# Raised Beds Raised bed gardening offers improved drainage, better soil control, and easier access for planting and maintenance. ## Design Considerations ### Optimal Dimensions - **Ideal height**: 15 inches - Provides adequate root depth for most vegetables - Comfortable for kneeling work - **Alternative height**: 30 inches - Easier to reach without bending - Better for accessibility needs - Higher material cost but worth it for comfort ### Width Guidelines - **Maximum width**: 4 feet - Allows reaching the center from either side - Prevents soil compaction from stepping in beds - **Length**: Flexible based on space - 8-foot lengths are common for lumber efficiency ## Climate Considerations ### Plant Hardiness Zone: 10b - Temperature range: 35°F to 40°F minimum - Year-round growing potential - Mild winters allow for cool-season crops [View USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/) ### Understanding Frost Dates A frost date marks the average date of the last light freeze in spring or the first light freeze in fall. Understanding these helps with planting schedules: - **Light freeze**: 29° to 32°F (-1.7° to 0°C) - Tender plants are killed - Hardy vegetables often survive - **Moderate freeze**: 25° to 28°F (-3.9° to -2.2°C) - Widely destructive to most vegetation - Only the hardiest plants survive - **Severe freeze**: 24°F (-4.4°C) and colder - Heavy damage to most garden plants - Requires protection even for hardy crops ## Benefits of Raised Beds 1. **Improved drainage**: Prevents waterlogging 2. **Better soil quality**: Complete control over soil composition 3. **Reduced weeds**: Less intrusion from surrounding areas 4. **Extended season**: Soil warms faster in spring 5. **Easier maintenance**: Less bending and kneeling ## Materials and Construction ### Popular Materials - **Cedar**: Naturally rot-resistant, expensive but long-lasting - **Redwood**: Similar to cedar, sustainable options available - **Composite lumber**: Recycled materials, very durable - **Galvanized steel**: Modern look, excellent longevity ### Soil Mix for Raised Beds The classic "Mel's Mix" formula: - 1/3 compost (varied sources) - 1/3 peat moss or coconut coir - 1/3 vermiculite or perlite ## Related Resources - [[Garden Planning]] - Overall garden design - [[Gardening Tasks]] - Current projects - [[SF Terraced Garden Transformation Guide]] - Raised bed implementation