Spring is in full swing, and with it, the UK’s keen gardeners and growers are getting green fingered, enticed outside by the warmer weather and the prospect of tending their crops to completion.
In gardens across the country, it’s more than likely that those crops will be doing their thing in raised beds, which offer a whole host of benefits, particularly for growers still learning the ins and outs, the ropes and chains, and the rules and the rhythms of the UK growing seasons.
Why deploy raised beds, we hear you ask?
Well, one of the biggest issues that UK gardeners have is that all four seasons affect your plants differently, and raised beds help take some of the uncertainty out of the growing process.
Firstly, they allow for better drainage, which is essential in the rainy and damp UK climate. By elevating the soil, excess water can drain away, preventing root rot and other moisture-related issues. This also means that you can control the amount of water that your plants receive, which is vital for preventing soil erosion and keeping your plants healthy.
Next, raised beds are perfect for small gardens or urban farms where space is limited, which, let’s face it, is certainly the case here in the UK. By building off the ground, you can maximise your growing area and make the most of the available space. Raised beds can be customised to suit any size or shape, making them versatile and flexible for all kinds of gardens.
Finally, raised beds offer several benefits to your plants. The soil in raised beds warms up faster in the spring, allowing you to start planting earlier in the year. You can also control the soil quality and nutrient levels, which means you can grow healthier plants with fewer pests and diseases. Raised beds also reduce the amount of weeding you need to do, as they create a defined space that is easier to manage.
Is It Easy To Construct Your Own Raised Beds?
Building your own raised beds in your garden couldn’t be easier.
As the guys at Suregreen, who sell a wide range of sleepers (essentially the wooden planks most commonly used for raised beds), tell us, there are a few key steps you’ll need to follow:
First, choose the location for your raised beds and mark out the area using string or stakes. Next, determine the size and height of your raised beds based on the plants you’ll be growing and the space you have available.
Now that you have your measurements, you’ll need to gather materials such as wood planks, nails, and a hammer or power drill. Cut your wood planks to size and nail or screw them together to form the sides of your raised bed. Be sure to leave enough space between each plank to allow for proper drainage and airflow.
Once your raised bed is assembled, you’ll need to fill it with soil. You can use a variety of different soil types, but be sure to choose one that’s appropriate for the plants you’ll be growing.
Once your soil is in place, you can add any necessary amendments such as compost or fertiliser, and only then are you ready to learn what particular vegetables, fruit and herbs thrive in raised beds here in the UK. Let’s find out…
Vegetables
Root Vegetables
Carrots, parsnips, beetroot, radishes and turnips are all fantastic choices for raised garden beds. These root vegetables require loose, well-draining soil to grow, which is easier to achieve in a raised bed. Plant them in early spring or late summer, and harvest when the tops are visible above the soil.
Remember to store your root vegetables correctly to ensure maximum yield from all your hard work sowing, growing and harvesting!
Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, and lettuce flourish in raised beds, as they prefer well-drained soil and cooler temperatures. Sow seeds directly into the soil in early spring or autumn, and keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest leaves as needed, but avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at once.
Alliums
Onions, garlic, and leeks love the well-draining conditions of raised beds. Plant onion sets and garlic cloves in autumn, while leek seedlings should be planted in late spring. Keep the soil consistently moist and weed-free. Harvest onions and garlic when the foliage turns yellow and starts to wilt, and leeks when they reach the desired size.
Courgettes & Aubergines
Though a little more difficult, growing courgettes and aubergines in raised beds can be a rewarding experience for any UK gardener. The key to success lies in providing the right growing conditions. Firstly, ensure that the raised bed is at least 30cm deep and filled with nutrient-rich soil that is well-draining. Choose a sunny spot in your garden and water regularly, especially during dry spells.
To promote strong growth, add organic matter to the soil and use organic fertilisers. In addition, regular pruning will help to maintain plant health and encourage fruit production.
Read: The IDEAL beginner’s guide to growing your own produce
Fruit
Strawberries
The beloved sibling to cream, these juicy fruits thrive in raised beds, where they can enjoy improved drainage and reduced risk of disease. Plant bare-root plants in late autumn or early spring, spacing them about 30-45 cm apart. Keep the soil moist and weed-free, and use straw or a strawberry mat to keep the fruit off the ground. Harvest when the berries are fully red and ripe.
Raspberries
Raspberry canes appreciate the improved soil conditions of raised beds, as they require good drainage and air circulation. Plant bare-root canes in late autumn or early spring, and provide support with stakes or a trellis. Prune canes annually, and harvest raspberries when they easily come away from the plant, usually at the height of summer but occasionally into September and October should you have planted autumn-fruiting raspberries.
Dwarf Fruit Trees
Apples, pears, and cherries can all be grown in raised beds if you choose dwarf or patio varieties. Plant trees in late autumn or early spring, and ensure that the bed is large enough to accommodate their root systems. Prune trees annually to maintain their shape, and harvest fruit when it is ripe and ready.
Herbs
Mediterranean Herbs
Rosemary, thyme, and oregano – so-called Mediterranean herbs – love the well-draining conditions of raised beds. Plant young plants or sow seeds in spring, and ensure they receive plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil on the drier side, as these herbs prefer slightly arid conditions. Harvest leaves as needed, but avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at once.
Parsley & Chives
These versatile herbs thrive in raised beds, where they enjoy improved soil quality and drainage. Sow seeds directly into the soil in early spring, and keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest leaves as needed, but avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at once.
The Bottom Line
Raised garden beds offer an excellent opportunity to grow a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in your UK garden. By selecting the right crops and providing the appropriate care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season. Happy gardening, indeed!