Raised beds are ideal if the soil in your garden is unsuitable for the things you want to grow or if you need better access to your bedding plants.
In this post, we look at how beginners can master raised bed gardening.
What is a raised bed?
A raised bed is an above-ground structure filled with nutrient-rich soil for growing flowers, plants, and vegetables. Its limited size makes it easier to manage and more accessible for gardeners with difficulty bending and reaching.
You can use a raised bed for many things, but it’s typically used to grow:
- Vegetables
- Soft fruit
- Alpines
- Ericaceous plants (those that prefer acidic soil)
- Cut flowers
One of the biggest advantages of raised-bed gardening is that you can match the soil to the plant, mimicking its natural habitat. Alpine plants, for example, require a slightly acidic mix of sandy or gravelly soil with some organic matter for structure.
What are raised beds made from?
Most raised beds are made from timber. Sleepers are a popular choice, as are recycled pallets and scaffold boards.
Mild or Corten steel raised beds are increasingly popular because they have less ‘creep’ than wooden raised beds. Wood naturally shifts, warps, or moves over time, making steel a more robust and attractive alternative.
Consider also using stone, brick, or recycled paving slabs.
How deep does a raised bed need to be for a garden?
The optimal size and depth of your raised beds depend on the specific plants you plan to grow. Most plants require a depth of 45cm, but some bulbs and fruits only need 30cm of room (check before you start building).
The Royal Horticultural Society suggests making your raised bed less than 1.5 metres wide (5ft) so you can comfortably reach its centre without stretching or twisting your upper body.
Accessible garden design is crucial when planning your raised beds. We recommend you leave enough space between them to fit a wheelchair or about the same width as two people standing side-by-side.
If you’re considering using your raised bed as a seating area (they make a great place to perch), it should be at least 40 – 50cm tall.
Do raised garden beds need special soil?
Gardeners World recommends using a 3:2:7 ratio of organic matter, sharp sand, and topsoil.
This will compact over time, so keeping it topped up is essential.
Applying a layer of organic mulch helps regulate moisture while allowing water to drain freely. Proper drainage is especially crucial if your raised bed is sat on a hard-standing surface. In this case, you should add rubble, stones, or crocks to the bottom of the bed.
This prevents the drainage holes from becoming blocked by soil and allows excess water to escape freely.
Mastering raised beds – the bottom line
Raised beds provide a solution for gardens with unsuitable soil conditions and offer accessibility advantages for those with mobility limitations.
Whether crafted from timber, steel, or other materials, raised beds offer versatility and make an attractive addition to any outdoor space.
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