Gardengarden, raised-bed
Raised Bed vs In-Ground Garden Cost in 2026 (Full Comparison)
Raised Bed vs In-Ground Garden: Cost, Yield & ROI Compared (2026) A raised bed garden costs $100-$900 per 4x8 bed in 2026, depending on frame material and soil fill, while an in-ground garden costs near zero to $200 if your native soil is workable. Raised beds produce 2-4x more yield per square foot through intensive spacing and controlled soil, but they require 50-100% more water due to faster drainage. For 100 square feet of growing space, expect $400-$2,500 in first-year raised bed costs versus $50-$300 for in-ground, with ongoing annual costs of $50-$150 and $30-$80, respectively. Last spring I helped a neighbor plan 100 square feet of growing space in USDA Zone 6b. She built three 4x8 cedar raised beds at 12 inches deep, filling each with 32 cubic feet of a 40/40/20 topsoil-compost-vermiculite mix. Total first-year cost: $870 for lumber, hardware, and 4.2 cubic yards of bulk soil blend....
