How do you make a raised veg bed

Could anyone give me some tips on making a raised veg bed, Are there any better materials to use of others?

Thanks

[ 05. March 2007, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: Webmaster ]

 

We used scaffolding planks as we had loads! Strong sturdy wood - whatever sort you can get, really. Or how about sleepers? A bit big, maybe? But they're available on-line at around �£30, I think....

Here's a site that does them - haven't used them, so can't give any recommendations.
http://www.railwaysleeper.com/KFrailwaysleepers-currentselection%20and%20prices.htm

 

B&Q are now selling short sleepers. Can't recollect the price, but not cheap.
Tractor or car tyres (QwikFit or others) can be bolted together and painted and make non-rot beds though not very big capacity.
Much depends on how tall you want the beds to be.If it's tall you need something strong and Dendrobium's scaffold planks would do (anything wooden less thick won't last long) You could also consider using paving slabs as the walls of the bed.

 

Hi Mark,

All my veg beds are raised and this is what I did if it helps:

The point about raised beds is that you should never walk on them so the soil stays loose (it really works) that means you have to be able to reach into the middle of them so do lots of small ones with walkways in between (looks good too). Mine are all 6ft long by 4ft wide.

Go to a timber merchant and ask for tannelised gravel boards (these are normallly used at the bottom of wooden fencing. They must be either tannelised or presure treated or they will rot away in only a few years. YOu can get long ones and cut them to size so by ones that are double thhe requried length of each an end and a side. Should only be few quid each any more and you are paying too much.

Do not do go to B&Q, Homebase, Wickes etc as they will charge you five times the price. Find a proper builder's merchant if you can't find a timber merchant.

Get an 18 inch wooden peg for each corner too. (tapered end helps)

Then screw the boards to the pegs (pegs inside not outside obviously) once it is constructed put it wherer you want it and make sure you are happy with the position before banging it into the ground. Work round each peg in turn banging it in one inch at a time until the whole thing is flush to the ground. Put a flat piece of wood between the top of the peg and your hammer to avoid damaging your lovely new bed.

Then fill up with soil. This is a rare chance to make sure that you have great soil quality in your veg bed so do it properly making sure you include lots of organic matter and sand/grit for drainage - an absolute must if you usually have clay.

Hope this helps.

 

Matty Boy is right but if you know someone who can get scaffolding planks they would do perfectly well to begin with and could just be replaced over time with something that would last longer such as Gravel Boards.

My beds are scaffolding planks and they're holding up fine so far. I goy them from a worksite that was going to chuck them.

 

We use scaffold planks too - beds are 15ft long x 4ft wide. We have put in pegs along the length every 5ft for extra strength.
We used 2ft x 2ft paving slabs between the beds for pathways, dont use the 18 inch ones as you will not be able to get a wheelbarrow between them.

 

The info is really helpful.
A mate of mine actually works in a saw mill so i reckon he may just be the man to ask about the wood, With regards to the soil. Would i brake up the clay beneath the bed and if so how deep do i need to dig. I take it once that is done i add a decent top soil and organic matter mix.

Thank you.

 

Clay is a mixed blessing Mark. If you have raised beds I'd be tempted to leave it alone as it will form a barrier and prevent excessive water egress.

 

The original post here gave me the determination to finish what I started.
I had created (sort of ) raised beds 18ft*5ft each times three but was too tight to pay �£50 for the timber. so I had used lawn edging down the two centre paths with wood chippings for the path and just a heep of soil and manure.
You fired me with the zeel of the newly converted so I set about finding the wood. This is the result for what its worth.
Local to me is a hardwood specialist sawmill and he suggested what are called 'first cuts'. Which are the first saw cut on the tree, It does sometimes still have the bark on and is a bit inconsistant. He cut them into 7ft lengths and on average they are at least 4inches thick in the centre and at least a foot/eighteen inches wide. I think getting them level could be a challenge but at least the bed will be deep enough. The best bit is that they were Free. So try a woodyard near you. Watch this space for pics if I get to do a propper job. If not all will remain quiet.
ttfn

A p/s added the next day 1/12/06.
Weather allowed me to complete two beds. very rural and rustic but hell, this is Norfolk. The best bit it that when I inspected the timber it was all oak. It has ment the circular saw is a bit overworked though.
tt ect.

[ 01. December 2006, 08:34 PM: Message edited by: oldwinegum ]

 

My raised beds are 10' x 4' and I have 9 at the moment but want to add some more.

I used a part of the lawn that was a bit tatty anyway (I have a huge lawn!) I cut off the top layer of turf, dug it over, removed debris, roots etc., then filled them up with whatever I had, rotted manure, compost, leaf mould, straw, grass clippings, and I have a fantastic harvest each year.
Good luck.
Greenlady.

 

Glad your out there creating your beds oldwinegums, We move to our new house on Wednesday, Sadly i don't think the wife will be that happy if im out in the garden on thursday planning my plot, Will give it a try though

Nine beds, wow that must be some harvest Greenlady Thanks for all the tips...

 

Mark
The key is to make them think it's their idea. If you do that all is possible, after all, you dont want to get in the removal mens way now do you?
ttfn

 

Great idea, Well let you know how i get on oldwinegum :D

 

As promised, an update of progress so far. If it all ends up ok that will be a pint I owe Mark as he gave me the incentive.You have to admit it is very rustic
ttfn

 

Looking good mate, You owe me nothing oldwinegum just glad your out there doing what you enjoy. would like to see the finished plot. What are you looking to grow?

I like the idea of the wood with the bark still on it, looks very rustic. I may have to steal that idea