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    Raised Bed Garden Guide

    Easier on knees + back.

    Best heights for seniors

    • 24"-30" tall — comfortable kneeling/sitting on stool.
    • 30"-36" tall — work standing, bend slightly.
    • 36"-42" tall — fully standing, no bending. Best for arthritis.
    • Most ground beds: 12-18" — still requires bending. Skip for seniors.

    Best kits

    • Greenes Fence elevated ($120-200) — 30" cedar bed. Easy assembly.
    • Vita Vitabox ($150-300) — vinyl, doesn't rot, 32" tall.
    • Yaheetech 32" elevated ($60) — cheaper plastic.
    • Birdies metal beds ($150-400) — 17"-32". Heavy duty.
    • Galvanized steel watering trough ($150-300) — DIY favorite. 24-36" tall.

    Best plants for raised beds

    • Tomatoes — top performer.
    • Lettuce + greens — quick + easy.
    • Peppers — both sweet + hot.
    • Herbs — basil, oregano, thyme, parsley.
    • Cucumbers — vine on trellis.
    • Strawberries — perennial.
    • Carrots, radishes — quick crops.
    • SKIP: corn (needs space), pumpkins (sprawl), potatoes (need depth).

    Cheap soil filler

    • Bottom 50%: branches, sticks, logs, leaves (Hugelkultur).
    • Middle 30%: compost or yard waste.
    • Top 20%: quality garden soil + organic mix.
    • Saves hundreds vs filling with all topsoil.
    • Quality soil: Costco / Home Depot 1.5 cu ft bags $5-8.

    Drip irrigation = magic

    $30 drip irrigation kit + smart timer = automatic watering. No more dragging hose. Saves 50% water vs sprinkler. Plants happier. Best $30 senior gardener can spend.