Planting depths step from 7 inches at the front tier to 14 and then 21 inches at the back, so shallow lettuce, mid-depth herbs, and deeper root crops each get the soil column they need inside one 44 by 45 inch bed. Every tier runs the full 45-inch width and adds 7 inches of soil above the level below it. A lattice trellis rises to a total height of 56 inches behind the top tier, ready for climbing beans or a small hanging basket. The base is left open so roots continue into the ground and rain drains through instead of collecting. Fir boards are supplied unpainted and can be finished to match a fence. The assembled bed weighs 29 pounds and arrives flat with a user manual.