Practical Guide for Manscape Raised Flower Beds
Raised garden beds have become a popular choice for both amateur and experienced gardeners alike. These attractive features offer a multitude of benefits, from being easy to work to doubling as seating options.
Placing raised beds next to fences and walls might put them in a rain shadow, requiring more frequent watering. To counteract this, consider using specialist mixes for plants that require extra drainage, such as bulbs or alpines.
For most plants, a well-mixed combination of organic matter, sharp sand, and topsoil in a ratio of 3:2:7 works best. Raised beds warm up quickly in spring, making them ideal for sowing and growing vegetables.
If your raised bed is situated on top of concrete or paving, drainage should be added in the form of rubble, stones, or crocks at the base. For beds deeper than 50cm, a layer of rubble or stones can help improve drainage, but with shallower beds, it's best to avoid adding rubble to allow good root run for plants.
When it comes to choosing the best wood for raised garden beds, prioritise wood that is naturally rot-resistant, safe for growing edibles, and durable. Cedar, considered the best overall, is naturally rot-resistant, long-lasting, and non-toxic if untreated, making it safe for vegetable gardens. Redwood and Douglas fir are also excellent choices, while pine or untreated softwoods are less durable and tend to rot quickly. Avoid pressure-treated lumber as it may leach chemicals harmful for edible plants.
To prolong wood life, consider using kiln-dried cedar or applying natural wood treatments or sealants that protect against moisture and fungal decay without introducing toxins. If using composite or recycled wood, check for safe sources, but be aware composites may contain plastics that degrade over time.
Raised beds can be made from various materials, including scaffolding boards, breeze blocks, sheet metal, and gabions. For comfort while sitting on the edge of a raised bed, it should be around 40-50cm high with a 20cm wide wall.
Acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons can be grown in raised beds with ericaceous compost. Fill the beds right to the top, then leave for two weeks to settle before planting. If using wood to make raised beds, lining the sides and any buttresses with plastic can extend its life.
The location of a raised bed affects what can be grown in it, with sun and shade requirements to consider. Raised beds can dry out more quickly than topsoil in the garden, so watering is important. Soil-based mixes are more efficient at holding onto nutrients than lighter planting mediums. Acid-loving plants need to be grown in ericaceous compost, while alkaline-loving plants can benefit from the addition of mushroom compost.
In summary, cedar is the best choice for safety, longevity, and effectiveness in raised garden beds, especially for growing food, with redwood as a premium alternative and Douglas fir as a cost-saving option. Avoid chemically treated woods to keep the soil safe for plants.
[1] The Spruce, "Raised Garden Beds: The Ultimate Guide," www.thespruce.com/raised-garden-beds-1807660 [2] Gardening Know How, "Choosing Wood for Raised Beds," www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/vegetables/raised-beds/choosing-wood-for-raised-beds.htm [3] The Old Farmer's Almanac, "Raised Garden Beds: How to Build and Maintain Them," www.almanac.com/content/raised-garden-beds
Depending on their location, consider using specialized mixes for plants that require extra drainage in raised beds, such as bulbs or alpines to counteract issues caused by being in a rain shadow. Home-and-garden enthusiasts looking for sustainable options for raised beds can choose from eco-friendly materials like recycled wood or gabions, providing an attractive addition to both lifestyle and the home-and-garden setting, while offering a friendly environment for gardening.
