A 17 inch raised garden bed is one of the most practical heights for home vegetable gardening. It is deep enough for many common crops, easier to fill than a very tall bed, and still gives better drainage and soil control than planting directly in the ground.
If you are looking at the 17 inch Tefora Garden metal raised bed, the big question is simple: what can you actually grow in it?
Short answer
You can grow most everyday vegetables in a 17 inch raised bed, including lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs, strawberries, beans, peas, peppers, onions, garlic, carrots, radishes, beets, cucumbers, and many tomato varieties with support.
The key is matching the crop to the root depth, spacing, and support it needs.
Leafy greens grow very well
Leafy greens are some of the easiest crops for a 17 inch bed. Their roots are usually not very deep, and they appreciate loose, rich soil.
Good choices include:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Arugula
- Bok choy
In Canada and other cooler climates, leafy greens are especially useful because they can be planted early in spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
Herbs are a great match
Most common herbs grow comfortably in a 17 inch raised bed. Basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme, oregano, dill, chives, and mint all work well.
One note: mint spreads aggressively. If you want to grow mint in a raised bed, keep it in a separate container or give it a dedicated corner where it cannot take over smaller herbs.
Root vegetables can work, with the right varieties
A 17 inch bed can grow many root vegetables, especially if the soil is loose and free of rocks.
Good options include:
- Radishes
- Beets
- Green onions
- Garlic
- Short and medium carrots
- Round carrots
- Baby turnips
For long storage carrots, very large parsnips, or deep potato harvests, a taller bed can give more room. But for everyday kitchen gardening, 17 inches is enough for many root crops.
Peppers, beans, peas, and cucumbers
Peppers grow well in a 17 inch raised bed because they like warm, well-drained soil. Beans and peas also do well, especially when you give them stakes or a trellis.
Cucumbers can grow in this height too, but they need space. Growing them vertically on a trellis keeps the bed tidier and leaves more room for herbs or greens underneath.
Can you grow tomatoes in a 17 inch bed?
Yes, many gardeners grow tomatoes successfully in 17 inch raised beds. The most important part is support. Tomatoes become heavy as they grow, so use cages, stakes, or a strong trellis.
Compact determinate tomatoes are the easiest choice. Indeterminate tomatoes can also grow, but they need pruning, strong support, and consistent watering.
What may be better in a 24 inch bed?
A 17 inch bed is versatile, but some situations make a 24 inch raised garden bed more comfortable:
- You want less bending while planting and harvesting.
- You plan to grow deeper-rooted crops more often.
- Your native ground is compacted, rocky, or difficult for roots to enter.
- You want more soil volume to hold moisture during hot weeks.
- You prefer a taller visual edge in the garden.
How much soil depth do vegetables really use?
Many vegetable roots spread through the top 6 to 12 inches of soil, especially when the soil is rich and watered consistently. That is why a 17 inch bed can support such a wide range of crops.
The extra space below the main root zone still matters. It gives water somewhere to move, helps organic material break down, and gives larger plants a buffer during dry weather.
Best use cases for a 17 inch raised bed
A 17 inch bed is a strong choice if you are starting your first vegetable garden, want a manageable soil cost, or plan to grow a mix of greens, herbs, roots, and summer vegetables.
It is also a good fit for modular gardens. You can start with one bed, learn what grows best in your space, then add more beds or accessories later.
Final thoughts
A 17 inch raised garden bed is not just a beginner option. For many home gardeners, it is the practical sweet spot: deep enough for most crops, easier to fill than a taller bed, and simple to maintain through the season.
If your main goals are vegetables, herbs, and everyday backyard gardening, a 17 inch bed can do a lot.
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