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Elevated planter or open-bottom raised bed?

Planters on legs and beds that sit on the ground compared by planting depth, where they can go and who they suit, from maker figures and extension guidance.

Which suits you

Elevated (on legs, with a floor)

An elevated planter suits a small space on a hard surface, or a gardener who wants to work without bending or from a wheelchair.

Open-bottom (on the ground)

An open-bottom bed suits open ground, deep-rooted crops and larger beds.

This compares what makers publish and what extension services say. It is not a test of any bed.

12 in24 in36 in22.52931.53233.2355.57.25810.511121414.51516.5172224262932Elevated (on legs, with a floor)Open-bottom (on the ground)
Every published height in each group, on one scale. The scale is in inches.

Side by side

Elevated (on legs, with a floor)Open-bottom (on the ground)
In our catalogue9 families, 16 sizes (Vego Garden, Gardener's Supply, Gronomics, Outdoor Living Today, VegTrug)25 families, 154 sizes (Vego Garden, Gardener's Supply, Birdies, Gronomics, Frame It All, Metal Garden Beds, Tarter, Best Choice Products, Greenes Fence, Garden In Minutes, Epic Gardening)
Published heights22.5 to 35 in5.5 to 32 in
Stated soil capacity3.5 to 26.6 cubic feet4.8 to 96 cubic feet
Where it can goPatios, decks and balconies, if the surface can take the filled weightOpen ground; on paving it needs the depth and drainage of the hard-surface guide
Planting depth, as published5.3 to 14 in in the planters we listThe fill depth you choose; at least 10 inches for most crops (UGA Extension)
Working heightSoil at standing or seated height; UGA describes 10-inch planters on legs as ideal for wheelchair accessAt ground level unless the walls are tall
Roots belowNone; every root is in the planterRoots can grow into the soil below

See the beds

Elevated (on legs, with a floor) beds

Open-bottom (on the ground)

References