Saturated soils get a dose of lime every spring via percolation. In a raised bed, gravity reduces percolation to a trickle from capillary action. Soil acidity can be maintained in the 5.8 to 6.8 pH range that vegetables prefer. Ease of Working The gardener shares some benefits from raised beds as well. The first, and most important, is the increased ease of timely planting and harvesting.
Most people avoid working traditional gardens in rainy weather to avoid compaction and muddy feet.
Because raised beds are designed for walking around, not in, there is no reason for mud to delay operation. Spaces between beds may be left in sod, mulched or even paved with stone or brick. Ease of Pest Control Pest control becomes less difficult in raised beds. If burrowing rodents are abundant, the bottom of the bed can be lined with poultry wire or hardware cloth. Rabbits and groundhogs can be discouraged by placing their favorite foods in a framed bed with a low fence.