Hi David,
The beds in my kitchen garden are 4′ with 1′ paths in between. The beds in my market garden are 3′ with paths 1.5′ wide. Although 4′ beds allow for more room for growing in the same area I definitely prefer the 3′ beds. They are easy to straddle, so there are more positions for working in. And I find easier on my back working in the middle of the bed. I don’t have to stretch so far.
The same is to be said about the paths. The narrower they are the more room there is for growing veg. But if they are too narrow, one has to be ever so careful not to step onto the beds, that working becomes strenous. Make sure that at least they fit the size of the shoes that you wear when gardening.
