In this blog post, we’re swapping property boards for scaffold boards, and focusing on a different type of building – constructing your own raised beds. A charming addition to your garden, raised beds not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, but also offer numerous practical benefits. They improve soil conditions, ease the strain of maintenance, and create ideal environments for diverse planting. Let’s delve into the essentials of creating your own raised beds.
Re-purposing Materials: Sleepers and Scaffold Boards
Raised beds can be built from a variety of materials, but a popular choice is to use re-purposed sleepers and scaffold boards. These sturdy items are often discarded after use on construction sites, making them a perfect resource for the eco-friendly gardener. They bring a rustic, charming feel to any garden, are robust enough to stand the test of time, and are typically treated to resist rot.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that the wood hasn’t been treated with potentially harmful substances. To further preserve your re-purposed materials, consider lining the inside with a non-toxic paint or wood preservative, which can add extra years to the life of your raised beds.
Protecting Your Wooden Materials
While sleepers and scaffold boards are robust, they can still be susceptible to weathering and rot. Apply a wood preservative to protect your raised bed from the elements. Opt for a product that is eco-friendly and safe for plants. You can also line the inside of your raised bed with a plastic sheeting or weed control fabric to further protect the wood from dampness.
Exploring Other Materials: Stone and Slabs
If you’re after a different look or feel, stone and slabs offer a great alternative to wood. Stone is an excellent material for raised beds, providing a sturdier, longer-lasting, and arguably more attractive option. The use of stone, especially repurposed or reclaimed, can add an elegant touch to your garden.
Similarly, repurposed slabs can create a modern, sleek look for your raised beds. Both these materials are highly durable and require less maintenance than their wooden counterparts, though the initial setup might be more labour intensive.
Construction Tips
When constructing your raised beds, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, ensure the beds are not too wide – you want to be able to reach the middle easily without stepping on the soil. A width of about four feet is ideal.
Next, make sure the beds are deep enough for your plants. Most vegetables need at least 6-12 inches of soil, but deeper beds will allow for better root growth.
Finally, consider the placement of your raised beds. They should be positioned in an area with good sunlight, away from trees or shrubs that could compete with your plants for water and nutrients.
Importance of Drainage and Irrigation
Good drainage is essential in a raised bed to prevent waterlogging. Drill a few holes in the bottom of your bed if it is sitting on a non-porous surface or consider adding a layer of gravel before your soil to aid with drainage.
On the other hand, irrigation is also crucial to keep your plants happy and healthy. Consider installing a drip irrigation system, which provides a steady supply of water directly to the plants’ roots and conserves water compared to traditional watering methods.
Soil and Planting Advice
For the soil in your raised beds, use a mix of topsoil, compost, and other organic matter. This will provide a rich and fertile environment for your plants to thrive in. As for planting, follow guidelines for each specific plant regarding depth and spacing. Consider companion planting – the practice of planting different crops in proximity for pest control, pollination, and providing habitat for beneficial creatures.
Specific Advice for Vegetables
Vegetables are ideal candidates for raised beds. They love the well-drained soil, and the added height can deter common pests like slugs. Tomatoes, courgettes, beans, and salad greens all thrive in raised beds. Try to keep taller plants on the north side so they don’t block sunlight to shorter plants. Rotate crops each year to prevent diseases and nutrient depletion. If you’re aiming for a continuous harvest, plant in successions, every two weeks or so, to extend the harvesting season.
Cultivating Herbs in Raised Beds
Herbs are another excellent choice for raised beds. These culinary favourites usually prefer well-drained soil and lots of sun. Consider planting perennial herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint, which will provide fresh flavours year-round. Annual herbs like basil and coriander can be planted in between. Try to group herbs with similar water and sun needs together. Also, by containing them in a raised bed, you can prevent some of the more aggressive herbs like mint from taking over your garden.
Growing Flowering Plants in Raised Beds
Flowering plants can bring a riot of colour to your raised beds. Perennials like lavender, salvia, and coneflowers provide long-lasting colour and attract pollinators. Bulbs such as tulips and daffodils can offer early spring colour, while annuals like petunias and marigolds can fill in gaps and provide summer-long blooms. To create a dynamic display, arrange plants by height, with taller plants at the back and shorter ones at the front.
Advice for Creepers
Creepers, or climbing plants, can add a vertical dimension to your raised beds. Build a trellis or a support structure for them to grow on. Plants like climbing roses, clematis, and sweet peas can provide height and interest. For an edible garden, try climbers like runner beans, peas, or even climbing varieties of squash and cucumbers. Always consider the weight of the mature plant, and ensure your structure is sturdy enough to support it.
Remember, whatever you choose to plant, your raised beds should be a reflection of you, your tastes, and your interests. The possibilities are nearly endless!
Raised beds are a fantastic addition to any garden, providing an attractive, practical, and enjoyable planting environment. From re-purposed wood to stone and slabs, the choices are endless, ensuring there’s a perfect raised bed for every style of garden. Ready to enhance your outdoor space with a raised bed? Whether it’s for growing luscious vegetables or creating a vibrant flower display, the world is your oyster! And remember, if you’re planning to sell your property, a well-maintained garden can be a real selling point.
