Build A Raised Bed

A practical, flexible addition to a garden, either as part of a new design that injects appealing geometry, or simply to add an architectural element to an established garden

- Nicola Stocken

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

A 1.2m long x 85cm wide raised bed kit from WoodBlocX

A bucket of sand A turf cutter, spirit level, mallet and trowel

One litre pots of the following herbs:

Oregano — Origanum vulgare and ‘Variegatum’ Lavender — Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’

Rosemary — Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Roseus’

Chives — Allium schoenoprasum

Coriander — Coriandrum sativum

Sage — Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolour’

Thyme — Thymus x citriodorus ‘Variegatus’, ‘Silver Posie’ and ‘Pink Chintz’

Practically, a bed needs to be long enough to be worthwhile, and not wider than around 1.2m, so that plants can be reached from either side without stepping onto the soil and compacting it.

Crops planted in raised beds have a longer growing season because when soil is above ground, it stays warmer and better drained, so seedlings get off to an earlier start in spring. The height of the sides ranges from around 20cm to 1m tall, and depends on its use and situation — taller versions work well for gardeners with bad backs, with widened tops providing a handy seat.