Read on for guidance on installing them and how to enjoy all the benefits they can bring.
Raised beds are freestanding growing plots built above ground level. They offer numerous advantages for gardeners of all levels.
Benefits of Raised Beds
- Improved Accessibility: Raised beds can make gardening easier for people with limited mobility.
- Enhanced Soil Conditions: They allow for better soil drainage and warmer soil temperatures in the spring.
- Weed Control: Raised beds can significantly allow greater weed control.
- Flexibility: You can customize the soil mix to suit the specific needs of different plants.
Construction and Materials
Raised beds can be easily constructed from various materials, including wood, brick, stone, and even recycled materials. Alternatively, you can purchase ready-to-assemble kits.
Ideal Depth for Different Plants
- Shallow Roots: A depth of 30 cm is ideal for shallow-rooted plants such as salads and strawberries.
- Deeper Roots: For larger plants like fruit bushes and shrubs or root vegetables, a depth of 45 cm is recommended.
Creating the Perfect Raised Bed Soil
For optimal growth, fill your raised beds with a well-draining soil mix. We recommend a 50/50 blend of:
- Loam/Topsoil: Provides stability and longevity to the bed.
- Organic Matter: Such as garden compost or our Composted Fine Bark, which improves moisture retention and introduces beneficial soil microorganisms. You can also use up bags of unused compost from the previous year.
Maintaining Raised Beds
- Yearly Top Dressing: To maintain soil vitality, add a 10 to 15 cm layer of organic matter to your raised beds each year. This can include garden compost, Sylvagrow Farmyard or Melcourt Composted Fine Bark.
- Feeding: If using Composted Fine Bark, supplement with a suitable fertiliser to provide essential nutrients for plant growth, especially when growing vegetables.
Enjoy the Harvest!
With proper care, your raised beds will provide years of enjoyment and bountiful harvests.
Photo credit – The Happy Place Gardener
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