space—like a patio or fountain—with raised beds creates an immersive garden-to-table experience. The Worm Farm Portland team designed beds slightly wider so they’re accessible from both sides, maximizing production.

Four Square

Best for: Creating a destination garden

If you have plenty of space, a four-bed layout forms a structured, designated garden area. Burke often connects beds with arched trellises to create a grand entrance and exit, doubling the beauty and functionality of a twin garden.

How to Choose the Best Location for Your Raised Bed

Before building or buying raised beds, consider these key factors:

Sunlight

Most veggies and flowers need 6-8 hours of full sun daily
Partial shade areas work well for lettuce, kale, and other shade-tolerant crops

Soil Quality

Raised beds let you control soil quality, but native soil still matters
Well-draining soil is, such as our Premium Gwen’s Mix, is best for root health—if you have clay soil, opt for deeper beds with drainage-friendly soil

Pathways & Accessibility

Main access paths should be at least 3 feet wide for ease of movement and wheelbarrow access
If space is tight, 18-30 inches can work for occasional harvesting
Beds should be no wider than 3 feet if accessed from one side, or 4 feet if reachable from both sides
To reduce strain, choose beds 2 feet tall or higher