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Sunlight Considerations | Water Access | Garden Layout | Raised Bed Design
Planning the position of your raised beds is about more than just finding spare space. The right location affects plant health, harvest quality, and how much maintenance your garden will require. This expert guide, created with input from horticultural best practices and supported by research from leading gardening bodies such as the RHS, covers everything you need to know. From sunlight exposure and microclimates to soil drainage, accessibility, and design, you’ll find practical, experience-led advice to help you make confident decisions and create a thriving raised bed garden that works in harmony with your space.
This article is part of the Raised Bed Knowledge Hub where we cover everything from planting ideas to how to position them in your garden.
Sunlight considerations for your raised beds
The position of the sun across your garden shapes how successful your raised beds will be. To make the most of available light, think beyond simply picking a sunny spot; aim for a place which gets 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. Study how sunlight interacts with different areas across the seasons. A site that appears bright in April might sit in deep shadow by late summer as trees leaf out or neighbouring plants grow taller.
Angles matter too. In the UK, south-facing locations catch the most direct sunlight throughout the day, while east-facing spots enjoy gentle morning rays that dry dew quickly and encourage steady early growth. West-facing beds soak up hot afternoon sun, which can boost crops like tomatoes but may stress more delicate plants if water supply isn't managed carefully. North-facing areas generally receive the least direct light and suit shade-tolerant crops rather than sun-loving varieties.
Obstacles change light patterns more than you might expect. A wall, a tall shrub, even a shed will cast longer shadows in winter when the sun sits lower in the sky. Watch how these features shift light access across the day and seasons. Mapping sunlight patterns with sketches, time-lapse photos, or sun tracking apps helps avoid surprises after planting.
Understanding Microclimate Factors
Every garden holds countless microclimates-small pockets of varied environmental conditions influenced by sun, shade, wind, moisture and structures nearby. Recognising how these factors interact can change how and where your raised beds thrive.
Identifying Microclimates Within Your Garden
Start by walking your space at different times of day. Observe how shadows shift between morning and evening. Check where frost lingers longer or where snow melts quickly-these are signs of cooler or warmer zones. Look for dry patches near south-facing walls or damp corners under heavy tree cover. These subtle differences matter.
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Wind-sheltered corners near fences or hedges retain warmth better than exposed sites.
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Areas by brick or stone walls absorb daytime heat and radiate it at night, creating warmer zones.
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Low spots might collect cold air, increasing the risk of frost during colder months.
Positioning Raised Beds to Take Advantage of Beneficial Microclimates
Make strategic use of these variations. A sunny spot against a south-facing wall can provide an ideal microclimate for heat-loving crops like chillies, aubergines or tomatoes. Raised beds in such areas warm up faster in spring, extending your growing season without added effort.
When working with sloped ground, orient beds crossways to retain water and reduce runoff. In dry areas, finding a location that catches morning dew or benefits from shade in afternoon heat can reduce irrigation demands later on.
Protecting Plants From Adverse Microclimates
Not all microclimates are helpful. Strong winds can desiccate soil and damage seedlings. If your garden is exposed, consider installing windbreaks-hedging, trellises with climbing plants or mesh screens. Position beds away from heavy shade cast by buildings or trees if you're growing sun-hungry crops.
Pay attention to roof runoff zones or compacted footpaths where water pools-raised beds placed in these damp conditions are prone to root rot and fungal issues. Move them just a metre or two and you'll notice the difference.
Does your garden have a spot that seems to do better than the rest? That's the microclimate to explore and replicate. Use it well, and your raised beds will reward you with a longer, more productive harvest.
Water Access: Keeping Raised Beds Hydrated Without the Hassle
Stay Close to a Water Source
Your raised beds will need consistent watering, particularly during dry spells or when growing thirsty crops like tomatoes or courgettes. Placing the beds near a ready water source-such as a tap, water butt, or irrigation system-will save countless trips with a watering can. Not only does this cut down on physical effort, it ensures you can water more often and more efficiently, especially during peak summer conditions.
Position Beds for Efficient Irrigation
The orientation of your beds can influence how evenly water infiltrates your soil. Long beds aligned with gentle slopes will channel water more effectively, especially during rainfall or when using gravity-fed irrigation systems. Consider connecting drip lines or soaker hoses along the length of the beds to promote deep root watering. This method delivers water directly to the base of plants, which reduces evaporation and minimises leaf wetness-helping to prevent fungal issues.
If relying on rainfall, avoid placing raised beds directly under eaves or overhanging structures. Watch how water behaves in your garden during a rainstorm. Do puddles form nearby? Is there natural runoff that could be diverted towards the beds? A gentle slope toward the beds can naturally enhance irrigation.
Improve Moisture Retention Within the Bed
Retaining moisture starts with what you put inside the beds. Adding high-quality compost will boost the soil's ability to hold water. Well-aged garden compost or mushroom compost are both rich in organic matter and help keep the soil sponge-like. Mixing in materials such as leaf mould or coir can further slow down the drying process, particularly in raised beds with fast-draining soils like sandy loam.
To keep that moisture from escaping, mulch after planting. Use straw, bark chips, or composted leaves to cover bare soil surfaces. This layer shields the soil from direct sun and wind, and cuts down on water loss by as much as 75% according to research by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
We recommend you read our in-depth guide on how to fill a raised bed.
Time for a Walkaround?
Grab a hosepipe and try walking from your water source to where you plan to put the raised beds. Does the distance feel manageable every day? Are there obstacles along the way? These small checks can make all the difference between a garden that thrives with consistent care and one that gets overlooked when the effort becomes too great.
Designing Your Space: Layout and Scalability for Raised Beds
Determine Bed Size and Spacing Based on Function and Flow
Start by deciding how much growing space you need and how it fits within your available area. Most raised beds measure between 4ft and 6ft wide, as this allows for easy access from both sides without stepping onto the soil.
It's a good idea to leave 1ft to 1.5ft between raised beds for mowing, wheelbarrow access, or kneeling room. For more accessible paths, especially for wheelchairs or mobility aids, extend this to 90 cm or more. Avoid cramming too many raised beds into a small space-overcrowding leads to awkward corners, limited airflow, and increased chances of plant disease.
Plan a Layout That Works for You
Use graph paper or a digital garden planner to sketch out your arrangement. Consider how you'll move between beds. Straight rows work well in rectangular plots, while staggered or curved arrangements can bring a more organic or decorative feel in ornamental gardens. Group beds with similar crops together to make watering and harvesting more efficient.
Position taller structures, like trellises or vertical planters, on the northern side (in the UK) to prevent them from casting shade on lower crops. Run beds along the east-west axis to maximise sunlight exposure throughout the day.
Think Ahead: Leave Room to Grow
You may not want ten raised beds today, but you might later. Incorporate space in your plan for future additions. Keep at least one side of the layout open or create modular zones that can be expanded seasonally. A simple mulch path or gravelled area can stand in for 'future beds' until you're ready to build them.
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Example: A gardener starting with two 4x8 ft beds could leave space for two more identical beds spaced evenly in the same row.
Top tip: A modular layout-using uniform bed sizes-makes it easier to rotate crops each year and rearrange as your needs change.
Clearing room to grow isn't only about space for soil-it's about shaping a garden that can evolve. So walk your site. Visualise your routines. And let the layout support your long-term rhythm, not just the first planting season.
Designing Raised Beds for Ease, Comfort and Accessibility
Minimising Physical Strain with Smart Design
Gardening in raised beds can be physically demanding-or effortless. Much depends on how accessible the beds are. When designed around the gardener's physical range and comfort, raised beds reduce strain on the back, knees and shoulders. Aligning dimensions with human ergonomics transforms daily tending tasks into manageable and enjoyable routines.
Aim for a bed height between 1ft to 1.5ft to make most tasks accessible from a standing or seated position. For wheelchair users or those with restricted movement, raising the beds to around 30 to 36 inches allows access without bending or overreaching. Choosing a height that matches your own posture while weeding, pruning or harvesting will preserve energy and reduce fatigue.
Choosing the Right Width for Hands-On Access
Width determines how easily you can reach the centre of the bed. For beds with access from both sides, aim for a maximum width of 4ft. If the bed is against a wall or fence and only accessible from one side, reduce the width to around 2ft to avoid the need to lean excessively.
Narrower beds are ideal for children or older gardeners. They also make crop rotation and replanting simpler by allowing more direct reach to every section of the soil.
Thinking About Mobility Needs
For gardeners with limited mobility, raised beds can significantly extend the growing season and range of possible plants-as long as layout allows access. Keep pathways wide enough for walking aids or wheelchairs, with a clear width of at least 3ft, and consider a width of 4ft for comfortable turning. Flat, firm materials beneath paths-such as compacted gravel, paving stones or timber decking-help prevent slips and soft spots.
If you're tailoring a garden space for someone using a wheelchair, leave clear knee space beneath the bed edge. A horizontal overhang in the range of 8-9 inches works well, supported by a stable frame that doesn't obstruct the lower limbs.
Extra Touches That Improve Everyday Use
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Position benches or seats nearby to break up long sessions with a moment of rest.
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Install handrails or edge supports on pathways for balance and ease of movement.
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Keep frequently used tools in accessible storage next to the beds to avoid repeated walking.
These enhancements don't take up much space, but they change how the garden feels to use-especially for those dealing with chronic pain, disability or limited stamina. Rather than pushing through discomfort, the right dimensions and layout keep gardening a source of pleasure.
Pause for a moment and picture your typical gardening routine-where do you stoop, stretch or shift awkwardly? A well-placed bed will help you do less of that.
Making Raised Beds Part of Your Garden's Design
Integrating raised beds into the wider garden layout
Raised beds don't have to stand alone as isolated, utilitarian boxes-they can become a focal point or a visual thread that ties the garden together. Position them where they create clean lines, gentle curves, or defined zones within your outdoor space. For example, placing raised beds along the edges of a lawn can create contrast, while setting them along winding paths can evoke a sense of exploration.
Think beyond straight rows. Staggered arrangements, tiered heights, or radial layouts around a central feature-such as a pond or seating area-can add structure and rhythm to the space. When viewed from an upper window or patio, interesting bed shapes can transform an average garden into a carefully designed landscape.
Choosing materials and planting styles that elevate visual appeal
Material choice directly shapes the bed's visual impact. Timber offers a classic and natural touch, while brick or stone lends formality and permanence. For something modern, consider metal raised beds or corten for their sleek lines and textural richness. Want a rustic look? Reclaimed sleepers or woven willow bring organic charm.
We’ve written an indepth guide on what to consider when deciding between metal raised beds or wooden ones.
What grows from the beds matters just as much. Mix textures-leafy greens beside upright herbs or flowering companions like calendula and lavender. Varying plant heights gives the bed dimension, and interweaving edible and ornamental species keeps it playful. Edging beds with low-growing thyme or trailing nasturtiums softens the hard structure and brings a vibrant edge.
Read our deep dive into planting schemes and planting guides for raised beds.
Balancing beauty and function
A garden that looks good doesn't have to sacrifice practicality. Arrange beds so they invite movement and tasks feel natural-paths wide enough for a wheelbarrow, steps that flow with the terrain, planting within comfortable reach. Symmetry can guide the eye, while asymmetry might better suit informal spaces.
Ask yourself: how do the beds relate to the house, the view, and daily routines? Raised beds near the kitchen door offer convenience and enhance the courtyard. Placed under a window, they create a seasonal display. The aim is for raised beds to feel integrated, like they belong-not simply placed where there happened to be room.
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Use repetition-similar materials or shapes across beds to build continuity.
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Anchor focal points-a bed could surround a sculpture, tree, or water feature.
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Blend verticals and horizontals-include trellises or arches for climbing plants to draw the eye upward.
Let function guide initial decisions, but shape, material, and planting invite creativity. A raised bed is not just for growing-it's part of the garden's story, and every placement tells part of that tale.
Bringing It All Together: Positioning with Purpose
Positioning raised beds requires careful consideration of sunlight (at least six hours, ideally eight), drainage (avoid puddling), and water access. Place beds conveniently near paths and potentially the kitchen for easier harvesting. Ensure adequate space for movement and consider ergonomics for comfortable gardening. Think about microclimates (frost, heat, wind) and how placement affects pests. The layout should complement your garden's style. Plan the arrangement beforehand, perhaps with sketches or cutouts. Share successful positioning tips with other gardeners. Proper placement is crucial for the long-term productivity and enjoyment of your raised beds.