Raised Bed Systems

Marmax products make raised bed sides from recycled plastic and donated this set to the new library and learning centre at RHS Harlow Carr.
Hard wearing, long lasting and doing its bit for recycling this use of plastic in the garden is to be admired.

Supplied in flat pack, kit form the sides are in depths of 140mm so you can also make 280 or 420 deep beds by using 1-3 levels screwed together. In old money I make that five and a half inches 11″ and 17″ or thereabouts.

Other Methods.

• The old railway sleepers took a bit of a dive when creosote was banned or frowned upon in gardens. The seepage of chemicals from sleepers seems small to me and the method is still popular if you find old sleepers.
• Diy fanatics may use log piles or build more substantial retaining walls.
• The BBC has a video featuring Monty Don that shows how and why raised beds are useful.
• For more pictures and ideas on the type of raised bed have a look at these images

Uses of Raised Beds

• Raised beds help improve drainage on heavy soil.
• Beds warm up quicker when raised and can be angled towards the sun.
• Smaller plants can be lifted for closer inspection or to get the perfume and it may avoid getting down on your knees.
• Flowers, vegetables and soft fruit can all be successfully grown in a raised bed.