For most gardeners, a 17-inch raised bed is the right choice: it gives vegetables, herbs, and flowers all the root depth they need at a lower price. Choose a 32-inch bed instead if you grow deep-root crops like carrots, potatoes, or indeterminate tomatoes, if your bed will sit on concrete or a patio, or if you want to garden standing up without bending. Here's how to decide, with real numbers on root depth, soil volume, and cost.
How Much Soil Depth Do Plants Actually Need?
Root depth is the deciding factor most buyers overlook:
| Plants | Root depth needed | 17" bed | 32" bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce, spinach, herbs, green onions | 6–12" | ✓ Plenty | ✓ Plenty |
| Peppers, beans, kale, strawberries | 12–18" | ✓ Good fit | ✓ Plenty |
| Tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, squash | 18–24"+ | ✓ If placed on open soil | ✓ Best choice |
One important detail: if your 17-inch bed sits on open ground, roots simply continue down into the native soil below, so even deep-root crops can thrive. If the bed sits on concrete, pavers, or a deck, the bed walls are all the depth your plants get — that's when 32 inches earns its keep.
The Ergonomics Factor
A 32-inch bed puts the soil surface near waist height for most adults. That means planting, weeding, and harvesting without kneeling or bending — a genuine difference for anyone with back or knee concerns, and the reason taller beds are a favorite for accessible and senior-friendly gardens. A 17-inch bed still beats in-ground gardening for comfort, but you'll work it from a kneeling or seated position.
Soil Volume and Cost
Soil is the hidden cost of any raised bed. In the popular 2×8 ft configuration:
- A 17-inch bed holds about 23 cubic feet of soil
- A 32-inch bed holds about 43 cubic feet — nearly double
The good news: you shouldn't fill a 32-inch bed entirely with bagged soil anyway. Fill the bottom third with coarse organic material — branches, leaves, straw, untreated wood scraps. It improves drainage, feeds the bed as it breaks down, and cuts your soil cost dramatically. Only the top 17 to 20 inches needs quality growing mix.
17" vs. 32" at a Glance
| Feature | 17" Tall Bed | 32" Tall Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most vegetables, herbs, flowers | Deep-root crops, hard surfaces, no-bend gardening |
| Working position | Kneeling or seated | Standing |
| Soil needed (2×8 ft) | ~23 cu ft | ~43 cu ft (bottom third can be organic fill) |
| Works on concrete/patio | Limited — shallow-root plants only | Yes |
| 9-in-1 kit price | $198 | $358 (bracing rods included) |
The Verdict
Start with 17 inches if your bed sits on open soil and your budget matters most — it covers everything from salad greens to tomatoes. Go with 32 inches if you're growing on a patio or driveway, focusing on root vegetables, or want a garden you never have to bend over. Both heights use the same Aluzinc steel with a lifespan of up to 20 years, and both come in Ivory White, Eucalyptus, and Dark Gray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 17-inch bed deep enough for tomatoes?
Yes, if the bed sits on open ground — tomato roots grow down through the bed into the native soil. On concrete or a deck, choose the 32-inch bed instead.
Do I have to fill a 32-inch bed entirely with soil?
No. Fill the bottom third with branches, leaves, or straw, then add growing mix on top. You get the height benefits without doubling your soil budget.
Which height is better for older gardeners?
The 32-inch bed. Waist-height soil means no kneeling or bending, which makes daily watering, weeding, and harvesting far easier on the back and knees.
Compare the full range: 17" tall garden beds and 32" tall garden beds. Free shipping in the U.S. and Canada on orders over $99, with a 60-day return policy.