A height of 18 to 24 inches works best. Beds should be no wider than 5 feet if they are accessible from all sides, or 2 feet if used only from one side. Both width and height should be adjusted to what feels comfortable for the individual gardener. An alternative to raised beds is the use of containers. There are a number of commercially produced plant containers available, but wooden boxes, barrels and even old bathtubs work equally well.
Containers work well for small backyards or apartment patios.
Again, the container should be at a comfortable width and height for working. To get the most out of your container garden keep the following in mind. All raised planters and container gardens will need more watering than a standard garden. A water source should be nearby. A short hose with a watering wand is easy to maneuver or use soaker hoses or drip irrigation in your containers.