what to put on ground between raised beds

What to Place Between Raised Beds: Expert Tips

By Thomas JohnsonJanuary 29, 2026

When it comes to creating an efficient and visually appealing garden layout, raised beds are a popular choice. They offer numerous benefits, including improved drainage, easier maintenance, and better soil control. However, one question often arises: what should you put on the ground between raised beds?

Filling the space between your raised beds isn't just about aesthetics; it's also about functionality and long-term garden health. Here, we'll explore various options, their benefits, and how to implement them for a well-rounded, SEO-optimized guide on this topic.

Ground Cover Options

Ground covers are plants that form a low-growing mat, helping to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and improve soil health. They are an excellent choice for filling the space between raised beds.

5 Pretty Landscaping Ideas for Your Raised Beds

What to put at the bottom of a DIY raised bed | Raised Bed Garden Layout – DIY Gardening Ideas

Here are two popular ground cover options to consider:

Grasses

Grasses like creeping bentgrass, zoysia, or fescue can create a lush, green lawn-like effect between your raised beds. They require minimal maintenance, spread quickly, and can tolerate light foot traffic.

Best Ideas for Gardening on Uneven Ground (Use Raised Beds!)

Raised Garden Bed Layout Mistakes to Avoid

What to Put Between Your Raised Garden Beds - Create With Jennifer

To install grass between your raised beds, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and tilling it to a depth of 4-6 inches. Spread grass seeds evenly, rake them into the soil, and keep the area consistently moist until the grass establishes.

Clover

Clover is another excellent ground cover option. It's drought-tolerant, fixes nitrogen in the soil, and attracts beneficial insects. White Dutch clover and red clover are popular choices for garden settings.

Sow clover seeds in early spring or late summer, ensuring the soil is well-prepared and moist. Keep the area consistently watered until the clover establishes, and watch as it creates a beautiful, low-maintenance living mulch between your raised beds.

Raised Garden Bed vs. In Ground Garden | The Beginner's Garden

18 Brilliant Gravel-Lined Raised Beds Ideas for a Healthy Garden

Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Beds: How to Choose What's Best for You

The Best Materials for the Bottom of Your Raised Bed

What To Put On The Bottom Of Raised Bed With Legs?

The Raised Bed Detail Most Gardeners Get Wrong

Mulch Options

Mulching is another effective way to fill the space between raised beds. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Here are two popular mulch options:

Wood Chips

Wood chips made from untreated wood are an attractive and eco-friendly mulch option. They break down over time, adding organic matter to the soil and improving its structure.

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of wood chips between your raised beds, ensuring they don't touch the base of the beds to prevent rot. Keep the wood chips consistently moist to encourage decomposition and maintain their effectiveness.

Here’s The Dirt: Hugelkultur In Raised Garden Beds

Raised Bed Filling Guide Using Layering and Hugelkultur

Don't Make these Backyard Raised Garden Mistakes

How to Fill a Deep Raised Garden Bed Without Using Only Soil

No Dig Flower bed in 6 Steps - The Thrifted Planter

Raised Bed vs. In-Ground Gardens: Pros and Cons

Correctly Fill Your Raised Garden Bed with Hugelkultur

What do I Put on the Bottom of Raised Beds?

there are many pieces of wood that have been placed on the ground with words above them

Raised Beds Vs. In-Ground Gardens: Which Works Best?

Easiest & Most Effective DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans

Straw or Hay

Straw or hay makes an excellent, temporary mulch option. It's inexpensive, widely available, and breaks down quickly, adding organic matter to the soil.

Spread a 3-4 inch layer of straw or hay between your raised beds, ensuring it's evenly distributed and doesn't touch the base of the beds. Keep the mulch consistently moist to encourage decomposition and maintain its weed-suppressing properties.

Incorporating these options between your raised beds not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also promotes long-term soil health and reduces maintenance. So, go ahead and choose the option that best suits your garden's needs and aesthetics. Happy gardening!