Hiya sorie

Touches my heart. Before I was lucky enough to have had cervical surgery, I was looking into having my hub build various types of raised beds. I was mobile, albeit slowly and awkwardly, but kept in mind that a wheel chair might become necessary.

For my own disabilities, this type of planter was most suitable in the main garden area. Keep in mind I never had a problem scooting around on the ground or crawling on all fours. Crude, but I never cared. It made me feel better just being near the earth!

I needed in ground planters because I wanted to plant deep-rooted plants like tomatoes.

That ledge! I was going to have my husband build the ledge with support so I could SIT on the ledge while gardening. Plus, my garden is on a slope much like this one.

We were going to by-pass organic qualification and treat or paint the wood so it wouldn't rot too quickly, too.

We tried this out, briefly, with railroad ties and it worked really well.

As for other types of raised beds, ones where I could stand and tend, I considered the corrugated metal and I think they're too hot. Any and all raised beds remain dry without constant attention, as you know. Thus, whatever you end up building must be perfectly adequate or it will get neglected. If its too hard, it's just too hard. I completely understand. If you're straining your noodle for this, it's understandable.

I have had personal experience with a chest-high raised bed. It's ugly, but my husband built one and I LOVE IT. As you can imagine it gets the most care. It's depth reaches about 8". Surprisingly, with good dirt a lot of things will grow in it with sufficient spacing. I've grown peppers and even persistent some wild deep-rooted perennials. The roots would stretch horizontally instead of going down. It dries out FAST. I wish I had constructed an easier watering system. AT the time it was difficult for me to lug the water hose around, but I did or I had him help when it came time to water.

Filling raised beds is a problem for me. I cannot buy dirt. It must be moved and amended in the bed, but once that happened it was glorious. So, I can vouch for chest-high planters. It's just so much easier when I need not lean over and to have the edge of the bed as a physical aid. I can lean on the bed and take the weight off my feet and back. Make certain the inside bottom is higher so it isn't necessary to fill it all the way and that bottom is constructed to be as waterproof as necessary.

This planter of mine is located on the Southern corner nearby the front door. I can easily forget everything else! This photo is before it was in use. It's ugly, but you can see where the bed is conveniently chest high. We repurposed wood. I regret not treating the wood. It needs repair, now.


bon

Another option Keyhole garden

I have a bunch of saved links...rammed earth

Maybe not tall enough. I would have this already if I could find the terracotta pipe! Terracotta

Thanks ladies I like your ideas.

Bon I like you home made one. Looks perfect!!