Raised planter boxes are a fantastic way to bring life and color to any outdoor space, whether it’s a small balcony, patio, or garden corner.
Choosing the right plants can transform these boxes into vibrant focal points that brighten up the area and create a welcoming atmosphere.
In this guide, you’ll find 18 must-have plants perfect for raised planter boxes, along with simple tips to keep them healthy and thriving all season long.
1. Marigolds
Nothing says summer like the bright, cheerful faces of marigolds dotting your planter box. These hardy annuals repel many garden pests naturally, making them both beautiful and functional additions.
Water marigolds at the base rather than overhead to prevent powdery mildew. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, requiring minimal care once established. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.
2. Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet and prolific, cherry tomatoes are perfect for raised beds where you can control soil quality. The compact varieties don’t take up much space but reward you with months of tasty harvests.
Give them at least six hours of sunlight daily for best results. Regular watering is essential, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Support plants with cages or stakes early on, and fertilize every two weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
3. Lavender
The soothing scent and purple spikes of lavender bring calm to any garden space. This Mediterranean herb loves the excellent drainage that raised beds provide, making it an ideal match.
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering—lavender prefers to dry out between waterings. Prune back by about one-third in early spring to maintain its shape and promote new growth. The dried flowers can be harvested for sachets and potpourri.
4. Salad Greens
Fresh salad greens are among the easiest and most rewarding crops for raised beds. A mix of lettuce, arugula, and spinach provides endless salad options right outside your door.
Sow seeds directly in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. Harvest outer leaves as needed while leaving the center intact for continuous production. Most greens prefer partial shade during hot summer months and consistent moisture to prevent bitter taste.
5. Zinnias
For non-stop color from summer until frost, zinnias are unbeatable performers in raised beds. Their vibrant blooms come in every color except blue and attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Direct sow seeds after all danger of frost has passed. These sun-lovers need regular watering but hate wet feet, making raised beds ideal. Cut flowers frequently for indoor arrangements, which encourages more blooms and prevents self-seeding.
6. Basil
Aromatic and versatile, basil thrives in the warm, well-drained conditions of raised planter boxes. Its bright green leaves add both culinary value and visual interest to your garden.
Plant after all danger of frost has passed in rich, moist soil. Pinch off flower buds as they appear to encourage bushier growth and prevent bitter leaves. Regular harvesting—taking a few leaves from each plant—stimulates new growth and provides fresh herbs for your kitchen.
7. Bush Beans
Compact and productive, bush beans are perfectly suited for raised bed gardening. Unlike pole varieties, they don’t require trellising, making them low-maintenance options for beginning gardeners.
Sow seeds directly after the last frost when soil has warmed. They prefer consistent moisture but not soggy conditions. Harvest beans when they’re young and tender—about the thickness of a pencil—for best flavor and to encourage continuous production throughout the season.
8. Nasturtiums
With their round leaves and bright, spicy-sweet edible flowers, nasturtiums add both beauty and function to raised beds. Their trailing habit softens the edges of planter boxes while attracting beneficial insects.
These easy-growing annuals prefer poorer soil—too much fertilizer produces lush foliage but fewer blooms. Direct sow seeds after frost danger passes, and provide moderate water. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery flavor perfect for salads.
9. Bell Peppers
The glossy fruits of bell peppers add jewel-like color to raised beds while thriving in the controlled environment they provide. Compact varieties work especially well in limited spaces.
Plant seedlings after soil has thoroughly warmed in spring. Provide consistent moisture and feed with a balanced organic fertilizer every few weeks. Most peppers start green and ripen to red, yellow, or orange if left on the plant longer.
10. Strawberries
Sweet and productive, strawberries are perfectly suited for raised beds where they can spread without taking over. Their shallow root systems appreciate the excellent drainage and soil quality.
Plant in early spring, positioning crowns at soil level—not too deep or shallow. Mulch around plants to prevent soil splash on fruits and conserve moisture. Remove runners to focus energy on fruit production unless you’re trying to fill in the bed.
11. Snapdragons
The whimsical spires of snapdragons bring vertical interest and long-lasting color to raised beds. Children love to gently squeeze the sides to make the “dragon” open its mouth.
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or purchase seedlings. They prefer cooler weather and will bloom longest in spring and fall in most regions. Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
12. Radishes
Quick-growing radishes provide nearly instant gratification in raised beds, ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks. Their crisp texture and peppery flavor make them garden favorites.
Sow seeds directly, planting successive batches every two weeks for continuous harvest. They prefer cool weather, making them perfect for early spring and fall planting. Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart to allow proper root development.
13. Petunias
Cascading over the edges of raised beds, petunias provide months of colorful blooms with minimal care. Modern varieties are more weather-resistant and self-cleaning than older types.
Plant after all danger of frost has passed in full sun locations. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid wetting the foliage. A monthly application of balanced fertilizer keeps blooms coming all season long.
14. Carrots
The deep, loose soil of raised beds is perfect for growing straight, sweet carrots without the rocks and clay that cause forking. Rainbow varieties add extra visual interest when harvested.
Sow seeds directly and thin to 2-3 inches apart once seedlings emerge. Keep soil consistently moist until germination, which can take up to two weeks. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and prevent green shoulders caused by sun exposure.
15. Pansies
With their cheerful “faces,” pansies bring personality and color to raised beds in cooler seasons when other flowers struggle. Their compact size makes them perfect for edges and corners.
Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. They prefer rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding throughout your garden.
16. Chives
Perennial and productive, chives return year after year with minimal care while providing both edible stems and pretty purple blooms. Their shallow roots make them ideal for raised beds.
Plant in full sun to part shade in rich, well-draining soil. Harvest by cutting stems an inch above soil level, which encourages new growth. Allow some flowers to bloom for pollinators, but remove others before they set seed to prevent spreading.
17. Swiss Chard
Both ornamental and delicious, Swiss chard’s colorful stems and crinkled leaves add visual interest while providing nutritious greens. ‘Bright Lights’ variety offers stems in red, pink, orange, and yellow.
Direct sow seeds in early spring or fall for best results. Harvest outer leaves regularly while leaving the center intact for continuous production. Plants can withstand light frost, extending your harvest season in both spring and fall.
18. Alyssum
Delicate and sweetly fragrant, alyssum creates a frothy carpet of tiny flowers that softens the edges of raised beds. Its honey scent attracts beneficial insects that help control garden pests.
Sow seeds directly after last frost or purchase seedlings. This low-maintenance annual tolerates light foot traffic and reseeds readily in favorable conditions. Trim back leggy growth in midsummer for a fresh flush of blooms that will continue until frost.