There are several advantages to having raised beds in a garden. They are a good way of growing fruit and vegetables in particular, especially plants which may need “constraining” like strawberries which, if left untended, can become straggly with runners growing almost anywhere. A raised bed can also be a good way of growing plants which thrive in a different soil type from the rest of the garden. Lastly, raised beds are often easier to manage for gardeners with mobility or back problems.
When building a raised bed there are a few things to consider:
1. Make sure the bed is not too wide (less than 1.4m), so that it can be reached from the sides.
2. Ensure that the pathway in between beds is big enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow or perhaps a wheelchair for a disabled gardener.
3. Carefully select the materials for construction. Timber is cheap but will not be long-lasting. Railway sleepers will last longer but can be very heavy and bulky to manage. A more permanent solution is to lay bricks or stone.
It you have used treated wood in the construction of your raised bed, it may be best to line the bed with plastic, in case harmful chemicals used in the treatment process leach out into the soil.
You may also have to water your plants in a raised bed more frequently as drainage in the soil is usually improved.