Deep raised bed plans for root crops and potatoes

Carrots, beets and potatoes like more depth than salad greens: this 16.5 in bed holds 15.5 in of soil. At 16.5 in tall it holds 37.1 cu ft of soil (1.4 cu yd): 25 bags of 1.5 cu ft. Estimated materials, soil included: $289–$476 in pressure-treated lumber, $400–$668 in cedar.

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Soil and cost

Deep raised bed plans for root crops and potatoes: soil and cost
Height	Soil depth	Soil	Bags (1.5 / 2 cu ft)	Economy (est.)	Durable (est.)
16.5 in	15.5 in	37.1 cu ft	25 / 19	$289–$476	$400–$668

Two of these beds with a 2 ft path between them: $578–$1,336 in materials and soil.

What the materials cost

Economy materials

$289 to $476

Copper-treated ground-contact boards. Same sizes and soil in both.

Lumber: $89–$136
Fasteners and hardware: $25–$40
Soil: $175–$300

Durable materials

$400 to $668

Cedar boards and coated screws. Same sizes and soil in both.

Lumber: $180–$293
Fasteners and hardware: $45–$75
Soil: $175–$300

Estimates from typical US home-center prices; your local prices will vary. Prices last updated: Oct 23, 2026. Not included: sales tax, delivery, tools, gravel/base material, paint or stain.

Other bed shapes

Three-step tiered bed
Three stepped levels, 11, 16.5 and 22 in deep: herbs and greens in front, root crops in the deep back step.
8' x 4', $339–$846
L-shaped corner bed
Two 3 ft wide arms that wrap a corner of the yard; every spot is in easy reach.
8' x 6', $324–$772

Plan specifications & limitations

Bed width (reach)
At most 4 ft, so you reach the middle from both sides
In this plan: 4 ft · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Soil depth
At least 10 in for most crops; more for root crops
In this plan: 15.5 in · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Suggested depth for your crop
16.5 in for root crops
In this plan: 16.5 in · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Wall supports
A support at most every 4 ft along a wall; cross ties on beds 16.5 in and taller
In this plan: On every long wall · Source: fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Lumber
New copper-treated (ACQ / CA) ground-contact lumber, or cedar; no railroad ties or lumber treated before 2004
In this plan: Pressure-treated · Source: extension.oregonstate.edu

Sizing rules used by this plan, with sources
Rule	What every plan uses	In this plan	Source
Bed width (reach)	At most 4 ft, so you reach the middle from both sides	4 ft	fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Soil depth	At least 10 in for most crops; more for root crops	15.5 in	fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Suggested depth for your crop	16.5 in for root crops	16.5 in	fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Wall supports	A support at most every 4 ft along a wall; cross ties on beds 16.5 in and taller	On every long wall	fieldreport.caes.uga.edu
Lumber	New copper-treated (ACQ / CA) ground-contact lumber, or cedar; no railroad ties or lumber treated before 2004	Pressure-treated	extension.oregonstate.edu

Lumber in a food garden
Economy uses new copper-treated ground-contact lumber: an Oregon State study found copper moved only about 1 in into the soil and none into the produce. Durable uses cedar. Never use railroad ties or old treated lumber.
Ground
Assumes level ground with good drainage. On concrete or pavers, water drains out under the walls.
Gophers and moles
Where gophers or moles dig, add the 1/2 in hardware cloth bottom (an option in the wizard).
Soil
Bagged soil is estimated from the inside volume; bulk soil by the cubic yard is often cheaper for several beds. Soil settles: plan to top it up.
Permits and HOA
Many cities and counties require a permit for structures above 120 sq ft. Some require one for smaller ones. HOA rules may limit size, color or materials. Checking permits, setbacks and HOA rules is your responsibility.
Not an engineered plan
The plan is a general guide for a small backyard structure. It is not stamped or engineered, and it is not a substitute for engineering or local approval.

Questions

How much soil do I need for a deep raised bed plans for root crops and potatoes?

37.1 cu ft (1.4 cu yd): 38 bags of 1 cu ft, 25 of 1.5 cu ft or 19 of 2 cu ft.

What wood should I use?

New copper-treated ground-contact lumber or cedar. Never railroad ties or lumber treated before 2004.

How do I keep gophers out?

Lay 1/2 in hardware cloth under the bed and take it about 6 in up the inside of the walls (an option in the wizard).

Other sizes: 4x8 raised garden bed, 4x6 raised garden bed, 4x4 raised garden bed, Tall raised garden bed. All 3 bed models: raised garden bed plans.

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