How Far Apart Raised Beds Should Be: Path Widths
How far apart raised beds should be depends on what moves along the paths. University of Georgia Extension advises paths of 18 to 24 inches for walking. It advises about 4 feet between beds where carts, wheelbarrows plus wheelchairs need to pass. Kansas State University Research and Extension notes wider paths suit heavier traffic.
The short answer
Space raised beds 18 to 24 inches apart for foot traffic, with 12 inches as the minimum. Leave about 4 feet where a wheelbarrow, cart or wheelchair must pass. University of Georgia Extension notes a central path wide enough for a small truck needs at least 10 feet. Make beds narrow enough to reach the center.
What path width does each use need?
University of Georgia Extension sets 12 inches as the minimum path plus 18 to 24 inches as ideal. It advises 4 feet for carts, wheelbarrows plus wheelchairs.
| Path use | Width | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum foot path | 12 inches | Georgia |
| Comfortable walking | 18 to 24 inches | Georgia |
| Wheelbarrow or wheelchair | About 4 feet | Georgia |
| Children or large cart | 5 to 6 feet | Kansas State |
Source: University of Georgia Extension plus Kansas State University Research and Extension.
How wide should the beds be?
University of Minnesota Extension advises a bed width about arm’s reach. It notes up to 2.5 feet if you reach from one side only plus up to 5 feet from both sides. NC State Extension notes beds reached from both sides are typically 3 to 4 feet wide.
Where should the paths go?
Kansas State University Research and Extension advises putting paths where people already walk. It notes that awkward paths lead to shortcuts plus trampled plants. A single user path is at least 3 feet in its guidance, while service paths can be 2 to 3 feet.
How to: step by step
- Note who uses the paths plus what they push.
- Choose a bed width you can reach to the center.
- Set foot paths at 18 to 24 inches.
- Widen main paths to about 4 feet for wheelbarrows.
- Outline the layout with string before building.
- Cover the paths with mulch or another surface.
Troubleshooting
Wheelbarrow cannot fit: the path is too narrow. Widen the main path to about 4 feet.
Shortcuts across beds: the paths are not where people walk. Shift or add a path along the route people use.
Bed center out of reach: the bed is too wide. Narrow it to about 4 feet for access from both sides.
For related reading see raised beds for cannabis, planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout plus mulch for cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Raised garden bed dimensions (C1027 4), University of Georgia Extension
- Down the garden path, K State Research and Extension, Johnson County
- Accessible gardening: raised beds, containers and garden tables, NC State Extension Gardener
- Raised bed gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
What surface works for paths between beds?
Kansas State University Research and Extension lists mulch, gravel plus grass among path materials. It notes mulch is readily available but can wash away. It notes gravel is permeable but needs edging to stay in place. University of Minnesota Extension advises mulched permanent walkways between beds.
Should every path be the same width?
No. University of Georgia Extension advises a wider central path for carts plus narrower side paths for walking. Kansas State University Research and Extension notes service paths can be 2 to 3 feet while main paths are wider. Match each path to the traffic it carries in the garden.
Can paths be wider than the minimum?
Yes. Kansas State University Research and Extension advises 5 to 6 feet where children walk together or a large cart passes. University of Georgia Extension notes a central path for a small truck needs at least 10 feet. Wider paths use more space but make moving soil plus mulch easier.
How should beds be spaced for wheelchair access?
University of Georgia Extension advises about 4 feet between beds for wheelchairs. It advises beds 3 feet wide for adults plus 2 feet for children in wheelchairs. It notes beds about 24 inches tall suit wheelchair users. NC State Extension notes heights of 2 to 3 feet suit gardening while seated.
How long should a raised bed be?
University of Georgia Extension notes bed length is not as critical as width, but very long beds make you walk far around them. It advises sizing beds to lumber lengths of 8, 10 or 12 feet to cut waste. Plan the length around your space plus how often you need to cross the garden.
