Cheap but nice looking raised beds?

Moneybag

Leading on from my previous post regarding my back problem.

This thread has been very useful for me as I'm looking into being able to take up a new hobby due to needing to be a bit more mobile.

As I also want to start growing my own fruit/salad/veg this looks like a good solution as I won't have to bend right down to the ground (can't anyway). I'd be able to sit, if necessary, to tend to the raised beds.

So, info so far has been great for me, especially the pictures.

Thanks to all who have contributed to the thread.:T
Moneybag

beverleyhills

ixwood wrote: »

You don't actually need raised beds, unless you have drainage or tree root problems.

Otherwise, just go for beds instead, or slightly raised beds. Much cheaper/easier.

Mark out the position of the beds and the paths. Take the top soil from the paths to put on the beds. After a season or two you will see what will work without spending too much money or creating some thing too permanent that you don't like.

If you can get to the Library you should be able to borrow books by Geoff Hamilton 'The Ornamental Kitchen Garden', Bob Flowerdew books on Organic Gardening, sorry can't remember the titles and Joy Larkcom 'Creative Vegetable Gardening'.

Ken68

Raised beds are an added cost to what should be a moneysaving exercise.
Just dig the land and keep the edges tidy as per an allotment.

Optimisticpair

Easier on your back and for wheelchair users. MSE way build with whatever you have got or can get that's cheap! I have stone to use up. A warmer micro-climate by using bricks, blocks or stone.


Testing says this usually gets a higher yield, up to double, per square foot, of vegetables.


Pros for Raised beds


Good if your soil is poor and stony or if you live where there is a lot of rain and the plot doesn't drain well.


Can extend your growing season for vegetables, less waiting for soil to dry out so you can plant earlier and cover like a cold frame while things harden off.


Easy to cover with netting to keep off cats and birds.


Healthy plants and less digging because the soil doesn’t get compacted from you walking on it - this aids good root production.


Cons


The soil tends to dry out quickly so I mix in plenty of compost and mulch to retain moisture for longer. (Don't think you should mulch leafy crops like lettuce or stems rot) Usually I built them for rock gardens but I built a few as hollow retaining walls for shrubs, I warned clients to see they didn't dry out.



Please be careful as if railway sleepers or wood planks have been treated with toxic chemicals these can leach into your soil and be taken up by the veg.

level200

beverleyhills wrote: »

If you can get to the Library you should be able to borrow books by Geoff Hamilton 'The Ornamental Kitchen Garden', Bob Flowerdew books on Organic Gardening, sorry can't remember the titles and Joy Larkcom 'Creative Vegetable Gardening'.

But wont these books get wet if used for making a raised bed?
:rotfl:

Charco_2

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

You're right Level, it doesn't seem practical to have to dismantle your flowerbeds every few weeks to re-check out library books!

level200

Progress update

I have finally finished making my raised beds. I used decking and also built decking around the raised beds. the beds are 3 boards deep and are taking some filling with compost, hopefully i will finish filling this evening.

I'll post up a few photos also and hopefully get some feedback on what to plant etc..

John

level200

Update.

Well after a lot of work I have managed to turn our scruffy garden into a more modern functional space:

Before:


After:


Its so much better and now I can grow veg. :j

TCB1

That looks great!!!

I think you have done a fabulous job, well done and be proud.

Gina_of_course!

lot of hard work gone into your new garden, all worth it judging by the photo - looks lovely