Thinking about starting a raised bed garden? Whether you're growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, raised beds make gardening easier, more productive, and more enjoyable. This knowledge hub covers everything you need to get started — from setup and soil to planting and care.
What is a raised bed?
Let's start at the very beginning.
A raised garden bed is an elevated planting area, enclosed by a frame made from wood, metal, or other materials. Built above ground level, these beds are ideal for growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants requiring specific soil conditions.
Raised beds improve drainage, reduce soil compaction, and allow you to tailor your growing medium to specific crops.
Benefits of raised bed gardening
- Improved soil quality and drainage – prevents waterlogging and root rot. Especially beneficial in heavy clay soils.
- Extended growing season – raised beds warm up faster in spring, allowing for earlier planting.
- Ergonomic gardening – reduces back strain and improves accessibility, especially for gardeners with mobility issues.
- Higher yields – more efficient use of space and better soil structure can lead to increased productivity.
- Weed suppression – clearly defined boundaries make weeds easier to manage.
- Aesthetics – tidy, contained spaces that enhance your garden’s look.
What do you need to consider before buying or building raised beds?
What size raised bed should I consider?
When determining the appropriate size for a raised bed, several factors must be considered to ensure optimal functionality and accessibility.
The width of the raised bed should ideally not exceed four feet, allowing for easy access to the center from either side without the need to step onto the soil, which can lead to compaction.
The length of the bed can vary based on available space and personal preference, though it is often recommended to keep it manageable for maintenance purposes, typically ranging from four to eight feet.
The height of the raised bed should be at least six inches to accommodate root growth, with deeper beds of twelve to eighteen inches being preferable for root vegetables or if the underlying soil is of poor quality.
It's a good idea to leave 18-24 inches between raised beds for pathways.
Ultimately, the size of the raised bed should align with the gardener's physical capabilities, the spatial constraints of the garden area, and the specific aims intended for the bed - it's a good idea to have a plan of what you might plant in the bed first, before deciding on the size.
What's the best position for a raised bed to go?
To ensure your raised bed garden thrives, it's crucial to select an appropriate location and prepare the ground adequately. Sunlight is essential for most plants, so choose a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This will promote healthy growth and abundant harvests.
Additionally, the ground where you intend to place your raised bed should be level. This will prevent uneven distribution of water and nutrients, and ensure the stability of your raised bed structure. Good drainage is also vital to prevent waterlogging, which can suffocate plant roots and encourage diseases.
Metal vs Wood vs Plastic - which material is the best for raised beds?
There are several material options to choose from, each with pros and cons:
Wood – attractive and affordable, but may rot over time. Cedar and oak are more durable choices. Sealants and preservatives can extend their lifespan.
Metal – Very durable, modern and practical. Aluminium is rust-resistant, long-lasting and lightweight, so it's easy to install and manoeuvre.
Composite – eco-friendly and durable with minimal upkeep. Higher initial cost, but low maintenance over time.
Plastic – lightweight and low-cost. Choose UV-resistant versions for longevity.
What should you use to fill a raised bed?
Creating the right soil mix is vital for success:
- Topsoil – base structure
- Compost – adds nutrients and promotes microbial activity
- Organic matter – like peat-free compost, coir, or leaf mould for water retention
- Add slow-release organic fertiliser to enrich the mix
Avoid native soil unless amended, and tailor your mix to your region’s climate. Raised beds give you complete control over soil type and drainage.
💡 Pro tip: Save on compost by layering cardboard, logs, or other bulky organic matter at the bottom.
What can you grow in a raised garden bed?
Ok, so you know the various aspects you need to consider before getting raised beds, now lets get to the exciting part - planting!
Planning your raised bed planting
When planning your raised bed, companion planting can be a great way to maximise space and promote a healthy ecosystem. For example, planting marigolds near your vegetables can help to deter pests, while other combinations can attract beneficial insects or improve soil quality.
Spacing is also crucial for healthy plant growth. Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources, reduced air circulation, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Make sure to research the mature size of your chosen plants and space them accordingly. This will ensure that each plant has enough room to grow and thrive.
Maintaining your raised beds
Although raised beds are much more managable than your usual garden bed, you do need to ensure you keep on top of things Making sure you have a solid plan for watering and keeping the soil fertile will be key for plant health and longevity.
Watering & Irrigation
Use a drip system or soaker hoses to water your raised beds efficiently, ideally with a timer. Mulch with compost, straw, or wood chips to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Water deeply in the early morning and check regularly for pests or disease.
Fertilising and Soil Maintenance
Keep your soil healthy by adding compost or organic fertiliser every few weeks. Test your soil annually to monitor pH and nutrient levels, and adjust as needed. Rotate crops each season to prevent pests and maintain a balanced nutrient mix.
Discover Rhino's Metal Raised Beds
Ready to get growing? Shop our high-quality metal raised beds, available in a range of sizes and colours to suit any garden.
