Raised beds

Hi. I hope you don't mind my 'raised bed' question being included here. I found a really long, intersting thread but can't pinpoint it now!

I have a 6'x8' patch which I was planning to turn into 2 raised beds with a path in the middle. I have thought tho that as the back bed will be close to my fence, I will not be able to access it from that side and will have a long reach to do so from the middle. Would I be better planning a narrower bed at the back and then 2 narrower beds? Is there a minimum width suggested?

I'm essentially growing for just me and the experience of doing so, so lack of room isn't a real problem. I'm sure I'll still have too much no matter how little I grow!

Thanks in advance!

 

There is no minimum width Sarah but there is a maximum for working so that you don`t actually stand on the bed. And that is 4ft. If you cannot work the bed near the fence from both sides, then I would go with your second plan, a narrower bed.

 

Thanks Dai. I've been out measuring up today and also considering where the sunlight comes from I think I'll be better putting a path along the fence then having the original 2 bed idea. The beds will be about 3' each then. Looking forward to starting!

 

As above, Id only import it if you are lacking it ie linziebeans posts.

If you can get it some well rotted cow muck would be good to fork in.

 

Must admit I've been growing in raised beds for donkey's years. Wouldn't use any other method. Also I use railway sleepers as the walls. Used to use scaffold planks but sleepers are a bit more permanent!!

 

I have one raised bed to get my hands dirty again. Its one railway sleeper long and 1/2 wide and two high. So effort to build was minimum. I know its very different sat in a wheelchair but the width means you easily cover the whole bed from both sides without leaning on the bed to support. An OAP home has copied my simple style for their clients. Good luck, mine is great and full of leeks now!!

 

When you consider the Chinese have been gardening this way for about 2,000 years it makes you think.

 

Just to let you know, following everyones advice we hired a turf remover today so all the turf has gone now and its time to start digging.

 

Angelad, what happened to to turf? did you dump it or stack it?