Matthew Vasquez Matthew Vasquez

Starting Your First Raised Bed Garden: A Beginner’s Guide

Landscaping & Gardening | 4.16.2025 | Written by Matthew Vasquez

Building a Garden That Works for You

There’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own food—especially when it’s just steps from your back door. If you’re new to gardening, raised beds are the perfect way to dive in. They're simple, space-efficient, and forgiving for beginners. And with Florida’s sandy soil and year-round growing season, a raised bed setup gives you more control over your garden from day one.

At Jax Woodcrafters, we design and build durable cedar raised beds for every type of yard. Whether you're planning a weekend project or transforming your outdoor space, this guide will walk you through exactly how to start your first raised bed garden—with no green thumb required.

Why Raised Beds?

If you’re wondering why so many Florida gardeners start with raised beds, here’s what makes them so effective:

  • Better Soil: Skip the tough native soil. Raised beds let you use nutrient-rich soil from the start.

  • Improved Drainage: Perfect for Florida’s rainy season, raised beds prevent waterlogged roots.

  • Fewer Weeds: Contained soil means fewer weed invasions and easier upkeep.

  • Pest Control: Elevating your plants helps keep pests like snails and ants at bay.

  • Easier on Your Back: You’ll thank us after your first weekend of planting.

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Pick a location that gets 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. Morning sun is ideal, and a nearby water source is a bonus. Make sure the area is level and not shaded by large trees or fences.

"Freshly planted raised bed with sprouting vegetable seedlings in early spring"

"Freshly planted raised bed with sprouting vegetable seedlings in early spring"

📌 Tip: If your space isn’t perfect, don’t worry. Our custom bed designs work just as well in small patios or urban side yards.

Step 2: Decide on Size and Depth

For first-timers, we recommend a bed that’s no wider than 4 feet—you should be able to reach the center from either side. Length can vary, but 4'x4' or 4'x8' beds are a great starting point.

Depth depends on what you’re growing:

  • 6–10 inches: herbs, lettuce, spinach

  • 10–12 inches: tomatoes, carrots, peppers

📌 Tip: We offer custom depths and dimensions if you have something specific in mind.

Step 3: Select the Best Soil Mix

"Shovel preparing raised garden bed soil in a Florida backyard garden"

"Shovel preparing raised garden bed soil in a Florida backyard garden"

For a rich, balanced mix that works well in Florida, use:

  • 60% organic compost

  • 30% topsoil

  • 10% perlite or coarse sand for drainage

Mix it thoroughly before filling your bed. For even better results, consider adding worm castings or mushroom compost.



Step 4: Pick Easy Plants for Beginners

Start simple. Choose plants that thrive in Florida and offer high reward with low effort:

  • Herbs: basil, thyme, parsley

  • Leafy greens: lettuce, kale, arugula

  • Tomatoes & peppers

  • Cucumbers & squash (great with trellises)

Want to grow pollinator-friendly plants nearby? Consider adding milkweed or zinnias to support butterflies and bees.

📌 Need help choosing what to plant when? Check out the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide from UF/IFAS.

Step 5: Watering & Maintenance Tips

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and mildew. Mulch around your plants with pine straw or shredded leaves to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

📌 Tip: Add a drip irrigation system or soaker hose for easy watering—especially during hot months.

Step 6: Add Support with Trellises or Companion Plants

Many vegetables benefit from a little support. Add a custom trellis for cucumbers or beans, or grow flowers like marigolds to repel pests and boost color.

Ready to Build Yours? We’ve Got You.

Starting your first raised bed garden doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right location, quality materials, and a few planting tips, you’ll be harvesting your first salad in no time.

At Jax Woodcrafters, we build custom cedar raised beds, trellises, and planters that are as functional as they are beautiful. Each piece is handcrafted with Florida’s climate in mind—built to last through sun, rain, and everything in between.

📌 Explore our Raised Beds →
📌 Contact us for a custom build →

Read More