In this case study we will be looking at 2 raised bag beds models of the sizes 6m x 1.2m and 3m x 1.2m respectively and their potential cost factor for the period 2024-2025. These models can easily fit in a small garden backyard and offer a great option for the homeowner to grow their own veggies and herbs. While the raised bed bag itself is relatively affordable, the significant costs come from sourcing and transporting the filling materials, as well as the labor involved. These factors add up and can make the project less feasible for low-income households. I wish more families could access such setups, as they could greatly benefit from eating more healthy and the potential side income generated by selling surplus vegetables. Sponsorships or community support could help make this more accessible, and it’s worth noting that there are other, lower-cost garden setups that may be more achievable. This highlights the financial barriers many Mauritians face in starting a garden, though raised bag beds are just one of several effective options for growing food.

In this case study I will not be covering other raised bed models. You can look up “Hugelkultur raised beds” and “Buttes” for lower cost alternatives which I used to setup in the past. It is also common in Mauritius to split blue plastic drums in half and plant in these, a low cost alternative appreciated by many. Though the surface area covered is too little for producing vegetable surplus. Of course to plant directly in the ground is also an option, though as often is the case, the ground soil of a backyard garden might not be good topsoil. It can be enriched, however a raised bed offers numerous advantages and better yield. More on that later. I switched to the raised bag beds models which I prefer. I do also make other builds like with bricks, rocks and dried coconuts which is also a cheaper cost alternative and can fit in spaces with differing dimensions where a raised bag bed wouldn’t fit. I have several narrow raised beds that I have surrounded with dried coconuts whose soil I have enriched with manure, compost and wood chips. I do also get a good yield from this setup:

it’s location is in the shade of a mango tree. In this article, I’ll focus primarily on the raised bag bed model I’ve worked with extensively, diving into the details based on my experience. With it’s precise dimensions, it is also very practical for making plans and calculations for volume of materials needed for example.

This case study will also be valuable for experienced gardeners, though the cost factors I’ll present are specifically calculated for those without existing access to raw materials or the ability to build the setup themselves. Experienced gardeners and small-scale farmers often already have some of the required materials on hand and can manage the setup independently, reducing overall costs. However, this analysis is primarily aimed at small garden homeowners who don’t have bulk access to materials like soil, manure, compost, and wood chips, lack the storage space for larger deliveries, or may not be physically able to manage the labor-intensive setup on their own.

In this case study I’ll cover which ratios of filling materials to use, my own experiences (I’ve setup 14 of these and will be setting up some more), and suggestions how this setup can also generate some side income. The reason of motivation to setup such a raised bag bed in your backyard should primarily be to aim for eating healthy pesticide free veggies! Your health is going to thank you and it is priceless! The surplus will offer you possibilities to enjoy the fun of sharing and selling. Your network will enjoy getting access to organic veggies.

The Raise Bag Bed

I use the raised bag beds sold by UDC. These come in sizes of length 6m x width 1.2m x height 30cm and the other smaller version is 3m long, same width and height.

You’ll need to hammer metal bars or bamboo sticks into the ground to provide sturdy support for the raised bed bag. This was my first concern when I was starting to have an interest in raised bag beds as I hadn’t used a grinder to cut steel before. Because of this necessity I got myself a grinder and protective gear and learnt how to cut steel which isn’t that difficult. It has also proven to be a useful skill for other projects. For a backyard garden project, a handyman who has a grinder could cut you these.

I cut the metal bars in 53cm length and then coat them with a primer.
The 6m raised bag bed needs 28 metal bars (the 53cm ones) and the 3m raised bag bed needs 16 metal bars.

Filling Materials

This is a recommended and optimised ratio of filling materials to consider for your raised bag bed. In my photo story that will follow where I showcase how I make my setups, I have used a different ratio and a few different materials. The ratio mentioned here is a bit more precise than my own. Am still learning as you can see. 🙂

THE 6m x 1.2m x 30cm Raised bag bed

BUDGET estimate up to Rs.40 000

Costing

Ratios of layers to fill the raised bag which has a total volume of 2160L

Layer 1 (Soil): 1/3 of bed height (~0.72 cubic meters = 720 litres)

Layer 2 (Dried Leaves): 1/6 of bed height (~0.4 cubic meters = 400 litres)

Layer 3 (Additional Soil): 1/8 of bed height (~0.27 cubic meters = 270 litres)

Layer 4 (Manure and Compost): 1/8 of bed height (~0.27 cubic meters)
Suggested Mix for Layer 4 (0.27 Cubic Meters Total Volume = 270 litres)
To create a balanced nutrient mix, aim for the following approximate proportions:

Cow Manure: 1/3 of Layer 4 volume (~0.09 cubic meters or 90 litres)
Horse Manure: 1/3 of Layer 4 volume (~0.09 cubic meters or 90 litres)
Compost: 1/3 of Layer 4 volume (~0.09 cubic meters or 90 litres)

This provides an even mix, ensuring that no single component dominates, which helps avoid nutrient imbalances and maximizes soil health.

Layer 5 (Wood Chips): 1/6 of bed height (~0.4 cubic meters = 400 litres)

THE 3m x 1.2m x 30cm Raised bag bed

BUDGET estimate up to Rs.25 000

Costing

Ratios of layers to fill the raised bag which has a total volume of 1080L
(Basically half of the 6m raised bag bed)

Layer 1 (Soil): 1/3 of bed height (~0.36 cubic meters = 360 litres)

Layer 2 (Dried Leaves): 1/6 of bed height (~0.2 cubic meters = 200 litres)

Layer 3 (Additional Soil): 1/8 of bed height (~0.135 cubic meters = 135 litres)

Layer 4 (Manure and Compost): 1/8 of bed height (~0.135 cubic meters)
Suggested Mix for Layer 4 (0.135 Cubic Meters Total Volume = 135 litres)
To create a balanced nutrient mix, aim for the following approximate proportions:

Cow Manure: 1/3 of Layer 4 volume (~0.045 cubic meters or 45 litres)
Horse Manure: 1/3 of Layer 4 volume (~0.045 cubic meters or 45 litres)
Compost: 1/3 of Layer 4 volume (~0.045 cubic meters or 45 litres)

This provides an even mix, ensuring that no single component dominates, which helps avoid nutrient imbalances and maximizes soil health.

Layer 5 (Wood Chips): 1/6 of bed height (~0.2 cubic meters = 200 litres)

Tips for Mixing and Application

Fully Decomposed Material: Ensure the manures and compost are well-aged to prevent nitrogen burn or ammonia release.

Thorough Mixing: Mix the cow and horse manure thoroughly with the compost before adding it to the bed. This uniform blend helps provide a balanced nutrient distribution. Using these proportions should provide a nutrient-rich and well-balanced layer that enhances soil structure and supports healthy plant growth.

Why these ratios are good

Sufficient soil for root growth and water retention.

Controlled amounts of carbon from the dried leaves and wood chips.

Sufficient nutrient availability from the compost and manure without risking nutrient burn.

Good moisture regulation with thin layers of mulch and wood chips.

This setup should yield excellent results in your raised bed by maximizing plant health, soil life, and overall productivity.

How much yield to expect per harvest ?

THE 6m x 1.2m x 30cm Raised bag bed
In theory: Rs.3500 – Rs.7000
More realistic for a beginner: Rs.1000

THE 3m x 1.2m x 30cm Raised bag bed
In theory: Rs.1750 – Rs.3500
More realistic for a beginner: Rs.500

Breakdown of the calculation

For this estimate, I’ll be using the upper limit in a best-case scenario based on 15 cm spacing. You can approximate this spacing by using your hand as a guide when planting seedlings. Keep in mind that actual yields may be slightly lower than the figures provided, as some plants are likely to be lost to factors like snails. To maintain higher output, consider replacing any lost plants with new seedlings as needed. Some plants might also require a bit more space. However, in my location in Grand Baie, likely due to the climate, most of the vegetables I plant don’t grow very large. In contrast, in areas like the high plateaus, vegetables such as pak choy, lettuce, and petsai often grow to nearly double the size. This difference in growth means that in those environments, a larger spacing between plants would be necessary.

I recommend dedicating part of your raised bed to companion plants and herbs rather than solely growing vegetables. Adding a variety of plants enhances biodiversity and brings multiple benefits to your garden ecosystem. For instance, marigold can deter pests and attract beneficial insects, garlic helps repel harmful insects and fungal diseases, and lavender attracts pollinators while also discouraging pests. Additionally, reserving space for kitchen herbs like thyme, basil, mint, dill, and coriander adds both culinary value and supports the garden. Many herbs naturally repel pests and promote a balanced, healthy environment for your vegetables while providing fresh ingredients for your kitchen.

Let’s estimate that you’ll consume about 56 vegetables yourself. Next, if we dedicate space for herbs by removing another 32 vegetables and account for 32 additional plants lost to factors like snails, you would still be left with approximately 200 vegetables (320 – 56 – 32 – 32 = 200).

While 200 may seem like a high number, a more conservative estimate might be to assume half, leaving you with around 100 marketable vegetables.

If you sell each vegetable for Rs.35, your earnings could look like this:

100 vegetables: Rs.3,500

200 vegetables: Rs.7,000

Realistically, for beginners, you can expect to earn up to around Rs.1,000, as yields and quality improve with experience.

Let’s estimate that you’ll consume about 28 vegetables yourself. Next, if we dedicate space for herbs by removing another 16 vegetables and account for 16 additional plants lost to factors like snails, you would still be left with approximately 100 vegetables (160 – 28 – 16 – 16 = 100).

To be even more conservative, you might assume half of this amount, leaving around 50 marketable vegetables.

If you sell each vegetable for Rs.35, your potential earnings would look like this:

50 vegetables: Rs.1,750

100 vegetables: Rs.3,500

Realistically, as a beginner, you can expect to make around Rs.500 to Rs.1,000, with earnings likely increasing as you gain experience and improve yields.

At the beginning of a project like this, it’s best to keep expectations of high yields on the lower side and focus instead on learning and practicing the methods of growing your own vegetables. Enjoy the process and the value of your own produce, which will greatly benefit your health and bring a sense of personal satisfaction. There’s something truly special about seeing and consuming food you’ve grown yourself on your plate.

How will you sell your veggies?

I sell my vegetables within my network of contacts, as many friends are eager to buy healthy, organic produce. I price my vegetables affordably, making them a good deal for buyers. You can use a similar model by announcing available produce through social media and WhatsApp—it’s fairly straightforward to find interested buyers this way.

Over time, I’ve refined my approach. Now, I primarily focus on growing vegetables for my own consumption and only sell when there’s a significant surplus. In the past, I grew vegetables with the intent to sell first, which sometimes left me with none for myself. Recently, after experiencing some digestive issues and consulting with a nutritionist, I’ve come to value having a personal supply of herbicide- and pesticide-free food. This should also be your main motivation when considering growing your own vegetables, as your health is invaluable.

If you can grow vegetables in two 6m raised bags for example, you’ll likely have more surplus. Alternatively, you can also stagger your harvests by timing when you plant seedlings, creating a steady cycle of produce. This approach ensures a continuous supply for yourself and potential sales.

Remind your buyers to bring their own bags when they come fetch their veggies.

You can also buy bags here:
100% Biodegradable Bags in Mauritius, Approved by the Ministry of Environment
»» https://biomaurice.mu/

How long will it take to break even and become profitable?

By now, if you’ve read through the entire thread, you’ve likely realized that this endeavor isn’t primarily focused on profit-making. However, selling surplus produce can help offset some of the investment costs, even if it doesn’t result in a profit. The figures above serve as a basis for practical calculations.

You may quickly find yourself considering adding more raised beds, if your space allows, to increase yield and potentially generate more revenue—though this will also mean a bit more work. The main focus here remains on empowering households with small backyard gardens to supplement their diet with home-grown, healthy organic food. Beyond the health benefits, there’s the simple joy and satisfaction of harvesting your own produce and enjoying it on your plate.

Assuming you plant year-round with approximately 4 harvests annually, let’s explore potential earnings and the time required to break even.

The 6m x 1.2m x 30cm raised bag bed

Conservative Estimate: If each harvest brings in around Rs.1,000, your yearly earnings would be about Rs.4,000. Given a setup cost of Rs.40,000 for the raised bed, it would take 10 years to break even (Rs.40,000 / Rs.4,000 = 10 years). However, this doesn’t account for additional expenses like purchasing seedlings, bed maintenance, and the fact that the bed materials might only last up to 5 years.

Optimistic Estimate: If each harvest yields around Rs.3,500, then 4 harvests a year would generate Rs.14,000 annually. In this case, you would break even in about 2.85 years (Rs.40,000 / Rs.14,000 ≈ 2.85 years). Considering added costs, the realistic break-even point might be closer to 3.5 years.

The 3m x 1.2m x 30cm raised bag bed

Conservative Estimate: If each harvest brings in around Rs.500, your yearly earnings would be about Rs.2,000. Given a setup cost of Rs.25,000, it would take 12.5 years to break even (Rs.25,000 / Rs.2,000 = 12.5 years). However, this doesn’t account for additional expenses like purchasing seedlings, bed maintenance, and the fact that the bed materials might only last up to 5 years.

Optimistic Estimate: If each harvest yields around Rs.1,750, then 4 harvests a year would generate Rs.7,000 annually. In this case, you would break even in about 3.5 years (Rs.25,000 / Rs.7,000 ≈ 3.5 years). Considering added costs, the realistic break-even point might be closer to 4 years.

It’s important to factor in these potential expenses and limitations, but with careful planning, you can offset some costs by reusing seeds, making compost, you could also consider using a DITO’S Worm Bin setup to produce very fertile vermicompost for your raised beds, and practicing efficient growing techniques. This approach can help make the raised bed setup a valuable investment over time, especially as you enjoy fresh, home-grown vegetables year-round.

These projections highlight that while the smaller raised bed may not yield high profits quickly, selling surplus can still help offset some costs. The main focus, however, remains on providing fresh, organic food for your household.

How much time is required to maintain the raised bed?

Setup

If you plan to set up the bed yourself, expect it to take up to 2 weeks to fill a 6m raised bag bed and about 1 week for a 3m bed, working at a relaxed pace of 3-4 hours per day. The time required will vary based on your fitness level and how many hours per day you can dedicate. With help, such as working with another person, you’ll find the project progresses much faster, especially if you can share tasks.

Planting Seedlings

Replanting seedlings takes about 1 hour, typically done after harvesting. When you pull out mature plants, you’ll replace them with new seedlings. Occasionally, you may need to do a full harvest before replanting to give yourself room to loosen and prepare the soil, which helps new seedlings establish better roots by providing aerated, nutrient-rich ground.

Watering the Plants

Plan for about 10 minutes per day per raised bed, ideally 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening if you’re using watering cans. Regular watering at these times helps maintain soil moisture levels and supports healthy plant growth, especially in warm climates. You can also consider this to be a meditative activity of calmness where you slowly walk around your raised bed and remain aware of the present moment, the sounds around you and appreciate the sight of your raised bed and mother nature’s plants.

Ongoing Maintenance

– Weeding: Even with a raised bed, some weeds will find their way in. Plan to spend 10-15 minutes every 5-10 days pulling weeds, especially early on. Once plants are established, weeding will be less frequent, but occasional checks are necessary.

– Pest Management: Regularly inspecting plants for pests like snails, aphids, or caterpillars is important, particularly in organic setups where you avoid chemical pesticides. Allocate 10-15 minutes every few days for a quick pest check and natural remedies (such as neem oil or hand-picking). I usually check for snails at night regularly. Even on dry dies I still find snails.

– Soil Health and Mulching: Every few months, adding a layer of mulch and compost to replenish nutrients will help keep the soil fertile. This may take about 1 hour each season and is especially valuable after a big harvest.

Harvesting and Storage

– Harvesting: Harvesting is usually quick and enjoyable. For smaller raised beds, plan for about 15-30 minutes per harvest session. Some plants, like lettuce or herbs, may require weekly harvesting, while others are once-per-season.

– Post-Harvest Cleaning and Storage: After harvesting, you may need to rinse and prep vegetables for storage. This can add 10-20 minutes depending on the yield. It’s also useful to plan some time for drying herbs or preserving excess produce if you have a surplus.

Seasonal Tasks

– Planning and Seed Ordering: Before each season, you’ll want to spend a bit of time planning your crop layout, ordering seeds, and deciding on any new varieties. This may take a few hours each season, especially if you rotate crops or adjust the bed based on past performance.

– Soil Amendments and Adjustments: Once a year, it’s helpful to do a more thorough check on soil health, possibly adding amendments like compost, manure, organic fertilizers, or lime. This can take 1-2 hours annually and ensures your raised bed remains productive.

Summary of Total Weekly Time Commitment

For an established raised bed, you can expect a weekly time commitment of 3-5 hours on average, including watering, weeding, pest management, and general upkeep. The bulk of work will be upfront in the initial setup, after which maintenance becomes more manageable with a consistent routine.

By understanding these time commitments, you’ll be better prepared for the full cycle of setup, planting, maintaining, and enjoying a productive raised bed garden.

WHAT IF!? … Amortizing Investment, Break-Even, and Profit: Evaluating Vegetable Pricing Based on Investment, Time, and Effort — What Should the Selling Price of Homegrown Vegetables Be Over 1 to 5 Years?

Your vegetable pricing will be cheaper if you consider a 5 year time horizon which will be more attractive to buyers while you can still apply a proper markup.

The hourly rate is basically a rate you would value your time to be worth at or that of a helper. I have used in this example the minimum wage. Rates could also be higher. The rate here is mainly used to come to a market price that also covers work hours.

For this calculation I will only be considering the The 6m x 1.2m x 30cm raised bag bed.
From the costing table above we know that the whole setup will cost around Rs.38,750

Recurring Annual Costs (Starting Year 2)

Vegetable Output

Annual Yield: 800 vegetables

Base Selling Price Needed for Break-Even over 1 to 5 Years

First Year

• Total Cost (Setup + Annual Costs): Rs.38,750 (initial setup) + Rs.25,865 (annual) = Rs.64,615
• Vegetable Yield: 800
• Required Selling Price per Vegetable: Rs.64,615 / 800 = Rs.80.77

Years 2 to 5 (Recurring Annual Costs Only)

Each following year will only incur the updated recurring annual cost of Rs.25,865.

Selling Price with Markups

With 50% Markup

With 100% Markup

If the project is viewed as a 5-year endeavor, a selling price of Rs.65 to Rs.85 per vegetable would be a reasonable target. Here’s how this range was determined:

• Break-Even Price (5 Years): To simply cover costs over 5 years, the base break-even price is approximately Rs.42 per vegetable.
• With 50% Markup: To allow for a modest profit and buffer for any unforeseen costs, the price rises to around Rs.63 per vegetable.
• With 100% Markup: For a higher profit margin, the price would be about Rs.84 per vegetable.

Thus, a sales price of Rs.65 to Rs.85 aligns well with the goal of sustaining the project for 5 years while ensuring a profit margin suitable for organic produce.

Summary Table for Annual Profits

Where do I get the seeds and seedlings?

You can buy seeds at various locations in Mauritius such as supermarkets and nurseries such as at Labourdonnais

Dabee & Sons

In the north you can buy seedlings at Magasin Narain

There are also cooperatives that sell seeds and supermarkets… Just do a google search:
“Mauritius Buy Seeds”.

Permaculture

Before we look at how I have setup most of my raised begs in this photo story which also serves as an archive for my own documentation. Am gonna leave a comment by Karl that I received prior starting this project which you might consider doing further research on, keyword: Permaculture.

If you’re considering setting up these raised bag beds, I recommend exploring permaculture principles to enhance your garden’s resilience and productivity. By incorporating a variety of plants—including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and beneficial companions—you can create a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. Permaculture can help you optimize natural resources, reduce pests, and improve soil health, making your garden more sustainable. While I won’t be covering permaculture in detail in this project, it’s a valuable approach worth looking into for long-term success.

“If we are talking about Permaculture, it’s important to emphasize that it’s also about a slower and more humble lifestyle. For “young people” to embark there has to be an alternative narrative…” ~Karl Ahnee

@Karl: Yes, that’s a thoughtful point. Permaculture goes beyond gardening techniques; it’s rooted in a mindset that values slower, more mindful living and a humble relationship with the environment. For young people to truly connect with permaculture, it helps to build a narrative that emphasizes the freedom and creativity it offers, rather than solely framing it around self-sufficiency or escape from the modern world.

An alternative narrative could highlight how permaculture empowers individuals to create positive change within their communities, offering a lifestyle that’s resilient, innovative, and purpose-driven. It appeals to values many young people cherish—sustainability, community connection, and environmental stewardship—while giving them tangible skills to create green spaces, support local food systems, and reduce ecological footprints. This approach paints permaculture as a future-forward, enriching choice that’s as much about personal growth and community as it is about land management.

By redefining it as a pathway to a balanced, impactful, and eco-conscious life, permaculture can resonate as a lifestyle that aligns with the needs of both people and the planet.

A few advantages to mention why it’s great to grow your own organic vegetables

1. Healthier and Fresher Produce
Growing your own vegetables ensures that you and your family enjoy pesticide-free, nutrient-rich food. Freshly harvested veggies retain their nutrients and flavor far better than store-bought ones.

2. Better Storage Life
Organic vegetables often last longer in the fridge compared to hydroponically grown produce. This means less waste and more time to enjoy your harvest.

3. Cost Savings
Over time, growing your own vegetables can help reduce grocery bills. The ability to harvest from your backyard means fewer trips to the market and lower spending on produce.

4. Good for Your Health
Home-grown organic veggies are free from harmful chemicals, promoting better health. Plus, gardening itself is a form of physical exercise, which contributes to your overall well-being.

5. Environmental Benefits
Growing vegetables at home reduces reliance on commercial farming, which often uses unsustainable practices. By composting and recycling garden waste, you also minimize your ecological footprint. You can also use a DITO’S Worm Bin setup to make your own vermicompost!

6. Control Over Quality
You decide what goes into your soil and plants—no artificial fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides—resulting in healthier, safer food for your family.

7. Encourages Biodiversity
Planting a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers promotes pollinators and other beneficial insects, contributing to a thriving backyard ecosystem.

8. Joy and Satisfaction
There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing the fruits of your labor on your plate. Gardening can be a deeply rewarding and stress-relieving hobby.

9. Year-Round Availability
With careful planning, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh vegetables from your garden, reducing dependency on external sources.

10. Educational and Family Bonding
Growing vegetables offers a hands-on way to teach children about food, sustainability, and patience. It’s also an excellent family activity that brings everyone together.

My setup