Hey everyone! I'm a beginner gardener in zone 6B and currently have a couple of small raised beds. I'm thinking about replacing them with an in-ground garden this fall to create more space and save some money on raised beds. I'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts on this! Also, has anyone tried the no-dig method for making an in-ground veggie bed? Does it actually work? Thanks for your help!
5 Answers
Both options have their perks. If you don't need raised beds due to issues like poor drainage, going in-ground is definitely cheaper. I prefer raised beds because of some health challenges when it comes to weeding. But if your drainage is fine, I say go for in-ground gardening to save on costs!
I've done both raised beds and in-ground gardening here in Illinois. Honestly, in-ground plants need way less watering—maybe once a week—compared to raised beds, which I water 2-3 times a week. If you have good soil, those in-ground veggies can thrive! I used a no-till approach by layering compost and mulching heavily with herbicide-free straw, which worked great for me. The straw has definitely improved soil workability compared to wood chips.
I switched from in-ground to raised beds made from cement blocks, and I won't look back! My beds are about 1.5 feet high, which makes reaching the veggies easier. They do need a bit more watering, but there's less weeding and you don't have to leave space for walking paths. Plus, the extra holes in the blocks give me more planting space. Expanding is super easy too!
Make sure to consider drainage! If it's solid in your area, in-ground should work well. Personally, I like slightly raised beds for the paths in between, but it's all about what works best for you!
I'm still a newbie gardener like you! I have a couple of raised beds and I'm thinking of expanding next year too. If you have enough space, I suggest keeping your raised beds for now and maybe trying in-ground gardening as you grow. That way, you can compare which one you prefer.