Standing-height beds for back pain and mobility (30-36 inches)

For gardeners with back pain, knee problems, or limited mobility who do not use wheelchairs, standing-height beds of 30-36 inches eliminate bending and kneeling entirely. At 36 inches, most adults can work the bed while standing upright. These beds require substantial structural support since they hold significant soil weight (a 4x4x3-foot bed holds approximately 48 cubic feet of soil weighing around 2,000-2,500 lbs when wet). Use corner posts anchored in the ground or sturdy leg assemblies rated for the weight. To reduce soil volume and cost, use the hugelkultur method for the bottom half (logs, branches, leaves) with 12-18 inches of quality soil mix on top. Alternatively, build a false bottom using hardware cloth supported on cross-braces, which reduces soil depth to only the top portion. The 10-inch maximum soil depth from the false bottom approach limits you to shallow and medium-rooted crops. Commercial options include Gardener's Supply Company elevated cedar beds and Vego Garden tall metal beds.