Raised beds offer a number of advantages over traditional in-ground beds, and are particularly well suited to smaller gardens. They allow you to plant more in a smaller space, while also enabling you to introduce better quality soil to your garden. Not sure where to start? Here’s everything you need to know about raised bed vegetable gardens! What are Raised Vegetable Gardens? Plastic planters are a great, low maintenance alternative to wood. Look for a plastic raised bed that is described as UV-resistant , as this will stop its colour from fading in the sunlight.

The best soil for your bed does really depend on what you’re growing. However, as a rule of thumb you should fill a raised bed with 60% topsoil, 30% compost and 10% potting soil. This is sufficient for most raised beds. The right location depends on what it is you are planting. Most vegetables need around eight hours of full sun a day, so for best results you should place your raised planters in a sunny spot. In most cases, this will be on the south side of any large structures such as sheds or garden walls. From ultra space-efficient multi-tiered beds, to those specifically made for your favourite fruit and veggies, there’s a raised bed plan to suit any and every outdoor space. Metal is a great choice for raised beds thanks to its informal appearance and durability. The Selections Metal Raised Vegetable Bed measures 100 x 100 x 30 cm and is the perfect size for a small vegetable garden. Even better, there’s two of these beds included. Perfect for those without space for a greenhouse, the GEEZY Raised Garden Bed Planter Box is for those looking to grow plants which require more warmth. It comes with a plastic lid and ventilation system which will help keep the interior warmer on sunny days.If the bed can only be accessed from one side (for instance, if it’s placed against a garden fence or wall), it should be no more than 60 cm wide . Any wider, and you may struggle to reach the far side of the bed without disturbing the soil. Flowers bed around mailbox. Adding a flower bed around your mailbox is a simple and charming way to enhance your curb appeal. Wooden raised beds will need treating every year , as they are susceptible to rot. If you are growing edible produce, you’ll need to ensure the preservative is food-safe.

While delivered in separate pieces, this bed is fairly easy to assemble in around 15 minutes. The corners simply snap together and can be secured using the included pins. Once secured, it’s attractive, robust and suitable for all sorts of plants.Finally this weekend i got to planting at last and while doing so I noticed that the tops aren't fit for purpose. They are starting to split along their length. If it gets any worse I will be asking for replacements which will be useless if they send similar pieces. Gardening can be time consuming and if you’re wanting to make it that little bit easier, a self-watering raised garden bed is worth considering. This style of bed is perfect for those who spend a lot of time away, and means you don’t need to lug heavy watering cans around with you! It’s important to protect your perennials from frost in the winter, and those in raised beds are even more susceptible to damage as the soil is exposed at the side as well as the top. Place horticultural fleece or hardware cloth over your raised beds to keep them warm. By filling beds with a good quality topsoil, you’ll improve the root health of your produce too. This can result in a better yield and increased resistance to fungal diseases. You’ve got a huge amount of choice when it comes to the material of your raised bed, and each material has unique advantages.