09/08/2026
🌿 🌿 In-Ground vs. Raised Beds: Which Wins? 🌿
Choosing how to set up your garden layout is one of the biggest decisions you'll make before planting. Both methods have major perks, but here at The Pene Patch, we are firmly Team Raised Beds! 💪🏽
🪵👇 Here is a quick breakdown of how they stack up:
🏡 In-Ground Beds
The Pro: They are completely free to start!
The Con: They are much harder on your back & knees, & they warm up much slower in the spring.
📦 Raised Beds (Our Choice!)
The Pro: Soil warms up faster, drains beautifully, & you deal with far fewer weeds. Plus, you can plant items closer together!
The Con: There is an upfront cost for materials and soil to build them initially.
🛠️ How to Build Yours in 4 Steps:
1️⃣ Frame: Put together simple rectangle frames using untreated cedar boards. Depending on your budget, you can be both resourceful & creative here!
2️⃣ Place: Pick a prime location that gets 6+ hours of daily sunlight - this is very important!
3️⃣ Layer: Put down cardboard first (to block grass), followed by compost & rich topsoil. We also use larger branches & logs at the base to save on soil costs (check out our previous post on the Hügelkultur method!)
4️⃣ Plant: Fill it up with your favorite closely-spaced crops. Use companion planting where you can!
💬 Over to you: Are you growing in-ground or using raised beds this season? Let us know your favorite setup, tips, and tricks in the comments below! 👇
