Martin B Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 That looks great Annie, will have to talk to you tomorrow about it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 I've probably missed something really obvious here, but what is the advantage of raised beds over a normal veggie patch please ? . Raised beds retain water better, and the soil is warmer (allegedly). A lot of people use them if they don't have very good soil - put an edge on and then fill it up with compost, but that's expensive as even a small bed takes a lot of soil! You don't have to put edging on, you can just mound the earth up. I think the attraction for me was that it's all neatly contained, and that's especially true if you want to put them in an area that is on view in your garden. They also (if you build them deep) mean a bit less bending! I'm not sure if they actually grow veg a lot better, has anyone on here got traditional beds as well, who can give an opinion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 They look fab Annie! You even have the brussels sprouts I bought over in the pic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Raised beds retain water better, and the soil is warmer (allegedly). A lot of people use them if they don't have very good soil - put an edge on and then fill it up with compost, but that's expensive as even a small bed takes a lot of soil! You don't have to put edging on, you can just mound the earth up. I think the attraction for me was that it's all neatly contained, and that's especially true if you want to put them in an area that is on view in your garden. They also (if you build them deep) mean a bit less bending! Thanks Olly! That explains everything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 I have also found, that even though mine are only one plank in height, when kneeling to weed or work on them, you don't bend over at all, as the height makes them easy to reach. So no back ache! (Just sore knees) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 I have also found, that even though mine are only one plank in height, when kneeling to weed or work on them, you don't bend over at all, as the height makes them easy to reach. So no back ache! (Just sore knees) I've noticed that Crocs make kneepads! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 I've noticed that Crocs make kneepads! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 The main advantage of raised beds is that the soil no longer gets compacted (cos no-one walks on it) and there is therefore less digging to be done which, in the long run, leads to better soil condition and less weed growth (I can explain this further if you want but it's a bit dull for open forum) there are downsides too, contrary to what someone else said, raised beds can have a tendancy to dry out, especially round the edges. wooden sides can provide a safe haven for slugs and snails to shelter under during the day. old wood if used to make the sides can leech harmful chemicals into your soil. new wood can be very expensive. for what it's worth, my beds have no sides but have become naturally raised where I add lot's of manure and the paths between them have 'sunk' down as I keep walking on them. I think that this way avoids many of the pitfalls while enjoying all the benefits, it's less work and it's free Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Ok, here are a couple of mine - The potato bed the Sweet peas and runner beans coming on a treat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 They look fab Christian! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 What is in the tiny beds next to the spuds Christian? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 What is in the tiny beds next to the spuds Christian? they are 2 seed trays with mixed salad and rocket. I just popped them on the ground whilst doing other things! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 WOW eveyones veg is going great guns! I have not yet planted any brassicas so it looks like the OH will have to buy them from the supermarket this winter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Emma, pm whinging it's way to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Here are some pics. of my raised beds.............It is the first year anything has survived the slugs or wild rabbits usually eat everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 They look great Nicola! The (sweet)peas are doing really well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Thanks Christain they have just started to flower and smell lovely..................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 They look great Nicola, well done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 Wow, everyones are growing really well! Well done. I noticed the first hints of growth in mine today! Radish and lettuce peeping through at last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 They do look good Nicola Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
