We have used raised beds in three gardens now.
I have back issues so I can sit on the side of the bed and still weed the beds. Also drainage is great.
I have 16 beds that are 4 x 16, one that is 20 by 16 for vining crops like cantaloup, watermelon, or row crops corn or okra.
The 12 inch tall boxes are 4 x 16 feet made from treated lumber and I can put a 16 foot cattle panel down the middle on three T-posts for tying tomatoes, peppers, eggplant or for vining cucumbers, peas and beans.
I also have beds that are 5 foot wide that are on a diagonal fence so the lengths go from 8 foot to 23 foot long. These beds also house more permanent crops like asparagus and some of my daylilies and iris.
The elderberry are planted on the north edge of the 16 x 20 foot bed and are tied to a 16 foot cattle panel to keep them from bowing to the ground.
Here is the garden in 2012 both spring and winter so you can see the initial layout of 7 foot wide path between rows of boxes. There is 5 feet between the boxes so I can get the mower and weed wacker in for the grass.
Thanks! This was super helpful! My hubby wondered if the 12 inches tall is enough to keep out rabbits? He always likes to make things really big which is often overkill.
Planted some beets and swiss chard after treating it with a "seed starter" soak. (vinegar, water and a bit of dish soap.) This concoction is supposed to speed germination. we'll see. I also used it on cilantro, and New Zealand Spinach.
That's an interesting "seed starter" recipe. Let us know if you think it works.
I picked some cherry tomatoes then it poured the rest of the day.