If you want to grow your own plants but don’t have much space, a raised bed is a simple solution. It keeps things neat, drains well and makes gardening a lot easier on your back.
What You’ll Need
You’ll need some untreated wood like cedar, screws or brackets, landscape fabric, gravel and a good soil mix. Tools like a saw and drill will help. Some people also use sleepers for a thicker frame, which you’ll often find in builders merchants. If you’re interested in building work, builders merchants jobs, like the examples seen here, //bmcareers.com/distributors-and-builders-merchants-vacancies/ can be a good place to start.
Choosing a Spot
Pick a place that gets plenty of sunlight of around 6 to 8 hours a day, if possible. It’s also helpful if it’s near a tap or water source so you don’t have to carry watering cans too far.
Build the Bed
Cut your wood to size and fix it together into a rectangle. Try to keep it about 4 feet wide so you can reach across easily and take your time measuring so everything lines up properly.
Filling the Bed
Fill the bed with good-quality soil that’s full of nutrients, as this gives your plants the best start. If you’re unsure what soil to use, you can check simple advice on the RHS site
Planting and Care
Once your bed is ready, plant your seeds or small plants. Keep it watered and pull out the weeds when they appear. With a bit of care, your raised bed will grow well.
