Growing your own vegetables in raised beds is one of the most rewarding ways to create a productive summer garden. Raised beds offer perfect drainage, better soil control, and easier maintenance than traditional garden plots. Here are the top 10 vegetables that will thrive in your raised bed garden this summer.
1. Tomatoes
The quintessential summer vegetable, tomatoes are perfect for raised beds. They love the well-draining soil and consistent moisture that raised beds provide. Plant determinate varieties for compact growth, or install trellises for indeterminate types. Choose from cherry tomatoes for continuous harvesting or beefsteak varieties for impressive slicing tomatoes.
Growing tips:
- Plant deeply, burying 2/3 of the stem
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Add calcium to prevent blossom end rot
- Provide sturdy support from the beginning
2. Bell Peppers
These colorful vegetables thrive in the warm soil of raised beds. Bell peppers start green and, if left on the plant, will ripen to red, yellow, or orange, becoming sweeter in the process. Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for raised bed cultivation.
Growing tips:
- Plant 12-18 inches apart
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Support larger plants with stakes
- Pick regularly to encourage more production
3. Cucumbers
Perfect for vertical growing in raised beds, cucumbers can produce an abundant harvest in a small space. Train them up trellises to maximize space and keep fruits clean and straight.
Growing tips:
- Install trellises before planting
- Space plants 12 inches apart
- Regular harvesting encourages production
- Keep soil consistently moist
4. Bush Beans
Quick-growing and productive, bush beans are ideal for raised beds. They don’t require staking and produce abundantly in compact spaces. Choose from green, yellow, or purple varieties for a colorful harvest.
Growing tips:
- Plant seeds 4-6 inches apart
- Succession plant every 2-3 weeks
- Harvest frequently
- No staking required
5. Zucchini
One of the most productive summer vegetables, zucchini plants can produce an abundance of fruits from just a few plants. Their large leaves help shade the soil and reduce watering needs.
Growing tips:
- Allow 2-3 feet per plant
- Watch for pollination issues
- Harvest when fruits are 6-8 inches long
- Plant marigolds nearby to deter pests
6. Eggplant
These beautiful vegetables love the warm soil of raised beds. Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for smaller spaces, and they produce throughout the summer.
Growing tips:
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Support heavy fruits with stakes
- Regular feeding promotes production
- Harvest when skin is glossy
7. Okra
A heat-loving vegetable that thrives in raised beds, okra produces beautiful flowers and tender pods throughout the summer. Its vertical growth habit makes it space-efficient.
Growing tips:
- Plant in full sun
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Harvest pods when 2-4 inches long
- Regular picking encourages production
8. Swiss Chard
This leafy green can withstand summer heat better than most greens and provides continuous harvesting throughout the season. Its colorful stems add ornamental value to your garden.
Growing tips:
- Space plants 12 inches apart
- Harvest outer leaves regularly
- Will produce all season
- Excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting
9. Bush Summer Squash
Similar to zucchini but with different fruit shapes and colors, bush summer squash is compact and highly productive in raised beds.
Growing tips:
- Allow 2-3 feet per plant
- Regular harvesting essential
- Keep soil evenly moist
- Watch for powdery mildew
10. Hot Peppers
From jalapenos to habaneros, hot peppers love the excellent drainage and warm soil of raised beds. Their compact size makes them perfect for small spaces.
Growing tips:
- Space 12-18 inches apart
- Less water means hotter peppers
- Support may be needed for heavy fruit set
- Great companion plant for tomatoes
Maintenance Tips for Success
To get the most from your raised bed summer garden:
- Water deeply and consistently, preferably in the morning
- Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture
- Feed plants regularly with organic fertilizer
- Monitor for pests and diseases early
- Harvest regularly to encourage continued production
Remember that raised beds typically need more frequent watering than in-ground gardens, but the superior drainage and soil quality make them ideal for growing these summer vegetables. With proper care, these ten vegetables will provide you with a bountiful harvest throughout the summer months.
