Having long been a popular gardening method, raised bed gardening is nothing revolutionary, but is a foolproof way to make good use of your garden space.
Whether it be for pure aesthetics, or the sake of accessibility and efficiency, there is a way of using raised bed gardening to suit every outdoor space.
The Purpose of Raise Bed Gardening
There are many great reasons you should think about implementing raised bed gardening in your outdoor space. Whether it be for practicality or just to enhance the overall look of the space, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider a raised bed for your garden.
Practical Uses
Some of the practical reasons that you may want to include a raised bed in your garden are:
- Better soil drainage
- Easier frost control
- Simpler weed control and removal
- Pest and invasive species control
Aesthetic Uses
Some of the aesthetic reasons that you may want to include a raised bed in your garden are:
- Adding different heights
- Highlighting focal points in your space
- Framing paths and walkways
- Easy integration with other garden features, such as walls and wooden furniture
The Right Location In Your Garden
The right location in your garden, or any outdoor area, can make all the difference in growing specific plants. Here are some things you may want to consider when picking the location of your raised bed:
Light Exposure
If you plan on growing plants that require a certain amount of light exposure, you can use that knowledge to determine where you should place your raised bed.
For plants that require little to no sunlight, a spot in your garden that is more shaded will be perfect. Alternatively, if your plants require plenty of natural light, your raised beds will thrive in a spot with direct sunlight.
Accessibility
With the addition of raised beds, anyone with a reduced range of mobility can also use the space. The right height in your raised bed allows both able-bodied, and less-abled people to use the planters with ease.
Aesthetic Accent
In most allotments and gardens, adding different levels with your raised beds can be an interesting way to add more dimension to your plot.
Whether it be the addition of a bed with a climbing plant, or a higher raised bed you use to visually separate your plants and produce. A raised bed is a great tool to use in your space to draw attention to different areas.
How Big Should Your Raised Bed Be?
There is no set size that your raised bed should be, however, it may be beneficial to consider how big the raised bed needs to provide the maximum benefit for the plants you want to grow.
Some plants require a larger area for root growth, meaning the space they are planted in must be larger. Be sure to do plenty of research about what you intend to plant to be sure that you will be able to provide the proper space and care.
How Deep Should My Raised Bed Be?
The standard depth for a raised garden bed is typically around 8 inches, however, some plant types and landscaping features may require you to consider a raised bed with more depth.
How Many Years Do Raised Beds Last?
How long your raised beds will last will be dependent on a few factors, but the main one you may want to consider is the material the planter is made out of.
The Best Material For Your Raised Beds
There are plenty of options for you to consider for your raised garden beds, but if you’re looking for a reliable addition to your garden, then consider the use of steel. Steel-raised beds are sturdy, easy to maintain, and easily customisable to match your space.
Due to natural environmental conditions, a wooden raised bed is likely to deteriorate over time. Like all things, steel is naturally affected by its environment, but it will not deteriorate quickly like wood, or grow brittle like plastic. Your steel-raised bed will last for decades or longer with proper care.
Find the Right Steel Raised Bed For Your Garden
If you’re looking for the perfect steel raised bed to add to your outdoor space, look no further than Steel Landscaping Co.
Our range of steel raised beds and steel weave raised beds are manufactured in the UK with high-quality steel sourced from partners committed to net-zero.
Or, if you have an even more unique planter design in mind, consider our bespoke design and fabrication services.