GROWING plants on a bed system has always been popular, but the use of raised beds continues to expand for a variety of reasons. Where a garden has no soil, a raised bed is an alternative to growing in containers. In effect, you have one large, deep container instead of lots of small ones, allowing more scope for crops like carrots or salad leaves. In gardens where the soil is difficult to manage, such as wet sticky clay, dry shade or in an area prone to long periods of wet conditions, a raised bed can help overcome the difficulties by providing a better growing environment.
Perhaps the most adaptable use is for gardeners with restricted mobility, where the bed can be raised to a convenient height for anyone who has trouble kneeling or bending, or who uses a wheelchair. The beds can even be filled with water instead of soil by installing a sturdy pond liner, and using bricks in the base to allow planting at different levels.
Brick, metal, plastic or wood The height of the bed can vary from 6-36in (15-90cm), with the most common choice being about 18in (45cm), which is knee height, and it can be made of brick, metal, plastic or wood. Many ready-to assemble kits are made from wood, but you can also use railway sleepers or boards. Kits are ideal for most gardens and can be completed in a weekend.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters