Starting your first vegetable garden? One of the biggest decisions you’ll face early on is choosing between in-ground gardens and raised beds. Both options have unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your space, budget, and gardening goals.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down the differences between raised beds and in-ground gardening, explore the types of raised bed options available, and help you make an informed decision to kick off your gardening journey.
An in-ground garden is exactly what it sounds like—planting directly into your native soil. This is the most traditional method and works great if your soil is healthy, well-draining, and nutrient-rich.
Cost-effective—no need for building materials
Natural drainage and root expansion
Blends seamlessly into your yard or landscape
Poor soil may require heavy amending
Compaction and drainage issues in clay-heavy areas
Harder to control weeds and pests
Raised beds are freestanding garden boxes filled with soil and compost. They sit on top of the ground (or in shallow trenches) and offer better control over soil quality, drainage, and design.
Better soil control—fill with rich, loamy soil from the start
Excellent drainage
Warms up faster in spring for earlier planting
Easier on the back and knees (especially for those with mobility concerns)
Higher upfront cost for materials and soil
Can dry out faster in hot climates
Requires building and maintenance
Not all raised beds are built the same. Here are the three main types:
This method involves mounding soil into a raised row without any borders. It’s a hybrid between traditional and raised gardening.
Best for: Budget-conscious gardeners who want better drainage.
Pro Tip: Use mulch or a light border (like bricks or logs) to maintain structure.
Built with wood, metal, or stone sides and filled with soil directly on the ground.
Best for: Gardeners with poor native soil or pest problems.
Popular Materials: Cedar, galvanized steel, or recycled composite wood.
These beds are built at waist height and are perfect for patios, decks, and renters.
Best for: Small-space gardeners, seniors, and urban environments.
Considerations: Requires more watering and deep-rooted plants may be limited.
| Feature | In-Ground Garden | Raised Bed Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Control | Low | High |
| Cost to Start | Low | Medium to High |
| Accessibility | Low | High (especially elevated beds) |
| Pest Management | Medium | Easier to control |
| Flexibility | Permanent | Easily reconfigurable |
Bottom Line:
Go in-ground if you're working with good soil and want to save money.
Choose raised beds if you need better control and want easier maintenance.
No matter what style you choose, planning is the key to success—and that's where Harvest Hub comes in.
📲 With our Garden Management App, you can:
Plan your raised beds or in-ground locations visually
Get custom planting recommendations based on your zip code
Track every step—from seeding to harvest—with automated task reminders
Receive AI-powered tips for crop rotation, companion planting, and soil care
🌟 Ready to start your beginner garden with confidence?
Join Harvest Hub and put professional garden planning tools right at your fingertips. Whether you're growing in-ground or above, we’ve got your back.
👉 Sign up for early access and turn your garden dreams into a thriving reality.