There are plenty of reasons why raised beds also raise the spirits! Here’s your full guide…
Raised beds are a fantastic and rewarding way of growing a wide variety of plants and are especially popular for growing fruit and vegetables. They are great for improving drainage and can be used to introduce a different soil type to your garden. You also get the benefit of warmer soil earlier in the season and less soil erosion. Another big plus is that raised beds are a convenient way to garden if you have restricted mobility, as they reduce the need to bend. What gardener would pass up the opportunity to save their back? Raised beds also add depth and colour to your landscape, giving you complete control over your planting area, and are available in many shapes and sizes.
What soil should I use?
The best soil type for raised beds depends on what you intend to grow, so it won’t be the same in all situations. Some plants, such as blueberries, thrive in acidic soil, while others prefer soil with a higher pH. The weather also plays a role. In a hot, dry climate, you’ll need soil that retains moisture, but drainage may be an issue in an area with clay soil and abundant rainfall. Abig plus with raised beds is that you’re not limited to what you have in the ground. You can start from scratch and build a soil type for raised beds that is adapted to the kind of plants you want to grow and your region’s unique growing conditions.
Using half topsoil and half organic compost is a good way to start building a raised bed soil mix. Alternatively, you can make a base soil by combining equal parts peat moss, coarse horticultural Vermiculite and good quality organic compost. It’s a bit like being a chef in the kitchen – you have the freedom to experiment. But one important component is a balanced, slow-release organic fertiliser.
How deep does it need to be?
If siting them on top of hard surfaces, it’s best to aim for a depth of at least 20cm but ideally 30cm so plants can root deeply. This will help reduce their watering requirements. Due to improved drainage, plants in raised beds can suffer more from drought, so be sure to watch for this and be prepared to water regularly, especially during dry spells. Also consider your needs and how high you might want it to be so that working in it is easy for you. The minimum required depth depends on the type of plant. On average, a raised garden bed should accommodate about 20cm of soil for the roots of flowers and vegetables.
