DIY raised beds. Raised beds are a good option for any site. Multi-tiered raised beds and their advantages

How to design beautiful beds for the lazy, tall and smart beds - this is what a gardener needs to know who wants to make his life as independent as possible from gardening worries. If you wish, you just need to master the method of designing lazy beds, which you can see on the following photos. A garden bed of this type will allow you to enjoy a well-deserved rest at the dacha and will not require weeding every time. In addition, it is not only convenient, but also increases crop productivity.

Everyone knows how much time and effort needs to be devoted to each planted crop, which, however, sometimes does not even justify the result: the seedlings may not germinate or do not ultimately produce a normal amount of harvest. In this case, you should pay attention to the technology of lazy beds on your site!

Beautiful and comfortable

Lazy bed - absolutely new approach to caring for the garden, which will allow the seedlings to grow on their own and yield several times more harvest. It is based on a rule that states that digging and weeding the soil is prohibited, except for its preparation and planting itself. Even though constant weeding can remove weeds and fluff up the soil, sooner or later it will dry out and will not be able to provide sufficient moisture for crops.

In this approach, preparation itself is very important. future landing– it is advisable to do this in the fall, when you can collect material for mulching the soil (you need to cover it with straw, sawdust, pine cones, etc.), which, in turn, will prevent weeds from germinating in an area with such cover.

1. Install your own irrigation system. It is not necessary to choose the most expensive systems available in stores. In the case of such vegetable gardens, those from which you only need to press a button are quite suitable - and there will be no need to water it yourself. Watering will allow you to make beautiful beds: green and lush. It is also worth noting: watering can be done infrequently, but abundantly, giving the plants the necessary moisture until your next visit.
2. A tool for working in the garden is the key to saving time. Therefore, it is worth choosing one piece of equipment for many years. It can include not only the usual shovel and buckets, but also various little things that will make your work easier. Also, find a place for your inventory in advance.
3. At the beginning of the planting season, dig up the ground once and prepare it for future seedlings or seeds. Plant the plants and don’t disturb the earth anymore: mulching will do its job and protect you from weeds. All that remains for you before harvesting is to water the garden beds on time.

It's interesting and effective way, which is suitable for both lazy gardeners and experienced gardeners who know their business. A garden bed of this type will be worth the effort and can bring a lot of convenience.

High beds as a way to obtain an intensive harvest

Even though this is a very labor-intensive process at first - building the frame itself and watering the beds, it will allow you to forget about the bad climate and low yields.

The high bed is always exposed to the rays of the sun, which helps to warm up the soil layer, so it can be planted as early as April without fear of freezing, and the lower mesh will prevent the invasion of moles and mice. A frame that is not too wide (within 150 cm) will allow you to care for the bed on both sides. If you divide it into two strips 80 cm wide, you can even make it yourself greenhouse, passing the film over both landings. It is worth noting that it is the high beds that provide the most early harvest first salads, and then picky vegetables. The only problem is more frequent watering, since water does not stay in such soil for a long time.

Despite all the difficulties at the beginning, the planting justifies the effort put into it and lasts a long time without bringing much trouble, and the garden bed looks beautiful.



The smart bed for fragrant herbs only needs to be dug once, before planting the seedlings. Then it requires a minimum of attention and care

This article describes all the intricacies of the process during which raised garden beds are created with your own hands: photos and detailed descriptions of the technology, types of structures, their purpose and features, advantages and disadvantages. Specificity of vertical products intended for growing strawberries, cucumbers and other crops, recommendations for their production.

Do-it-yourself raised beds at the dacha: photoand design features

The construction of raised beds opens up new opportunities for growing crops in the garden. This approach to organizing plantings allows you to create on the site interesting design, effectively grow berries, fruits and vegetables. There is an opportunity to get wonderful harvest from a site whose soil is not particularly fertile.

Warming up of tall structures occurs much faster than that of ordinary beds. The process of caring for plants is simplified because a person does not have to bend too low.

Pay attention! Used as filler for raised beds organic matter. Due to the fact that plant roots are located in a nutrient medium, crops grow faster and produce a rich harvest.

Features of raised beds: pros and cons of designs

The construction of such structures is accompanied by minimal costs, so summer residents prefer to make high beds for strawberries and vegetable crops.

Advantages of raised structures:

• the availability of a crop does not depend on the quality and composition of the soil on the site. Thanks to this, summer residents and gardeners can grow plants in areas with rocky surfaces or heavy clay soil;
• beds simplify the process of cultivating the land and do not require extensive care. You only need to dig the ground twice. The first time is in the spring, when the plant is planted, the second time the procedure is done in the fall after harvesting;
• for processing it is not necessary to dig the soil deeply; it is enough to stir the soil with a garden fork;

• The production of high beds is as simple as possible, as is the procedure for dismantling them. The placement of structures can be easily changed if you want to create new design on the site;
• the space inside the product is limited, so removing weeds is not difficult;
• accelerated ripening of vegetables in high beds is facilitated by good drainage system, which is organized inside the structure;
• the soil in high beds is protected from freezing, which often happens in the spring when frost returns. During early autumn frosts, it is enough just to cover the plantings with tarpaulin or polyethylene so that they do not die;
• the construction of high beds for strawberries allows you to save the berries from being washed away by rainstorms, which often destroy the crop.

The designs have few disadvantages. They consist in the need for enhanced mineral nutrition and frequent watering. You will also need to keep an eye on the mole cricket. This pest loves to live in high beds.

How to make a raised garden bed with your own hands: common technologies

Most in demand among owners summer cottages the following types of beds:

• bulk gardens triangular shape;
• multi-tiered structures;
• trapezoidal bulk beds;
• decorative vegetable gardens.

Pay attention! To arrange high beds is not required high costs. Many summer residents use improvised materials for these purposes. In most cases, to create raised beds, it is enough to buy bricks, as well as a mixture that improves soil quality and drainage.

To build a high, triangular-shaped mound garden, you only need a shovel. The dimensional parameters of the bed are selected taking into account what plants will be grown. The size of the root system of crops is taken into account. Maximum permissible height the bulk garden is 0.3 m, the width is about 0.7 m. In the process of filling the bed with soil, there is no need to compact the soil.

A similar scheme is used to create a trapezoidal bed. The upper part of the bulk garden should not exceed 0.3 m in width. You can use boards to cover the upper slopes. It is also possible to use mulch, which will have a positive effect on the condition of the soil.

To make a multi-tiered strawberry bed with your own hands, a profile pipe or fittings are suitable. Metal structural elements are fastened by welding or bolting. Ready frame base containers or boxes filled with soil are put on.

Making raised beds: photo and choice of material

Fences on high beds are needed to ensure that the soil with plants is inside the structure. Most often, beams or boards are used for construction. Do-it-yourself technologies for making high beds from slate are also popular.

Wood is considered traditional material, allowing you to create practical and reliable designs for high beds. Slate is also popular, but less environmentally friendly. In addition, it has one significant drawback - its fragile structure. During the construction of a vegetable garden, this material can be damaged if the rules for handling it are neglected.

The most durable and strong beds are made from brick or stone. Large elements are connected using concrete mortar. Concrete itself is often used, when working with which you should carefully consider the shape, dimensional parameters and location of the garden, since the bed in this case will be stationary and it will not be possible to move it over time. When making structures from concrete, stone or brick, it is important not to overdo it with the thickness and width of the frame. In massive products, the earth will not be able to warm up quickly.

Summer residents also use other budget materials:

• empty bottles;
• old plastic boxes;
• ready-made structures in the form of plastic fencing.

Pay attention! Construction of high beds from plastic panels is the most budget method get a vegetable garden. You can even find plastic slate in the assortment of individual stores.

Features of raised beds by Igor Lyadov: design of beds, photos and parameters

Igor Lyadov’s beds are based on technology invented at the end of the twentieth century by Jacob Mittlider. The American worked on creating optimal structures for growing strawberries. These products are distinguished from ordinary box beds by their reduced width - only 45 cm. Any material can be used to make the sides, but boards are most often used.

Fertile soil and a layer of sawdust are used as filler. Mittlider set aside a width of 0.9 m for the paths between the structures. To prevent the growth of weeds in this area, the vegetable grower spread agrofibre.

Unlike his American colleague, Igor Lyadov suggests using organic matter rather than mineral supplements. He became the author of several recipes, which include such traditional fertilizers as bird droppings and manure, as well as herbs. The design of the beds looks somewhat different in the photo. Lyadov's high beds are 0.6-1 m wide.

Between the structures there are passages 0.6-0.8 m wide. This area can be covered with roofing felt, sand, tiles or sawdust to make it easier to move along the plantings and not think about weeds. The space between the paths between the beds is often sown with lawn grass. But in this case, you will have to periodically mow the vegetation so that the passages look neat and do not go beyond their boundaries.

Pay attention! Igor Lyadov strictly indicated the placement of the beds. Plantings should be placed from north to south. This is the only way the plants will be provided with the necessary level of sunlight.

Do-it-yourself raised bed: how to make itwooden structure

The technology provides for the construction of a bed, the width of which is 180 cm, length - 3 m, height - 40 cm. However, the dimensional parameters of the structure can be changed taking into account the area summer cottage. At the first stage of construction, it is selected optimal place for placing a vegetable garden. It is better if the selected area is illuminated by the sun for at least 5 hours throughout the day. Even a place unsuitable for growing crops, such as a vacant lot, is suitable for this purpose.

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After this, the design of the beds at the dacha is developed; photos of interesting placement options can be found on the Internet or in gardening magazines. Before construction begins, the site is cleared of debris, stones and rhizomes of perennial weeds. Annual weeds do not need to be removed, since the need for this procedure disappears during the initial digging of the territory.

First, the fences are prepared. To do this, you will need to cut the material so that you get 4 boards 1.8 m long and 4 boards 3 m long. In addition, wooden blocks should be prepared, each 40 cm high. A cut should be made at the ends of the boards intended for assembling the frame at an angle of 45°.

Before you begin assembling the frame, you should process wooden elements special impregnation or antiseptic to stop rotting processes and prevent rapid deterioration of the material, which can be caused by exposure to moisture. The outside of the boards can be painted or coated with a varnish. IN decorative purposes Patterns can be applied to the surface. After waiting for it to dry completely, you can begin assembling the box. If the bed design provides two levels, each of the tiers is fastened with beams.

Useful advice! To protect the plantings from moles and rodents, it is recommended to nail a net at the bottom.

How to fill a raised bed made of boards with your own hands

Filling the high bed is carried out in the following order:

• The drainage system is laid as the first layer; for its organization it is used tree bark, which needs to be chopped, fallen leaves, small twigs and wood shavings;
• the second layer is formed from fertilizers; manure is well suited for organizing this layer; it is better if it is rotted;
• a water-permeable material is used as the third layer; it is performed in the same way as the first layer;
• the basis for the fourth layer is organic matter; this layer can be supplemented with complex mineral fertilizer;
• The fifth layer is fertile soil, the composition of the soil depends on the plants that will be grown in the garden bed, the minimum thickness of the fertile layer is 10 cm.

After the bed is filled, it should be watered generously and allowed to sit for 2-3 days so that all the layers can settle. It is not recommended to immediately start sowing or planting seedlings. It is better to keep the bed for some time so that it has time to warm up well. To do this, you need to cover the structure with black material. Polyethylene will do.

Useful advice! If the construction of the beds is carried out in late summer or autumn, the structure should be left covered until spring.

Making vertical beds with your own hands: photos and technologies

Vertical beds are used for growing spices and berries. The advantages of such structures are associated with a decorative appearance, saving space and protecting crops from birds and various pests.

The construction of vertical beds will be an excellent solution for planting crops that require a lot of space on the site. These structures are ideal for growing herbs, wild strawberries, flowers, and strawberries. Moreover, owners of summer cottages can not only build them themselves, but also buy ready-made vertical beds in one of the specialized stores.

Why is it profitable to create or buy a vertical bed for strawberries?

There are many design options for vertical beds, but their main advantage is their compact size. Moreover, this advantage of the products will be beneficial not only to owners of small summer cottages, but also to people who want to grow herbs or berries on their balcony. Light bed, made from plastic bottles, is best suited for these purposes.

Vertically installed beds do not require complex care. The plantings are at a sufficient height to allow weeding or harvesting to be carried out in comfortable conditions. To do this, you do not need to bend low and endure back pain. In this case, the plants and their roots are raised high above the ground, out of reach of rodents and small pests. Pyramid or cylinder-shaped beds make it difficult for birds to land comfortably to eat the berries.

Prices for ready-made structures:

Product name	Price, rub.
Agrotextile bed	150
Plastic mesh bed	490
Pipe with holes	1500
Pipe with holes	3200
Vertical ladder	4700

Making a pyramid bed for strawberries with your own hands: dimensions and technology

For work you will need the following tools and materials:

• jigsaw or hacksaw;
• edged board size 40×5×20 cm (11 pcs.);

• screwdriver and set of screws;
• pencil and tape measure;
• seedlings and soil.

To create the base, 4 support boards are used. To make them, you can cut a board 2 m long. It is recommended to make cuts at an acute angle so that it is convenient to connect the pieces later.

Useful advice! To increase the rigidity of the structure, an additional pillar should be placed in the central part of the pyramidal bed to act as a support.

After this, a pair of boards 2 m long, with an angular cut at the edges, are laid on a horizontal plane and connected to each other. A rail is mounted into the base to organize the future bed and is fixed on both sides. The dimensions of this element are 5x40x5 cm. The resulting side of the pyramid should be installed vertically and the second and third sides should be secured to it. They are made in a similar way.

When the frame part of the pyramid is ready, use a tape measure to measure the length of the slats intended for making beds. They should be placed in increments of 25-30 cm. To secure the slats, you will need to cut the ends at an angle of 30° to make the shelf raised. Upon completion of assembly, the structure is filled with soil, which should be compacted. The products can also be successfully used for growing vegetables and herbs.

Technology for making vertical beds for strawberries from plastic pipes

This design option is great not only for growing strawberries, but also for greens.

List of required tools and materials:

• plastic pipes of the required length with a large diameter;
• steel cable (can be replaced with thick fishing line);
• construction knife for cutting pipes.

The large diameter of the pipes is necessary so that the pipe cut in half can accommodate the amount of soil required for growing plants. The product is cut lengthwise. To fix the beds in a vertical position, holes should be made on both sides of each half. A steel cable or thick fishing line is passed through them. The halves are placed one above the other according to the principle of a ladder. The number of such half-levels can be unlimited.

Pay attention! Since the structure can swing when suspended, it is recommended to install the bed in places protected from the wind.

Do-it-yourself construction of vertical beds from construction mesh

Small vegetable gardens created on the basis of a building grid are suitable for growing strawberries, flowers, herbs or potatoes. To work you will need:

• construction metal mesh;
• soil;
• straw;
• tool for cutting metal wire.

To create a bed, you will need to bend a rectangular piece of mesh into the shape of a pipe, the diameter of which is 0.9 m. Using wire or other devices, the edges of the section must be fastened in this position. Straw is placed on the sides inside the structure. Thanks to this, the soil will not spill out. Free space is filled in .

If you intend to grow potatoes, the first level of plants should be located at a height of 50 cm from the ground. Approximately 10 cm should be left between crops. After this, the first layer is shed, 50 cm of soil is laid again and the plants are planted. A tower bed can have any height. To make your vertical bed more attractive appearance You can use black film instead of straw.

Technologies for making vertical beds for strawberries with your own hands from pots

Flower pots can be used successfully to grow strawberries. Such designs have a decorative appearance. Clay or plastic products are suitable for work. The result is a multi-level design. The number of such levels is limited only by personal wishes. Pots are selected so that each subsequent one has a smaller diameter than the previous one. It is desirable that the difference in size between each pair of pots be approximately the same.

The largest pot is placed in the chosen location and filled with soil. After this, a smaller pot is placed in it, etc. When the structure is ready, plants are planted in the soil and watered.

The next option is based on pots of the same diameter. Only one of them should be large. It will be installed at the very base of the structure. Inside big pot a metal rod or wooden stick should be placed.

Pay attention! The size of the rod must be selected so that its diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the hole located at the base of the pot.

The pot is filled with soil. The remaining products are strung one by one onto a rod through a hole at the bottom. The result is a multi-tiered structure with pots that seem to balance on top of each other. They are filled with soil, where plants are then planted.

If there is a tall stump or pole on the site, the pots can be fixed to it. Under no circumstances should this be done on a living tree. Products are fixed around the circumference in any order. The spiral looks beautiful from the outside. You can also use the technique of placing pots in a checkerboard pattern. The only drawback of this garden bed is the inconvenient watering system.

Manufacturing technology and photos of vertical beds for strawberries made from tires with your own hands

A tower made from car tires is made in exactly the same way as a structure made from flower pots. Tires are selected for construction different diameters. This material has a significant drawback. Old car tires are not environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is recommended to create such beds for one-time use, and after a year to build new ones from other tires.

Before starting work, car tires need to be prepared:

• thoroughly clean them of dirt and stones;
• dry;
• paint if necessary.

After this, the largest tire should be laid on one side. On the other hand, the side part with the hole for the disk is cut off. The finished element is filled with soil and planted with plants. You should do the same with other tires and install them one on top of the other so that the size of each next one is smaller size previous one.

Useful advice! Car tires can be beautifully decorated, as is usually done with flower beds made from this material. For these purposes, you can use bright colors, patterns, or make decorative cuts.

Making your own raised beds for strawberries from scrap materials

Plants will look great in a bed made from a bag. This design can be conveniently placed on a fence, wall of a gazebo, house, barn or any other permanent building. To work you will need a bag made of plastic or natural fabric. Burlap is much better in terms of performance. It is environmentally friendly and, unlike plastic, is reusable. The fact is that artificial materials undergo rapid destruction under the influence of the sun.

On the other hand, burlap has a good throughput, providing air access to the plants. To prevent the bottom and sides of the bag from breaking through over time under the influence of gravity, it is recommended to stitch them several times. A loop is made at the top of the product for hanging. On one side of the bag there are holes for planting plants. After this, the bed can be filled with soil and planted.

Multi-tier structures can be made from wooden or plastic boxes of different sizes. They are stacked one on top of the other with a gradual decrease in dimensional parameters. This ladder of boxes can be painted in bright color and place it around a tree or pole.

Useful advice! To create a garden bed you can use old chest of drawers, pushing his boxes forward and filling them with soil. Other unnecessary furniture will also be suitable for these purposes.

Recommendations for creating vertical beds for strawberries

Before you start making a vegetable garden, it would be useful to take into account some tips for the optimal construction of structures:

• if the bed has large size, assembly must be carried out directly at the installation site, otherwise problems with transportation may arise, during which the product can be damaged;

• a decorative garden with berries should be placed strictly in the sun. If the vertical bed will be used for growing herbs, then its structure can be located not far from the kitchen;
• The soil for filling the beds should be prepared in advance. For berries, sandy loam soil mixed with peat, fertilizer and hydrogel is suitable. Quail compost is optimal as a feed;
• you need to think in advance about a system that will protect the beds from frost in winter time. Will the structure be covered or brought indoors;
• It is recommended to locate the garden closer to the water source to make it more convenient to regularly water the plants.

Pay attention! The construction of vertical beds for cucumbers is also welcomed by many summer residents. Most of the designs are made by analogy with products for strawberries. Since cucumbers belong to the category of climbing crops, the bed should be supplemented with supports to which the plants will cling.

Making vertical beds for cucumbers with your own hands: photos of interesting designs

A vertical bed for cucumbers can be presented various options designs. Most often, bags or products made of plastic are used to grow these crops. The surface for fixing the beds can be the walls of buildings, nets or shields, as well as all kinds of partitions. Vertical bed for cucumbers you can arrange them inside with your own hands plastic pipe. This product is closed on one side and hung vertically on the crossbars.

A net made of plastic is considered the simplest option for organizing a decorative garden for cucumbers. The product is positioned vertically and the plants rise up the mesh as they grow. Similar option beds can be bought ready-made or made yourself. To do this, you will need a thick fishing line and straight tree branches that will serve as supports. They are placed in a circle with equal spacing and at the top they are connected at one point so that a peculiar resemblance to a hut is obtained.

Using thick fishing line, you need to walk around the circle, forming a vertical base to secure the plants as they grow. If it is intended to build a bed in the form of a net for cucumbers, it is strictly forbidden to use hardware. Such structures will overheat on hot summer days and injure the plants, leaving burns on them. A safe option for growing cucumbers are bags or canvas bags.

For the construction of vertical structures, it is allowed to use unusual materials, for example, pallets, old furniture, empty stumps, etc. An unusual approach to decor will allow you to create not only a vegetable garden, but a beautiful decorative composition, which will optimally fit into the space of the summer cottage.

If you want your garden to produce large harvests, make high, warm beds. Many gardeners are already using them on their plots. We will analyze the pros and cons of such beds.

Cons

The first disadvantage: the difficulty of making a high, warm bed. The arrangement process takes a lot of time and effort. Needs to be removed top layer soil. Install a frame made of boards, bricks, logs or slate. Place “organic pies”: cardboard and large branches down, cover with soil and mulch on top.

Read also: Types of electric heaters

The second disadvantage: the garden bed dries out quickly in hot weather and it needs to be watered more often, and all the plants in the garden need to be mulched. Mulch will help retain moisture.

Pros

Plus the first: due to the fact that the beds are located above ground level, the sun's rays warm them up faster than the rest of the soil on the site. Therefore, in a garden with “smart” beds, the planting season can begin earlier.

Plus the second: Convenient to regulate soil moisture. Water does not stagnate, so in a rainy year the plants will not suffer from its excess. In hot summers, the beds will have to be watered more.

Plus the third: Weeds are kept out of the raised bed because of the fence. At the same time, weeds growing between the beds can be used as mulch. It will protect the soil from drying out and become excellent fertilizer for crops growing in the garden.

Plus the fourth: A vegetable garden with high beds is easy to cultivate. Because the beds are above ground level, there is no need to bend over to the plants.

Plus the fifth: minimum labor costs. Even though we will spend a lot of effort on building raised beds, we will save 90% of time in the future. High warm beds will not need to be dug up if you sow them with green manure after each season.

We use natural farming

After the harvest is harvested, you need to sow the beds with green manure. This will eliminate the need to prepare the beds for the spring season. Green manure plays a big role in snow retention in winter and prevents the rapid evaporation of moisture in spring. They loosen the soil and improve its structure.

The choice of green manure depends on what crop you plan to plant in the garden next season. For example, mustard cannot be planted where there is next year cabbage or radishes will grow. Phacelia is a universal green manure and deoxidizes the soil well.

A “smart” vegetable garden does not require much attention, but produces good harvests.

Benefits of a raised bed

This simple construction will greatly simplify your country life:

1. Ideal for a small area (as opposed to a garden in rows).
2. Suitable for rocky and infertile soil.
3. Compared to a conventional garden, it produces more yields from the same area. This is due to better drainage and deep rooting of plants.
4. Extends the growing season, since in cold regions with the arrival of spring you can begin cultivating the soil earlier.
5. Simplifies the gardening process. For example, dense planting creates shade (which acts as mulch) to prevent weed growth.

Materials for building a raised bed

Many gardeners are concerned about the safety of framing wood. First, remember that pressed wood impregnated with a CCA family antiseptic cannot be used. It releases arsenic. There are several options to increase the shelf life of wood:

1. Today, when pressed wood is mass-produced, a mixture of chemicals is added to protect it from rotting due to moisture. Despite the fact that this type of wood is certified and safe for plants, some still doubt this and prefer to use alternative environmentally friendly materials.
2. More expensive breeds trees, such as cedar, contain natural oils, which prevent rotting, increasing the durability of the material. They are expensive, but they will last much longer.
3. The thicker the board, the longer it will not rot. For example, a two-inch larch wall can last for 10 years without any maintenance.

You can also use concrete blocks or bricks, but keep in mind that concrete increases the acidity of the soil over time.

Some people even use railroad ties, but I don’t recommend this. If old samples can still be suitable, then when making new ones they use treatment with creosote, which is toxic.

How to make garden beds without boards?

I heard on TV about the use of boards to create beautiful and comfortable beds. Unfortunately, such a quantity of material is not available. Tell me, is it possible to replace them with something and how to make beds in the garden without boards?

With the arrival of spring, every gardener faces the question of how to arrange the beds so that the crops have all the conditions for development and fruiting. Besides correct location beds make caring for them much easier.

Recently, raised beds made using a frame made of boards have been gaining popularity. However, not everyone has the opportunity to build them due to lack or shortage wood material. Don’t despair, because there are still many ways to make garden beds without using boards.

Most often, a vegetable garden is planned using the following beds:

• standard;
• narrow;
• tall.

Standard beds

Such beds are located at the same height as the garden, do not protrude above the soil and do not go deep into it. The location of the beds, their width and length depend only on the preferences of the gardener. The distance between rows is usually made no more than 50 cm in order to gain access to plants for care. To mark the beds, pull a rope or use a special garden marker.

It is good to make standard beds on flat areas that are evenly illuminated by the sun.

Narrow beds

For arranging narrow beds, only a flat surface with good lighting is suitable. Their feature is a fairly large row spacing (up to 1 m), despite the fact that the width of the beds themselves is only 45 cm. Narrow beds rise slightly above the soil surface (20 cm).

In the place where it is planned to lay out the beds, they dig up the soil and apply fertilizers (the row spacings themselves are not fertilized):

• dolomite flour;
• complex of minerals.

This type of beds is also called beds according to the Mittlider method, the scientist who invented it. To increase productivity in high beds, he recommended regularly watering them and fertilizing them industrial production, excluding compost and manure.

Raised beds (without the use of boards)

To arrange high beds, a frame 90 cm high and 120 cm wide is pre-installed, which is filled nutritious soil. The dimensions of the raised bed may vary. The basis of the frame, in addition to the boards, are:

Stationary beds made of slate - video

Planning and dimensions

Having decided on the type of wood, you can proceed to planning the future construction:

1. Choose a location that will receive sufficient sunlight.
2. The standard width of the bed is 120 cm. This size provides unobstructed access to the plants without having to step inside;
3. The length of the structure is not important. Sections are often made 120x240 cm or 120x360 cm.
4. The depth can vary, but should be at least 15 cm. The roots require between 15 and 30 cm, so the ideal depth is 30 cm.
5. Before installing the bed, check that the soil is not compacted. To do this, loosen it with a garden fork to a depth of 15–20 cm. For improved rooting, some gardeners remove the top layer of soil (to the depth of a shovel), then dig out the next layer and mix it together with the first.

Building a Raised Bed

To support the structure, install wooden poles in each corner (and every 60 cm for long beds). I recommend doing this with inside- this way the supports will be less noticeable.

The support pillars must be dug in approximately 60%, leaving top part above the ground. Make sure they are all the same height, otherwise the sections will end up uneven.

Then install the bottom row of boards and make sure they are all level. After that, nail the rest. It is best to use galvanized nails or screws.

In order to comfortably move between the beds, you should leave a passage of 60-70 cm.

Soil to fill

Fill the sections with a mixture of topsoil, compost and other organic materials (such as manure) to provide the plants with a nutrient-rich environment.

Please note that the soil in such beds dries out faster, which is useful in spring and autumn. However, in the summer, cover the top layer of soil with straw, mulch or hay.

Frequent watering is necessary for any plants located in an elevated position. This is especially true for the early stages of their growth in raised beds.

What plants can be planted

Almost any crop can be grown in raised beds. Vegetables are the most common, but fruits, bushes and even trees have also been successfully planted. Just remember that some plants will grow beyond their section and this should be taken into account when planning the layout.

A few general guidelines will help you maximize the benefits of your vegetable garden.

Continuity. Timely replacement of seedlings will ensure continuous production. When one crop is harvested, have ready-made seedlings for replanting in place of the old ones. For best result Use fast-ripening varieties to get maximum fruit in one season.

Dense planting. Plant various cultures tightly to each other to save space. Plants should be at such a distance that their leaves touch each other, shielding the ground from the sun's rays. This will prevent weeds from appearing and retain moisture, eliminating the need to frequently water, weed and mulch the soil. Since plants will crowd each other as they ripen, collect early ripening ones first, leaving space for others to fully develop. For example, combine lettuce leaves with these seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli or peppers.

Different cultures are allies, not rivals. Plants have different root lengths. Planting them nearby is the key to better use the entire volume of the bed. For example, you can combine beans that have short roots and beets that have deep roots. This way you will eliminate competition between cultures. It is also beneficial to plant vegetables that require a lot of nutrients (cabbage, cucumbers) together with beans or carrots that are unpretentious in this regard.

Help me grow. If there is a fence on the north side of the bed, then the tallest plants planted there will not cast a shadow on the others. Don't let climbing varieties grow chaotically, taking up valuable space. Help them grow in the right direction.

Cultivated plants growing in garden plots provide their owners with a large amount of very useful nutrients and vitamins. And what kind of nutrition should gardeners provide plants in order to have good harvest? Sunlight, heat, watering, fertilizers and good land. And good soil is soft, crumbly soil with a high content of humus.

What to do if the land near the dacha is completely different. Somewhere there is heavy clay, somewhere there is sand with stones. The only way out in this situation is high beds, which can be poured onto any flat surface.

What is the advantage of raised beds over ordinary ones, and what are they? A high bed is a bed with a height of more than 10-15 cm if the soil below is normal, and more than 30 cm if the base is not suitable for plants.

Its main advantages include:

1. you can plant plants in any area, even rocky ones;
2. it’s easier to work with plants - you don’t have to bend deeply;
3. the garden bed warms up faster in the sun, which means you can plant plants and harvest earlier;
4. it’s easier to cover with a film greenhouse or agrofibre;
5. plants are not afraid of heavy rains, thanks to natural drainage;
6. you can make wide paths between the beds - it’s convenient to walk and work with the beds;
7. the site takes on a cultural appearance.

The principle of beds or ridges itself is used when growing almost all garden plants. When sowing on large fields, the ridges are created by the tractor. They can be of different widths, depending on the type of plant. Any ridges are needed in order to improve the supply of oxygen to plants, systematize weeding, and protect against waterlogging. You need to be objective when assessing the pros and cons of raised beds before you start building them.

Building one high bed from boards, plastic panels or bricks with your own hands will take the same amount of time as digging up three ordinary ones.

In addition, during periods of drought, every 10 cm of high bed will need an additional 5 liters of water per meter of area when watering. If the raised bed has already been built, then you only have to work with the soil hand tools, a walk-behind tractor or cultivator will not enter such a bed. Few people are going to make raised beds with their own hands on a plot of more than 10 acres. When the plot is small, but you want to have a large harvest, high beds will be the right solution.

Types of fencing for raised beds

The most common and cheap option– make raised beds with your own hands from boards. The wood is easy to process and does not contain harmful substances. But it quickly rots upon contact with the ground. You can treat the wood with a special impregnation; the antiseptic contains substances that are poisonous to insects and microbes.

Wattle made from vines and twigs is also not durable, but it is a beautiful option. To do this, you need skills for such work. Using stones or bricks will make the bed very durable. The disadvantage is the high cost of bricks and decorative stone, although in some places this material is easily found in a quarry or landfill. In any case, the work is not fast and hard.

Plastic ones have already appeared on sale in many construction stores. They cost more than simple boards, but are more durable. The plastic strips are relatively soft and require more posts for fastening. Metal fencing stronger than plastic ones, but they rust without proper treatment. The cost of metal is comparable to the cost of plastic. Concrete fencing is very durable and reliable option, but one of the most labor-intensive. It will require the construction of formwork, installation of metal reinforcement, mixing and pouring of mortar.

A very simple and durable option is to make your own slate beds. You can use the cheapest wavy sheet, or you can use a more durable and beautiful flat sheet. Slate – pretty brittle material, will require additional pegs. It is easy to cut with a grinder, but its dust contains asbestos, which is prohibited for use in many countries of the world. Since structures made of wood are the most common option, using this example we will look at how to make high beds from available materials.

DIY wooden fencing

The durability of the structure depends on the thickness of the boards. But in order to save money, you can also buy the cheapest boards 25 mm thick, fourth grade. It is better to plan the installation of raised beds with your own hands in advance, and immediately decide on the desired height and size of the bed.

For example, it was decided to build a bed 3 meters long and 1 meter wide, 30 cm high. It is necessary to saw off the boards to the required length and nail them together with small crossbars. It is better to do this on a flat horizontal platform. Having put together 4 shields, you can take them to the location of the bed. To connect the corners, use 50x50 bars or metal corners. If thick boards are used, you can do without additional corner fasteners and use long nails or self-tapping screws. If the bed is more than 3 meters, it is worth using additional crossbars every few meters. To secure the bed to the ground, wooden or metal pegs are driven in.

The raised beds of Igor Lyadov have become very famous - the design of the beds is well suited to buildings made of logs. For the longitudinal walls, tree trunks cleared of bark are used. The length can be very different. The beds are made across the beds with boards 60-150 cm long. Logs are a cheap material, and they can remain strong for more than 10 years.

Filling raised beds

The filling sequence is the secret to making raised warm beds correctly. To protect plants from rodents and moles, the very bottom of the beds can be covered with a fine construction mesh, nailed to the bottom of the walls. Lay a layer of geotextile on top of the mesh, which will protect the beds from weeds and prevent the fertile layer from going deeper. To protect against weeds, old cardboard will do for a while.

Next, you need to make a drainage layer, these can be small branches, tree bark, large shavings, leaves. Then you can lay a layer of grass, preferably without seeds. The grass will rot, releasing heat. Over time it will turn into a fertile layer. Next, add humus from manure, bird droppings or compost. Mineral fertilizers are added if necessary. A layer of good fertile soil is poured on top, in which seeds or seedlings can be planted. DIY tall ones are almost ready. You need to make the layers equal, about 10 cm each. There is no need to mix the layers or dig up the bed. For the top layer, you can buy soil from a mixture of peat and humus. At the end of the work, the bed is watered abundantly. The construction of the raised bed is complete.

To reduce moisture evaporation and prevent the growth of weeds, you can cover high warm beds with dark agrofibre.

Weed control in this way is especially important when growing perennial plants. And the most popular perennial plant in the garden is strawberries.

Strawberries on high beds

How will strawberries feel in high beds? Great, and putting it together is a pleasure. This berry really does not like waterlogged soil; in the lowlands it is almost impossible to harvest a good harvest. There is a way to make raised beds for strawberries with your own hands without using solid building materials.

It is better to start arranging a plot for strawberries in the fall. Choose a well-lit area 150-200 cm wide, of any length, well lit by the sun. It is necessary to remove the turf layer, about 10 cm. Coarse organic matter (tree branches, hard grass) 60 cm wide, up to 20 cm high is poured into the center. On top - succulent plant remains in a layer of 15 cm. You can use several rows with layers of straw. Soddy soil and another 15 cm of fallen leaves are poured on top. Next, a layer of humus or compost. Fertile soil is laid on top. All layers are well watered. The total height of the bed can reach up to 50 cm. And this is left until spring.

In spring, the entire bed is covered with special non-woven material. On top you need to make two rows of slits into which strawberries are planted. Since it is not difficult to make raised beds for strawberries (no need to build anything), you can reap a very good harvest. Moreover, the strawberries will not need to be fed; they will have enough nutrients from the decomposition of the compost. But you need to water very abundantly.

Raised beds in small areas

Many gardeners have vegetable gardens of no more than one or two acres. They are the ones who need high beds in the country. Thanks to excellent conditions for plants, you can get bountiful harvest. How smaller area plot, the higher the bed needs to be made. Many people manage to grow two crops a year. How to make high beds at the dacha and grow a bag of potatoes from one square meter? The proven method has long been known.

First, make a square bed 1 m wide and up to 20 cm high. 4-5 potatoes are planted at the bottom. When the sprouts begin to emerge from the ground, but before the green leaves have opened, the sprouts are covered with a layer of soil and another layer of 10-20 cm boards is placed. You can plant 4 more potatoes. And so they do 3 layers, bringing the height of the bed to 1 meter. The main condition for a good harvest is abundant watering. In the fall, the layers of boards are removed and several buckets of potatoes are obtained.

Raised beds in a greenhouse

In a small garden plot there is always a place for a greenhouse. Greenhouses are designed to create comfortable conditions heat-loving plants and getting a good harvest. Raised beds in a greenhouse serve just this purpose.

An ordinary bed made of boards can serve as the basis for a small greenhouse. And vice versa, the foundation of a standard greenhouse, 2-3 meters wide, made of timber or concrete, will be on one side warm bed. Since it is easy to make raised beds in a greenhouse, you can raise them a little higher than in an open space. Usually in a greenhouse 2.5 meters wide there are 2 beds along long walls greenhouses. But with a width of 3 meters, you can already make 3 beds: 2 narrow on the sides, and one wide in the middle.

The raised bed itself needs abundant watering, and located in a greenhouse, requires special control of soil moisture levels. To make work easier, it is recommended to install it on high beds in a greenhouse, with an automatic switching function.

Most gardeners who have made raised beds on their site do not regret it. Yes, the initial labor costs are quite high. But as a result, there are beautiful high beds - there is no shame in bringing guests and showing them your well-groomed garden. Ordinary beds look beautiful only during the strong growing season of plants. And raised beds, made carefully and with love, are pleasing to the eye, both in spring and autumn. Reviews for raised beds are always good. Less effort is spent on caring for plants, and the harvest is pleasing.

Everyone decides for himself which beds are better - high or low. Low beds are for those who want to quickly dig up, plant, and then, somehow, someone will weed and loosen everything. High beds - for those who make it themselves, plant it themselves, and in the summer they will only water it or, having installed automatic watering, will not have any hassle at all.

Caring for a vegetable garden has always taken a lot of time and effort. It is necessary to cultivate a large plot of land, although a significant part of it is not even used for growing vegetables. Regular digging, weeding and protection from underground pests - these regular problems are routine for the average gardener. However, as an alternative, high beds are used, which can relieve the owner of these problems.

The design consists of several layers, which is why it is sometimes called lasagna. As can be seen in the photo, only a few of them are used to feed plants. There are five layers in total:

• Wood chocks;
• Tree branches and bark;
• Paper;
• Leaves and grass;
• Earth.

Another layer is also noted - a metal network, but it does not play any role in plant nutrition and is necessary only for protection. The presence of a mesh prevents various pests from accessing the ground, protecting the roots.

Fertile soil is used only for the top filling of the bed. The plant itself sits in it, which further develops, increases in size and sends out layers of roots into the next layer. The combination of leaves and grass is a nutrient layer necessary to supply the roots of the plant with useful substances. Next come semi-protective components like bark, logs and paper scraps. They are necessary for the exchange of substances with the surrounding earth, as well as for filtering moisture.

All these components of the bed are limited on the sides by brick or wooden frame. This design provides the plant with a full range of useful substances and promotes its accelerated growth. And safety here is extremely high, which will make it possible to use high beds when there is an abundance of pests.

The advantages of such a garden

The ease of use of garden beds has made them a very popular solution. They are practical, simple and reliable, and their maintenance is minimal. Although the process of creating them is extremely simple, it saves a lot of effort and money that could later be spent on caring for a regular garden.

Among the main advantages of raised beds it is worth noting:

It is much more convenient to remove various weeds in a high bed. The reason for this is not only the high location, but also the loose soil. There is no need to use special tools for this; just take gloves and work with your hands.

Navigation and marking are greatly simplified, because the plantings are already divided into blocks. This allows you to plant plants in different seasons and easily separate and label them. In addition, the design provides for the possibility of covering with a tarpaulin or other material. This allows you to shelter young plants from too much sun or create an impromptu greenhouse during cold weather.

It is also worth noting that such planting can be done even where the land is completely unsuitable for growing plants. The installation of such a structure does not depend on the main soil, and purchased soil can be used for further work. This allows you not to worry about the composition of the soil, the presence of stones and other debris.

Interesting ! Since soil can be purchased, it is possible to use different types for different beds. This will allow you to select suitable option for a specific plant crop.

Weeding is also not required for such areas. Lightly loosening the soil can easily replace it. The same applies to preliminary digging. Therefore, such regular procedures are no longer necessary, which saves a lot of time and effort. In addition, if necessary, the raised bed can be dismantled, returning to the original appearance of the garden.

Disadvantages of raised beds

However, there are also disadvantages to this planting method. It is not used everywhere, because in certain situations it is extremely inconvenient. Among the main disadvantages it is worth noting:

• Soil drying out;
• The need for regular feeding;
• Favorable conditions for the development of microflora harmful to plants;
• Building beds takes time and effort;
• Not recommended for growing cold-resistant crops.

The first disadvantage is the drying out of the soil. Since the structure is located at a height and has drainage holes for ventilation, the soil quickly dries out and weathers. This leads to the need for regular watering, as well as more frequent fertilization of plants.

Fertilizer is another drawback. Plants are not able to draw nutrients from the surrounding soil, so they are forced to limit themselves only to the nutrient layer of a high bed. This leads to the fact that for further growth they need additional feeding.

Advice ! Watering and fertilizing can be automated using special systems.

This greatly simplifies the care of a raised bed, so it is recommended everywhere. These problems can also be overcome by deepening the beds into the soil.

Since the remains of trees, leaves and grass are used for the garden bed, such conditions are quite suitable for the development of various fungi. This can destroy the plant from the roots, eliminating the entire crop. Therefore, this nuance is also worth monitoring, focusing on the health of the seedlings.

Another problem when using this kind of beds is the rapid heating of the soil. Although it contributes better development many plants, it is harmful to cold-resistant crops. If such a crop is subjected to overheating, it may shoot itself.

These were the main disadvantages of raised beds. There may be problems with them during the construction process, but all the previously mentioned advantages more than cover such disadvantages. Still, it is better to evaluate the feasibility of such beds in your garden.

What materials are used for raised beds?

Various materials can be used for raised beds. Their variety is not limited to brick or wood, this is not so important. After all, they are used only as a fence, so they can also serve a purely decorative role.

Among the most common options for such beds:

• Wood;
• Vine;
• Brick and stone;
• Metal;
• Plastic;
• Slate;
• Concrete.

An alternative could be a vine. It has a pleasant appearance, and can be easily replaced as it ages. The disadvantage is the extremely short service life of the bed, often not exceeding one year.

Next comes brick and stone. These durable materials are more often used for ornamental plants, but they can also be placed in the garden. They are durable and reliable, and do not change their appearance during operation. However, their construction requires special skills, a lot of time and effort. In addition, further dismantling of the high bed is significantly complicated.

Metal is a good option for a raised bed. It is convenient, simple and durable. If necessary, it can be easily moved to another place, because the thin layer of metal is light. But it also has disadvantages, including the need for welding, as well as surface treatment against corrosion.

Plastic is a good option to replace wood or metal. It is light, comfortable, and its strength is quite high. A special advantage is that plastic is practically indestructible in chemical terms, so it can serve for a long time.

Important ! When choosing plastic, you should pay attention to its type. Some types of this material may be hazardous, emitting harmful substances into the soil.

Concrete and slate are the simplest and practical solutions for beds. They are reliable, require low costs, and their service life is calculated in years. However, slate is quite fragile, and concrete requires a long time for installation.

All these materials are used to create raised beds. They are practical, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. This should be taken into account when making further selections.

How to make raised beds

The process of constructing raised beds is quite simple. You just need to understand general idea design and act in accordance with it. Using an example, a wooden bed will be dismantled, because working with wood is much easier.

The following elements are required for operation:

• Shovel;
• Drill;
• Roulette;
• Saw;
• Level;
• Self-tapping screws;
• Primer;
• Construction mesh.

You will need two types of wood. These are boards 50x200 mm, as well as timber 50x50 mm. The work is carried out in several stages, including:

1. Wood processing.
2. Site selection and preparation.
3. Frame assembly.
4. Installation.
5. Filling.

At the first stage, it is necessary to process the wood. Having pre-cut it, work is carried out on impregnation and drying of the material. The wood should be cut according to the future size of the raised bed.

Advice ! Sizes are selected individually.

Having cut the boards in accordance with the preliminary markings, you need to prescribe them with an antiseptic. Special attention you need to pay attention to the side that will be in contact with the ground. After which the material must be dried.

The area for the garden bed should be light enough and not contain perennial plants. It is recommended to dig up the soil so that it drains water better. During the process, various debris such as stones and branches are removed.

Next, the process of assembling the raised bed begins. The boards are knocked into walls, connected by means of timber. After completion of the work, it is recommended to prime the structure again. Next, it is installed in its future location and secured with wooden stakes. Fixation is only needed now; in the future, the frame will be held in place by soil.

• Wood shavings;
• Small branches and leaves;
• Paper scraps;
• Fertilizer layer;
• Fertile land.

Some additional layer of plant fertilizer can be placed in place of branches and shavings, but it is important to install a protective barrier for the bed. It can be either a natural component or geotextile.

Important ! The thickness of each layer is approximately 10 cm.

As a result, all that remains is to plant the plants in the garden bed and grow them. It is necessary to remember regular care and watering, because such structures are especially demanding on this.

These tips will make it easy to make a good high bed for your vegetable garden. The plants in them will develop quickly and give a good harvest. And for a better understanding of the design of raised beds, it is recommended to watch the following video: