Forum home› Garden design
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Best things about using raised garden beds

SiaCorbynSiaCorbyn Posts: 1
in Garden design

My mom loves gardening so much, and just last week, she told me she saw these raised beds being a trend online. She then asked me to help her contact this provider to buy some raised bed kits UK. But I just want to know, what makes these raised garden beds such a great option?




Posts

  • oooftoooft Posts: 191
    If they are high they can stop you needing to bend down to work them. You can fill them with soil of a particular pH if you want to grow plants that aren't suitable for your garden soil. They can save you having to dig if you want to grow vegetables, they can provide structure in your garden. There's loads of reasons for having them and loads of designs
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    I built three raised beds for my veg crops on a concrete surface which previous owners had put down.  My non-gardening neighbours allow bindweed to grow unchecked.  My raised beds are the only part of the garden from which I'm not constantly pulling bindweed.
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    I built 6 raised vegetable beds because my soil was thin and stony on a rocky base, so it was the only way I could get enough planting depth and improve the soil enough to plant things. They do look attractive and keep things neat and tidy.

    The only drawback for me is that because the roots of plants are higher than the ground, and the wooden surrounds of the beds can't provide the same insulation as the soil in the ground, I find I have to water much more than areas where it is possible to plant directly. 

    Some of the ready-made kits can be a bit flimsy and work out quite expensive including shipping costs, especially if you are importing them from another country. You can also make them from railway sleepers or sturdy planks, supported by corner posts knocked into the ground, bricks, blocks or any material you fancy, to bespoke sizes to fit the available space and and at a working height that suits your mom.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    ....... but, as many others have said, the improved drainage they offer means they need frequent watering.  The materials used, all too often have limited life spans except concrete boards.  They are also prone to encroaching roots from nearby trees.  As is obvious, I ain't a fan?
  • ViewAheadViewAhead Posts: 866
    I agree there are ads and disads.  The drying-out problem is the biggest for me.  Also, in my experience,  perennial plants tend to struggle in them.  Shrubs cope much better, especially those that can manage some degree of drought.   Plus maintenance of the beds is a built-in given, requiring time and money. 


  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    #SiaCorbyn  I think a full description of 'Mom' and her situation would secure unbiased advice.  Flowers or Veg?  Proximity of boundary fences/hedges?  The dear Lady's age?  Will you be on hand to assist?  Etc.  Etc.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    @nick615 … this thread is an old one …,the query was posed in 2019. One would hope the OP has found the answer by now. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Thanks Dove.  Memo to Self re. attention to detail.
Sign In or Register to comment.