The widths of beds are 3 to 5 feet. You must be able to reach all areas within the beds. Sometimes, the bed has only a path on the side, allowing use of a fence or trellis on the other side for climbing and vining plants. Length of beds varies. Width of the path is 1 foot at a minimum and usually 2-3 feet because of the use of wheelbarrows and other garden tools.
Paths can be grass or other materials.
Grass will need mowing. A gravel or bark-mulched path will not need mowing but may need some weeding. Material commonly used to hold growing medium and form these permanent beds are 2 x 10 or 2 x 12 inch boards. One-inch boards can be used, as well as landscape timbers, concrete blocks, stones, bricks, or even aged railroad ties. Old ties are useable, but new ties may cause some creosote damage to plants.