Written By Lara Wadsworth

Looking to turn your lawn into a productive, easy-to-manage garden? One of the best ways to convert grass, turf, or weeds into a flourishing garden space is by using raised garden beds. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh vegetables, vibrant flowers, or a more attractive yard, raised beds offer a fast, low-effort solution to start gardening right on top of your lawn. Here, we will discuss what it means to use a raised bed for this purpose, the benefits, the disadvantages, and how to proceed if this is your chosen method.

What Are Raised Garden Beds?

Raised beds are garden beds that are set on top of the ground. They are essentially large planting boxes that sit above the ground level, filled with soil and compost suitable for growing plants. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from just 6 inches tall to waist height, and everything in between. They can be made from various materials, but the most common options are wood and metal. Many gardeners choose this option simply because they look nice. But there is more to it than that!

Benefits of Raised Beds

Gardeners often choose raised beds for their clean lines. It is easy to maintain the line between grass or mulch and the garden. In addition, raised beds are great options for those who have a hard time bending down or getting on their knees to weed and prune. Raised beds are easy to install and take very little preparation ahead of time. You can build your own with wood or other materials, or you can buy one that is ready to assemble and use. Prices can range from anywhere around $30 on the low end to thousands of dollars on the high end, depending on the size, quality, and material. Placing a raised bed over your turf allows you to create a garden space without the need for extensive digging or sod removal. Raised beds are also favored because of the contained nature of the soil, making it easy to control its quality and composition.

Disadvantages of Raised Beds

The big disadvantage of raised beds is the initial cost and effort. Building raised beds can be more expensive upfront due to the cost of materials like lumber, soil, and compost. In addition, setting up raised beds requires time and physical effort to assemble and fill. It is also necessary to consider that due to the soil being elevated, it tends to dry out faster than an in-ground garden would. Lastly, if there is a bottom to the bed or if it is not prepared properly, raised beds can limit root growth. Deep-rooted plants might be restricted in some cases.

How to Build a Raised Bed Garden Over Grass

1. Select the location

Before you do anything, make sure you have a good place to put the bed. It should be flat, well-drained (no consistent puddling during rain), and receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

Choose the Bed Size

Based on the available space, choose how big you want the raised bed to be. They typically should not be wider than you can reach across. Common dimensions are 4 feet wide and 8 feet long, but they can be made in literally any shape and size you desire. If you want more space than that, I recommend making more than one raised bed to accommodate your garden’s needs.

Gather the Materials

Depending on whether you are buying or making one, this list will change. If you want to make a simple garden bed, you will need six 2x6 untreated cedar planks, a drill, a saw, a measuring tape, corner posts or brackets, and 3-inch galvanized screws.

Whether you are building your own or buying one, you will need these materials: a level, a shovel, a rake, sticks, grass clippings or leaves, compost, and topsoil. Optionally, mulch and landscaping fabric.

Prepare the Site

Mow the grass as short as possible where you plan to set the raised bed. Find the most level spot and mark off where you want your bed to be. There is no need to remove the sod or anything, as it will all eventually break down and become soil. Do not lay down weed or landscaping fabric at the bottom of the bed, as this can restrict root growth.

Assemble the Frame

Using the pre-purchased or homemade frame of your choice, start assembling it. You do not need to secure it to the ground with anything because the weight of the soil inside will keep it secure even in high winds. Once the edges are assembled, make any last-minute adjustments to the location and positioning, as it will be nearly impossible to move them again without considerable effort once the soil is added.

Fill the Bed

Depending on the depth of your bed, you will want to add material in layers. To reduce cost, I recommend adding a first layer of branches, sticks, and other yard waste to bulk out the bottom. Over time, these will decompose and become compost to nourish the plants. Then, add dried leaves, grass clippings, and similar debris. Lastly, add topsoil or potting soil mixed with high-quality compost as the last layer. Ensure this last layer is at least 6 inches deep, especially if you plan to plant immediately.

Time to Plant

Now you are all set to plant your garden!

Raised Bed Maintenance

The maintenance of raised beds will vary depending on the climate and materials used. Stainless steel requires the least maintenance. Wood garden beds will eventually need to be replaced. Composite materials require very little maintenance but can degrade in extremely hot, sunny locations. Become knowledgeable about the materials you use and how to properly maintain them.

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I currently reside. I love all things plants! After completing a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, I found a dream work-from-home job that allows me to share my passion. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!