Small space solutions: 2x4 and 3x6-foot beds

For patios, balconies, small yards, and urban spaces, compact raised beds of 2x4 feet or 3x6 feet provide meaningful growing area in tight footprints. A 2x4-foot bed holds 8 square feet, enough for 4 pepper plants, a mix of herbs, or 16 squares of salad greens using square foot gardening spacing. A 3x6-foot bed provides 18 square feet, adequate for a diverse small vegetable garden. At 3 feet wide, every part is reachable from one side, making these ideal for placement against walls or fences. For balconies, use lightweight soil mixes (heavy on perlite and coir, lighter on topsoil) and ensure the structure can support the weight (estimate 100-120 lbs per cubic foot of wet soil). Small beds work well as 'salad tables' or herb gardens, producing daily harvests of high-value crops. Elevated small beds on legs are perfect for apartment balconies, requiring no ground space. Multiple small beds can be arranged creatively to fit irregular spaces.