Seattle Kitchen Garden Design with Raised Beds and Arbor
Designing a kitchen garden in Seattle means embracing the region’s temperate climate while maximizing beauty and productivity. Seattle’s grocery prices have been climbing higher than ever, and it’s impossible not to feel the squeeze. Whether you’re shopping at PCC, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, QFC, or Safeway, everything from organic produce to basic pantry staples is getting pricier by the day. A simple trip for fresh greens, eggs, and a loaf of bread can easily add up to more than expected.
That’s why having a kitchen garden isn’t just a luxury—it’s an absolute game-changer. Imagine walking outside to snip fresh lettuce, pluck a juicy tomato, or grab a handful of fragrant basil without spending a dime at the store. Not only does this save money, but it also creates abundance. When you grow your own food, you don’t just feed yourself—you can share with your neighbors, family, and friends.
In a city like Seattle, where food insecurity and high costs go hand in hand, a thriving raised-bed kitchen garden is a revolution. Whether you’re harvesting crisp kale in February, sun-warmed zucchini in July, or winter carrots that taste sweeter after a frost, this garden pays you back season after season.
If grocery prices have you frustrated, this is your opportunity to take control. Grow more than you need, swap with friends, or leave extra herbs and veggies out for your neighbors. Your garden isn’t just for you—it’s a gift to your whole community. 🌱💚
In the Gardenary style, they create a raised bed kitchen garden with an arbor for vertical growing, ensuring year-round harvests. The design includes elevated garden beds, trellises, and pathways for a structured yet inviting feel.
How many salads could you make with this garden?
🌱 The Seattle Kitchen Garden Plan
🛠️ Materials & Tools Needed
Here’s everything you need to build a stunning and functional kitchen garden:
Raised Garden Beds
4'x8' Cedar Raised Garden Bed – Natural, rot-resistant cedar
Metal Raised Bed – Modern and sleek with rust resistance
Arbor & Trellises for Climbing Plants
Garden Arbor with Trellis – Metal for durability, ideal for climbing veggies
Expandable Willow Trellis – Adjustable and easy to use
Pathway & Borders
Pea Gravel for Paths – Keeps the area clean and weed-free
Steel Garden Edging – Defines the garden space beautifully I’m going to be doing this all over my yard this spring! Maybe even now!
Essential Gardening Tools
Hori Hori Knife – Perfect for digging and harvesting
Pruning Shears – Sharp, ergonomic, and rust-resistant - My tried and true Japanese sheers, never rust— and that’s coming from someone who finds them left outside (by me) all the time.
Dutch Garden Hoe – Essential for cultivating soil and the number one most important gardening tool ever ever ever ever ever.
Raised Bed Soil Mix – Organic mix for vegetables - if you have to buy it, get this one. But with some time and effort you can make DESIGNER soil for free.
Compost Bin – Turns kitchen scraps into rich soil. This is fine but I show you how to make one for free on my soil/mulch/compost post here.
Sunset by an incredible ‘Kitchen Garden’
📅 Planting Guide: What to Grow & When in Seattle
Early Spring (March – April)
Start these in early spring, as they thrive in cool temperatures.
🌿 Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Kale, Spinach)
🥦 Brassicas (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage)
🌱 Root Veggies (Carrots, Beets, Radishes)
🧄 Garlic & Onions (Plant in fall for summer harvest)
Late Spring (May – June)
As the weather warms, plant heat-loving crops.
🍅 Tomatoes – Start indoors in March, transplant in May
🫑 Peppers – Prefers warm soil, plant in late May
🍆 Eggplants – Needs consistent warmth
🌿 Herbs – Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Thyme
Summer (July – August)
Succession plant and keep up with harvesting.
🌽 Corn – Best planted in June, harvested late summer
🥒 Cucumbers & Zucchini – Fast-growing summer staples
🍈 Melons & Pumpkins – Need full sun and long growing season
Fall (September – October)
Start cool-weather crops again for a second harvest.
🥬 Kale & Spinach – Thrives in cool weather
🥕 Carrots & Beets – Can overwinter in beds
🌿 Cilantro & Parsley – Prefers mild temperatures
Winter (November – February)
Time for cover crops & mulching to protect soil.
🌾 Clover & Rye – Keeps soil healthy
🍂 Mulch with Leaves & Straw – Insulates the garden
Exploring the delightful vegetable varieties developed by Washington State University (WSU) and Oregon State University (OSU) is like embarking on a journey through a garden of innovation and flavor. Here are some standout creations from these esteemed institutions:
Washington State University (WSU):
Dry Beans: WSU has been involved in developing niche market dry beans, focusing on varieties that thrive in the Pacific Northwest's unique climate.
Oregon State University (OSU):
'Indigo Rose' Tomato: This captivating tomato boasts a deep purple hue, attributed to its high anthocyanin content—the same beneficial antioxidant found in blueberries. Developed by Dr. Jim Myers, 'Indigo Rose' offers both visual appeal and health benefits.
'Legend' Tomato: Tailored for the Pacific Northwest's cooler climate, 'Legend' is an early-maturing tomato that produces large, flavorful fruits. Notably, it exhibits resistance to late blight, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in challenging conditions.
Green Beans: OSU's vegetable breeding program has developed green bean varieties with improved disease resistance and suitability for the region's climate.
Broccoli: In collaboration with organic farmers, OSU has worked on developing open-pollinated broccoli populations selected for enhanced sprouting characteristics, catering to organic production systems.
These varieties exemplify the dedication of WSU and OSU to advancing agricultural practices and providing gardeners with plants that are both resilient and rewarding to grow.
For more detailed information on these varieties and related research, you can explore the following resources:
WSU Vegetable Research and Extension:
OSU Vegetable Breeding Program:
These resources offer comprehensive insights into the breeding objectives, characteristics, and performance of the vegetable varieties developed by WSU and OSU.
