Question: I am putting in raised beds this year for vegetables, flowers, and herbs. How deep should the raised beds be?

Answer: Annual plants typically have root systems that reach about 12 to 18 inches deep. If your raised beds will be shallower than that, it's a good idea to till, or at least loosen, the soil underneath the raised bed to a depth of one foot. This encourages plants to form deep roots and helps provide good drainage.