The Benefits of the Bed System for Vegetables

The method of growing vegetables on the bed system was developed by commercial horticulture. Narrow beds are straddled by the wheels of tractors and other machinery used to cultivate the soil and care for the crops. The many benefits of growing this way are widely recognized and are now frequently employed by gardeners growing their own food. In fact most gardeners go one step beyond what many commercial growers practise by enclosing their beds and raising them above the surrounding paths.

The Benefits of Raised Beds

• One of the many benefits to be gained from raised beds is improved drainage. This is most relevant in areas of heavy rainfall and where the soil is heavy.
• Once the rain ceases and the land starts to drain, anyone with raised beds will be able to cultivate the soil sooner than if they gardened on the flat.
• Raised beds are especially good for vegetable growers because the improved drainage means the soil warms up more quickly in spring thereby allowing an earlier start to the growing season.
• Cultivations are done from the paths without walking on the soil. Treading damages the soil structure; thereby impairing the aeration and drainage which in turn results in poor root growth, unhealthy crops and reduced yield.
• When using raised beds, manures and fertilizers are only applied to the soil in the bed and not on the surrounding paths. This means none is wasted on un-cropped ground as is the case with large rectangular beds and widely spaced rows.
• Close, equidistant spacing is used for many crops. This ensures that the plants have equal access to light, air, water and nutrients and so the amount of quality produce is increased.
• It’s easy to improve the soil in raised beds by bringing in fresh top soil and/or compost.
• Plant protection kits consisting of hoop supports and mesh covers can be be fixed over raised beds.

How to Make Raised Beds for Vegetables

1. Mark out the ground with string lines making the beds about 1.2 metres wide so that cultivations can be done from 60cm wide paths between each bed.
2. To make raised beds for vegetables simply throw the soil up from the paths onto the beds to raise them about 10cm.
3. At extra cost the beds can be edged with timber to retain the soil. Gravel boards, or reclaimed timber planks 15cm wide, screwed onto corner posts make a perfectly adequate framework.
4. If you prefer the easy option and want to spend money on raised bed kits these can be bought in the U.K from companies such as Two Wests and Elliott and Harrod horticultural

How to Make Paths Between Raised Beds

Paths should be wide enough to allow easy access for people and wheelbarrows. Bare soil paths are cheapest but they need weeding. Grass paths look attractive, however they have to be mown and aren’t suitable for intensive use in wet weather. Paved paths are expensive yet maintenance free if properly constructed.

Put Your Crops to Bed and Put Your Digging Spade Down

Once the initial cultivations have been completed and the raised beds constructed it is feasible to lay down your digging spade and in future adopt the no dig method of gardening.