Raised Bed vs In-Ground Garden: Pros, Cons, and Which One to Choose

If you're planning a vegetable garden, one of the first decisions you'll face is deceptively simple: should you plant directly in the ground, or build raised beds?

It's a question that divides gardeners, and for good reason – your choice will affect everything from your initial costs and ongoing maintenance to how much you'll harvest and whether you'll be nursing a sore back at the end of each gardening session.

The truth is, there's no universal “best” option. What works beautifully in one yard might be a frustrating struggle in another.

Your soil quality, climate, budget, physical abilities, and even local pests all factor into which approach will serve you best.

In this article, we'll break down the honest pros and cons of both methods so you can choose the one that matches your situation, goals, and gardening style.

What Is a Raised Bed Garden?

A raised bed garden is a gardening method where soil is contained above ground level in a built structure.

These beds are typically framed with materials like wood, metal, plastic, stone, or concrete and filled with soil brought in from outside the yard.

The structure can vary in size and height, but most raised beds are at least 12 inches deep and are kept separate from the native ground soil. (To learn more, check out how deep should your raised garden bed be.)

Raised beds are popular for their clean look and practicality. They allow gardeners to start with high-quality soil that’s well-draining and rich in organic matter.

This is especially useful in areas with poor native soil that is rocky, clay-heavy, or compacted. These beds can be installed in various locations – including backyards, patios, or balconies – as long as they receive enough sunlight.

Raised beds can be permanent or portable, depending on the design. Some are fixed directly onto the ground, while others are elevated with legs or built on hard surfaces.

Their main purpose is to create a controlled environment where soil conditions, water flow, and plant health are easier to manage.

Read related post: 10 Raised Garden Bed Ideas for Seniors

Pros of Raised Bed Gardening

Raised beds offer several practical advantages that make them a preferred choice for many home gardeners, especially in urban areas or places with poor soil.

Below are the key benefits of using raised beds:

Excellent Control Over Soil Quality

With raised beds, you’re not limited by your native soil. You can fill the bed with a well-balanced mix that suits your plants – typically a combination of compost, topsoil, and other amendments.

This gives you complete control over texture, drainage, fertility, and pH from the start, which can be especially helpful if your yard has clay, sand, or rocky soil.

Reduced Weeds and Better Pest Prevention

Because raised beds start with fresh, clean soil, there are fewer weed seeds present from the beginning.

The bed’s defined borders help block invasive weeds from creeping in, especially if you install a barrier like landscape fabric or cardboard at the bottom.

Raised beds also help deter certain pests like slugs, snails, and rabbits. For burrowing pests such as gophers or moles, lining the bottom with hardware cloth can offer effective protection.

You can also explore the best natural pest control solutions to keep your garden healthy and chemical-free.

Easier Access for Gardeners with Limited Mobility

One of the most appreciated benefits of raised beds is the improved accessibility.

The elevated height reduces the need to kneel, bend, or crouch, making gardening easier for people with back pain, joint issues, or physical disabilities.

Taller beds can even be accessed from a seated position, which is why they’re often featured in many raised garden bed ideas for seniors.

Can Be Used in Small Spaces or Unconventional Areas

Raised beds are well-suited for small yards, patios, and other areas where in-ground gardening isn’t possible.

They can be placed on concrete, gravel, or compacted surfaces as long as there’s adequate sunlight. Some designs are even portable, allowing you to reposition them based on changing light conditions or seasonal needs.

Better Drainage and Warmer Soil for Early Planting

Soil in raised beds drains more efficiently, which helps prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues especially in areas with heavy rainfall or slow-draining native soil.

Additionally, raised beds warm up faster in spring than the ground does, giving plants an earlier start in the growing season.

Great for Root Crops Due to Loose Soil

Root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and beets grow best in loose, well-aerated soil.

Since raised beds are never walked on, the soil stays fluffy and uncompacted, allowing roots to grow straight and deep without obstruction.

Clean, Organized, and Tidy Garden Appearance

The framed edges of a raised bed give a garden a neat and structured look. They help keep mulch and soil in place and make it easier to define walkways and planting zones.

For gardeners who want a tidy and intentional garden layout, raised beds offer clear visual appeal.

Read related post: 4×8 Raised Garden Bed Planting Layout Guide

Cons of Raised Bed Gardening

While raised beds offer many advantages, they also come with some drawbacks that may not suit every gardener or location.

It's important to consider the limitations before committing to this method.

Higher Initial Cost for Materials and Soil

Building raised beds requires an upfront investment in materials such as lumber, metal panels, screws, and soil.

Depending on the size and number of beds, costs can add up quickly. Some gardeners choose to save time by purchasing ready-made options instead, like those featured in our best raised garden bed kits.

Buying high-quality soil in bulk also adds to the expense, which can be a significant barrier for gardeners on a tight budget.

Requires Frequent Watering and Fertilizer

Because raised beds drain better and warm up faster, they also tend to dry out more quickly. During hot or windy weather, the soil may need daily watering to keep plants healthy.

In addition, nutrients can leach out with frequent watering, so raised bed gardens often require regular fertilization or compost to maintain soil fertility.

Fixed Layouts and Limited Growing Space

Once filled and planted, raised beds are typically fixed in place and hard to move or redesign. This limits flexibility if you want to change your garden layout later.

The confined space of a raised bed also restricts how many plants you can grow and may not be ideal for sprawling or deep-rooted crops like pumpkins or large fruit bushes.

Soil Cools Quickly in Fall and Winter

Although raised beds warm up faster in the spring, the opposite happens in cooler seasons. Because they are elevated and exposed on all sides, they lose heat quickly in fall and winter.

This can limit late-season growing and reduce the survival of cold-sensitive crops compared to in-ground gardens, which benefit from the earth's natural insulation.

What Is an In-Ground Garden?

An in-ground garden is a traditional gardening method where plants are grown directly in the native soil without any above-ground structure or containment.

This approach involves planting seeds or seedlings straight into the earth, either in unaltered ground or in soil that has been improved over time through the addition of compost or amendments.

In-ground gardens can be created by tilling the soil to loosen it or by building up mounded rows without any framing materials.

The method is straightforward and relies on the existing landscape, which makes it widely accessible for most homeowners.

This type of garden works best in areas where the native soil is already rich, well-drained, and free of contaminants. It is also more flexible in size and shape, allowing gardeners to expand, reshape, or replant areas without structural limitations.

In-ground gardens are especially suitable for large spaces, crops that need extensive root depth or horizontal spread, and for those who want to start gardening with minimal setup costs.

Read related post: 30 Simple Raised Garden Bed Ideas for Your Backyard

Pros of In-Ground Gardening

In-ground gardening remains a reliable and cost-effective method, especially for those with access to decent soil and plenty of space.

It offers several benefits that make it appealing to both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Low-Cost Setup with Fewer Materials

In-ground gardens require very little to get started. There's no need to buy building materials or large volumes of imported soil.

With a shovel, a rake, and some compost, most gardeners can prepare planting beds using what they already have.

This makes it one of the most affordable ways to start growing food or flowers, especially if you create your own compost using the Berkeley method of composting.

Less Frequent Watering and Fertilizing

Native soil tends to retain moisture better than the soil in raised beds. Since it’s surrounded by earth on all sides, it doesn't dry out as quickly, especially during hot or windy conditions.

This reduces the need for constant watering. Nutrients also stay in the soil longer, so heavy fertilizing is often unnecessary when compost is added regularly.

Read related post: 15 Best Natural Fertilizers for Vegetable Gardens!

Unlimited Root Depth and Horizontal Space

In-ground gardens are not restricted by the height or width of a container.

Plants with long taproots or wide-spreading vines – such as squash, melons, and corn – can grow freely without hitting physical barriers.

This gives you more flexibility in choosing what to plant and how much of it to grow.

Better Moisture Retention in Soil

The ground naturally holds moisture longer than raised beds, especially during dry spells.

This deep moisture access is important during drought conditions, as plant roots can tap into water stored deeper in the soil layers – something that’s not possible in most raised beds.

Slower Cooling in Fall Offers Extended Growing Time

Soil in in-ground gardens loses heat more slowly than the elevated soil in raised beds. This helps plants survive longer into the fall season.

It also provides a more stable environment for overwintering certain crops or growing cold-tolerant vegetables.

Cons of In-Ground Gardening

Although in-ground gardening is simple and low-cost, it comes with its own set of challenges.

These can affect plant health, harvest quality, and the amount of time you need to spend on maintenance – especially in areas with poor native soil or high pest pressure.

Poor Soil Quality Can Be a Long-Term Issue

One of the biggest drawbacks of in-ground gardening is being limited by the existing soil conditions.

Many yards have soil that is too rocky, compacted, clay-heavy, or sandy to support healthy plant growth.

Improving native soil can take multiple seasons of amending with compost and organic matter, and in some cases, the soil may be contaminated by chemicals or past treatments.

Higher Weed Presence from Native Soil

Weed seeds are already present in the ground, which means you’re more likely to deal with frequent and aggressive weed growth.

Grass and invasive weeds can spread quickly in open garden beds, requiring regular hand weeding or mulching to keep them under control.

Learn more about natural methods to prevent weeds.

Vulnerable to Burrowing and Surface Pests

In-ground gardens are more exposed to pests like slugs, snails, rabbits, and especially burrowing animals like gophers, moles, and voles.

Unlike raised beds, it's difficult to install effective barriers in the ground to block these pests from reaching plant roots or chewing on crops.

More Time Required for Soil Improvement and Pest Control

Maintaining healthy soil in an in-ground garden often takes more time and effort. Regular amending, crop rotation, and pest management are necessary to keep the soil productive and plants healthy.

If the native soil starts out in poor condition, the long-term work required to improve it can be a major commitment.

Read related post: 10 Raised Garden Bed Enclosure Ideas for a Protected and Thriving Garden

Raised Bed vs In-Ground Garden: How to Decide What’s Best

Choosing between a raised bed and an in-ground garden depends on several personal and environmental factors. No single method is better for everyone.

Your decision should be based on what works best for your location, physical needs, soil conditions, available space, and the type of crops you plan to grow.

Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you make the most practical choice:

Factor	Choose Raised Beds If…	Choose In-Ground Beds If…
Soil Quality	Your native soil is clay-heavy, compacted, rocky, or drains poorly.	Your native soil is fertile, well-drained, and easy to work with.
Budget	You can afford to invest in materials and soil.	You want the most affordable and immediate setup.
Physical Access	You need higher beds to reduce bending due to injury or mobility limitations.	You’re able to work comfortably at ground level.
Space	You have limited growing space (balcony, patio, small yard) or non-soil surfaces.	You have open land with enough room for planting directly into the ground.
Pest Pressure	You need protection from gophers, moles, and rabbits.	Pests are manageable or not a major concern in your area.
Watering and Fertilizing	You’re okay with watering more often and feeding your plants regularly.	You want soil that retains water and nutrients better with less upkeep.

When to Use Both Methods

Many gardeners use a combination of raised beds and in-ground plots to maximize their space and meet different needs. For example:

• Raised beds may be used for vegetables that need loose soil and regular harvesting.
• In-ground beds may be reserved for perennials, herbs, or crops that spread widely or have deep roots.

Using both methods also allows you to gradually improve your native soil while still getting high yields from raised beds in the meantime.

Best Crops for Raised Bed vs. In-Ground Gardening

The type of garden you choose can affect how well certain crops grow.

Some vegetables thrive in the loose, controlled conditions of a raised bed, while others need the space and rooting depth provided by in-ground beds.

Knowing which crops perform best in each setup can help you plan a more productive garden.

Best Crops for Raised Bed Gardening

Raised beds offer loose soil, excellent drainage, and warmer temperatures – perfect for crops that need consistent conditions and benefit from soft, deep soil.

Great choices include:

• Carrots – Need loose, stone-free soil to grow straight and long. Learn more in our guide on how to grow carrots.
• Radishes – Quick-growing root crop that prefers light, well-drained soil.
• Lettuce and leafy greens – Benefit from consistent watering and rich, fluffy soil.
• Spinach – Prefers cool soil with good drainage.
• Onions and scallions – Grow best in raised beds where the soil won’t stay overly wet.
• Peppers – Love the heat-retaining soil and improved drainage.
• Beets – Develop more evenly in loose soil without compaction.
• Herbs (like basil, thyme, or cilantro) – Thrive in well-drained soil and contained environments.
• Strawberries – Can be better protected from ground-level pests and rot.

Raised beds are also a good choice for gardeners in areas with clay or compacted soil, as they allow these crops to develop without resistance.

Best Crops for In-Ground Gardening

In-ground beds provide more room for root development and allow moisture to persist longer, making them ideal for large, spreading, or deep-rooted plants.

Best suited crops include:

• Corn – Requires lots of space and consistent soil moisture.
• Potatoes – Thrive when hilled up in open ground and need depth to produce well (see our guide on how to grow potatoes for tips on getting a bigger harvest).
• Pumpkins and winter squash – Need room to spread and benefit from deep, stable soil.
• Melons – Vines need space and warm soil over a longer period.
• Zucchini and summer squash – Fast-growing and space-hungry, easier to grow in open soil.
• Asparagus – A long-term perennial that establishes deep roots over time.
• Garlic – Needs loose but deep soil, and it performs well in ground left undisturbed.
• Rhubarb – Another long-term plant that spreads out and prefers stable, cooler root environments.
• Fruit bushes and vines (blueberries, raspberries, grapes) – Typically planted directly in the ground for long-term growth and root stability.

In-ground gardening also allows for wider plant spacing and traditional row planting, which is ideal for larger-scale food production or if you have plenty of space.

How to Transition From In-Ground to Raised Bed (or Vice Versa)

Switching between in-ground and raised bed gardening can be a smart move depending on how your gardening goals, soil conditions, or physical needs change over time.

Whether you're upgrading to raised beds for better soil control or returning to in-ground gardening for lower maintenance and flexibility, here’s how to make the transition smoothly.

Transitioning From In-Ground to Raised Bed Gardening

If you've been gardening directly in the ground and want to switch to raised beds, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Location. Select a spot with full sun and good drainage. Avoid areas where water pools or where tree roots are likely to compete for nutrients.

2. Build or Purchase Raised Bed Frames. Use long-lasting, untreated wood, metal, or composite materials. Make sure the beds are deep enough – at least 12 inches, though 18–24 inches is better for most crops.

3. Clear the Existing Garden Area. Remove any remaining plants, weeds, and mulch from your in-ground beds. Mow down grasses and leave them in place if you’re using cardboard as a weed barrier.

4. Add a Weed Barrier (Optional but Helpful). Place a layer of commercial landscape fabric or thick cardboard over the cleared ground to block weeds and prevent any lingering pests from coming up through the soil.

5. Fill the Bed with Quality Soil. Use a balanced mix of compost, topsoil, and aeration material like perlite or sand. Make sure the mix drains well and holds nutrients.

6. Adjust Your Watering Setup. Raised beds dry out faster than in-ground beds, so install drip lines, soaker hoses, or plan for more frequent hand watering.

Transitioning From Raised Bed to In-Ground Gardening

If you’re moving away from raised beds – perhaps to reduce costs, expand space, or return to a more natural layout – here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Dismantle the Bed Frame Carefully. Remove any borders or structures, saving usable materials for future projects. Check for signs of rot or damage if you're planning to reuse the wood.

2. Spread Out the Existing Soil. The soil inside raised beds is often high-quality. Spread it evenly across the new garden area to enrich the native soil. Rake and level the surface.

3. Blend with Native Soil. Use a garden fork or broadfork to loosen and mix the raised bed soil with the top 6–12 inches of native soil. This helps improve texture and nutrient distribution.

4. Test and Amend if Needed. Even with the added soil, it's a good idea to test your in-ground bed for pH and nutrient levels. Add compost or organic amendments as needed.

5. Prepare Planting Rows or Mounds. Shape the garden bed to suit your planting style. Create rows or mounded beds to improve drainage and define growing areas.

6. Adjust Your Irrigation Method. In-ground gardens retain water longer. Modify your watering schedule to avoid overwatering and make use of the soil’s natural moisture retention.

Tip: If your raised beds were lined with hardware cloth or fabric, make sure to remove these materials completely so they don’t interfere with plant roots or tools.

How to Choose the Right Garden Setup for Your Needs

Both raised bed and in-ground gardens can produce healthy, productive crops when matched with the right conditions.

Your choice should come down to the resources you have, your physical needs, and the challenges in your growing environment.

If you need better soil control, improved drainage, or an accessible setup, raised beds are often the better choice.

If you’re looking for the simplest, most cost-effective way to grow and have decent native soil, an in-ground garden can work just as well.

The most important thing is to start with what you can manage and build from there. You can always adapt or expand later.

Have you tried one method – or both? Let us know what worked best for you in the comments below.

FAQs

Can I install a drip irrigation system in both raised beds and in-ground gardens?

Yes, drip irrigation works in both types of gardens. In raised beds, it's often installed around the base of plants and secured to the top edges. In in-ground gardens, lines are laid along planting rows and may need staking to keep them in place.

How do I test the quality of my native soil before deciding?

You can start with a simple soil texture test using a jar, water, and soil from your yard. For more detailed results, send a soil sample to a local extension service or soil lab. They’ll test for pH, nutrient levels, and any contaminants.

What is the best time of year to build raised beds or prepare an in-ground garden?

Late winter to early spring is ideal for both methods. It gives you time to prepare the area before planting. For raised beds, dry weather makes construction easier. For in-ground beds, working the soil is best when it’s moist but not wet.

Can I grow perennials like herbs or berries in raised beds?

Yes, but it’s important to choose a deep bed and plan for their long-term space needs. Keep in mind that once perennials are planted, rotating crops becomes difficult in that bed, so choose placement carefully.

How do I handle garden pests without using chemical sprays?

For both types of gardens, try physical barriers (like netting or row covers), companion planting, hand-picking pests, and encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings. Raised beds make it easier to install hardware cloth or mesh underneath to block burrowing pests.