In a recent article, I touched upon the subject of raised garden beds and why they’re super useful for gardeners of all experience levels.
Today, we’re sticking to that topic but shifting the focus slightly to something a little more specific: shallow raised beds. These beds are typically under 12” and much easier to build and fill compared to larger ones. However, you need to pick the right plants for them!
In this article, I’ll be making picking and choosing super simple for you, so that you can elevate your garden using shallow beds in no time. Let’s dive right into it!
Why Depth Matters In Raised Beds?
Well, if you didn’t already know, not all vegetables and flowers need deep roots, and many can thrive with just 6-12 inches of soil. Shallow soil means less root space and faster drying.
Here, you want to choose crops with shallow root systems for better results. Fortunately or unfortunately, ensuring good drainage and high-quality soil is even more important in shallow garden beds since you can’t really rely on deeper and stronger root-spreading to cover for your neglect.
5 Best Vegetables For Shallow Raised Beds
1: Lettuce
Lettuce is known for having very shallow roots that do not dig deep into the ground. This leafy green is fast-growing, can tolerate periods of extreme cold, and is perfect for 6-8” raised beds.
If you want your lettuce to remain fresh and vibrant for long, keep it safe from pests and fungal issues, since it’s quite susceptible to those.
2: Spinach
Another leafy green that’s full of healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Although I’m not the biggest fan of spinach on its own, pairing it with a hearty chunk of steak or grilled chicken just makes it so delicious. This earthy leafy green thrives in shallow soil, especially in spring and fall.
3: Radishes
Not only are radishes super tasty and quick to mature, but they also don’t need much depth to grow optimally. This rich, vibrant vegetable is ideal for succession planting because of how quickly it grows.
Although I’m not a radish enthusiast in dishes, I have it growing in my backyard garden every spring or fall, mainly because my family loves it, and because it gives the lower extremities of the garden landscape some vibrant color and interest.
4: Green Onions (Scallions)
Because of their upright growth, green onions thrive with shallow-spreading roots in shallow soil. They work well for tight spaces and can easily be considered the perfect garnish for most savory dishes.
5: Arugula
Like others, arugula too grows fast and develops flavorful leaves that help cut through the fattiness of meaty dishes. The peppery leafy green can grow easily in as little as 6” of shallow soil!
5 Best Herbs For Shallow Beds
1: Basil
You don’t really need much to grow good basil leaves. The fragrant herb loves warmth and rich soil, growing happily in 8-10” beds without a problem.
2: Cilantro
Cilantro is another perfect garnish that’s ideal for savory dishes like meats, stews, pies, and even salads. It’s shallow-rooted, quick to harvest, and perfect for early spring/fall planting.
Believe it or not, I actually grew cilantro for my kindergarten project; that’s how easy it is to grow!
3: Parsley
Parsley has a shallow root system that doesn’t need to spread very deep into the ground to support growth and integrity. This one can do particularly well in compact raised beds.
4: Dill
So, dill can be a confusing one for many. I’d say it doesn’t need deep soil unless you want it to grow very tall. Plant your dill in shallow soil only if you’re okay with compact growth.
Low-Growing Flowers That Work In Shallow Beds
1: Calendula
Calendula is one of those flowers that reseed easily. It offers shallow roots and works very well for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
2: Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums offer magnificent blooms that spread nicely and are even edible! Despite their soft and delicate appearance, these annuals are hardy and can thrive in poor soil conditions without needing too much love or attention.
3: Sweet Alyssum
The first thing most people notice about sweet alyssums is their enchantingly fragrant blooms. They offer a sweet, floral scent in the garden, prefer low-growth, and are super pollinator-friendly.
Quick Tips For Success In Shallow Raised Beds
Conclusion
When I first learned about shallow raised beds, I assumed they had to be at least 8 to 10” deep because I didn’t think it was possible to grow plants in anything shallower.
Yeah…just imagine how stupid I felt after realizing lettuce could thrive in 6-8” of shallow soil. Oh well, we live and we learn, right? Today, about 30% of the raised beds in my mom’s garden don’t go deeper than 10”, and I’m able to grow flowers and vegetables in them with great ease.
Give some plants from the list above a shot in your shallow beds and let me know how it goes!
