The ultimate guide to raised beds: Beginner Gardening Guide

This raised bed guide will explain exactly when and how to use raised beds for successful gardening. Raised beds can be used in nearly all gardens regardless of the condition of your soil. It allows you to build up away from poor, stony ground and choose the soil you need for the types of plants or vegetables you want to grow.

Raised beds are easy to maintain and can take your garden from bland and boring to incredible. Raised beds allow you to garden even in the most hospitable of places, bringing the plants and flowers up to eye level.

Raised beds can also be a striking garden design feature, as shown in my Family Garden Transformation installation. So, let's take a closer look at why raised beds are so popular in gardens across the world.

How to build raised beds Guide

1. What is a raised bed?
2. Benefits of raised beds
3. What can you grow in a raised bed?
4. Materials used for raised beds
5. How to measure up for raised beds
6. How to make a raised bed
7. Filling raised beds
8. How much do raised beds cost?

What are raised beds?

A raised bed, or 'raised bed gardening,' is where the soil is lifted above ground level and contained within a structure. The bed is usually created by building a frame or container filled with soil and organic matter, such as compost or leaf mould. Depending on the desired height, the bed is typically raised several inches to a few feet above ground level.

This could be using a wooden box, stone sides or scaffold boards. Raised beds allow planting on top of an existing soil level. If you think of a simple rectangle that can be planted into (or other shapes depending on the material you use).

This may mean planting on top of a current garden border, paving terrace, or unused areas or structures. Raised beds allow you to create a raised area in which to plant. Raised beds raise the height of the gardening area to a level of your choice.

This reduces backache and bending when gardening. This also means you can avoid having to undertake a lot of hard landscaping because you don't need to excavate huge amounts of soil or debris first.

You simply build the bed and fill it with soil, and you're good to go!

There's also no real need to get a builder or construction team round to create raised bed planting in most cases. The hardest part is usually filling them with soil, which requires some manpower. You do need to be relatively comfortable with some light DIY, using a hand saw screwdriver and spirit level.

Benefits of raised beds

There are many benefits to gardening with raised beds, many of which are related to accessibility and the freedom to improve soil quickly for growing vegetables. Below are some of the high-level benefits of building raised beds in your garden.

1. Ease of access: raised beds eliminate the need to bend or stoop when gardening.
2. Less soil compaction: As you're not walking on the ground, there is less compaction (where the soil gets trodden on into a firm fudgy layer)
3. Less erosion of soil and spill: Soil is contained so wind and rain can't wash the soil away as quickly as ground-level flower beds.
4. Better temperature control in spring: In the spring, the beds warm up quickly and are less likely to be in frost pockets
5. Easier to maintain and weed than a traditional bed: Weeding is far easier than bending over as the beds are at a higher level.
6. Great for growing your own food: This is especially true where a deep root bed is required. As the raised beds off the ground, there's deeper soil for root vegetables to utilise.
7. Less bending: This is the most significant benefit of raised beds for gardeners with limited mobility or bad backs

Drawbacks of raised bed gardening

There are few drawbacks to raised bed gardening other than the effort required to set them up or the cost of the materials. Below are a few drawbacks before choosing raised beds for your garden design.

1. Cost: Building a raised bed can be more expensive than planting directly in the ground, especially if high-quality materials are used.
2. Watering: Depending on the height of the raised bed, it may require more frequent watering than plants grown in the ground. The soil in a raised bed can dry out more quickly, especially during hot weather, which may require more frequent watering.
3. Drainage: While improved drainage is generally seen as an advantage of raised beds if the bed is not properly designed and installed, it can lead to problems with drainage. Poor drainage can cause water to pool in the bottom of the bed, which can harm plants.
4. Soil quality: While raised beds offer more control over soil quality, they can also be a disadvantage if the gardener does not use proper soil amendments or maintains the bed over time. Over time, the soil in a raised bed can become compacted or depleted of nutrients, harming plant growth.
5. Size limitations: The size of a raised bed is typically limited by the materials used to construct it. Large raised beds can be difficult and expensive to build, so gardeners with a lot of space may find it more practical to plant directly in the ground.

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Materials used for raised beds

The most common form of raised bed is the wooden raised bed style, which uses wooden sleepers, gravel, or scaffold boards.

However, raised beds can be made of any material, not just wood. They can also be made of metal, brick, or stone if necessary.

Wood is usually the easiest material to work with for raised beds and lends itself to a garden. I prefer raised beds made from wood as they blend in with nearly all surroundings, which means you can use them for various planting plans. Wooden raised beds warm up quickly and require the least skill to install and work with.

If you're a beginner gardener or on a budget, I highly recommend using timber for your first raised beds. Spend most of your budget on decent-quality topsoil and, of course, plants!

Raised beds can be made with the following materials:

1. Paving slabs - laid on their side
2. Timber sleepers - stacked and screwed at each end
3. Scaffold boards/timber gravel boards - pegged at each corner and screwed
4. Stone blocks or old rockery stone
5. Breeze blocks - staggered and mortared together
6. Prefabricated metal raised beds or corrugated steel bolted together

Can you make raised beds without timber?

Did you know you can build a raised bed without timber or stone? In Scotland, mounded soil beds are used in some allotments and gardens to create raised beds without wooden sides. These sloping beds are great if you're on a budget or want a more natural appearance in your garden. These mounded beds can also reduce slugs, as there are no timber sides that stay damp, which can attract them!

What is a Hugelkultur garden?

There is also another type of raised mounded bed called a Hugelkultur garden. In this garden, logs, old plant waste, and organic matter are piled up into a mound, which slowly starts to rot down, allowing trees, vegetables, and herbaceous plants to be grown on top of it. It's a super way to recycle garden waste and reduce the amount of expensive topsoil you need!

What can you grow in a raised bed?

Raised beds can pretty much grow anything, depending on their size. A few good examples of prime plants for raised beds are:

Vegetables: Nearly all vegetables can be grown in raised beds, which is why they are so popular in allotments

Soft fruits: Such as Raspberries, strawberries, currants, gooseberries and blackberries

Herbaceous perennials: Can easily be grown in raised beds, especially for a cut flower garden

Alpines: Raised beds work well for alpines that need exceptional drainage and free-draining soil

Ericaceous or lime-hating plants: In areas of alkaline or chalky soil, lime-hating plants such as camellias, blueberries, heathers, and rhododendrons can be grown by filling beds with acidic soil or top dressing with pine needles.

Measuring up for raised beds

Before you build your raised beds, it's important to measure their size, where they will go, and what you'll plant in them. You must accurately measure the space in which your raised bed will go so that you have enough space and materials to build it.

The main measurements you will need when building a raised bed are the length, width & height of the raised bed.

Take a pad and always double-check your measurements.

Accurate measurements of raised beds are also essential for working out:

• How much timber you will need
• Number of screws you may need
• Amount of topsoil for your raised bed
• Quantity of plants you can place in your finished raised bed

How long should my raised bed be?  

The best length for a raised bed is under 2 meters.

Anything longer means you'll have to walk a long distance to get around it, and you'll inevitably start taking shortcuts by jumping over the bed, which is dangerous.

As a rule, any raised beds over 2 meters long need braces. I always advise internal braces on all raised beds over 1 meter in length. This is because the soil is really heavy, and the pressure on the walls of a raised bed when the soil gets wet can be incredible. Bracing helps strengthen the raised bed.

If you're going over 2.5 meters in a one-piece raised bed, you should really be looking at railway sleepers and steel ties, as these are strong enough for really long raised beds.

Another answer is to cut the entire length into a series of smaller raised beds. This also helps if there is ever any damage. You can replace one of the beds, not the entire raised bed! This can also be helpful as sometimes boundaries and adjacent walls are not entirely true, i.e. they may run on a slight angle.

Using multiple beds, you can make micro-adjustments to give the illusion of a straight line.

How wide should a Raised Bed be?

I usually recommend at least 90cm in width if you want to plant two rows of plants. Thinner widths can be used for balcony planting and beds in restricted spaces.

For vegetable plots, I would recommend between 90cm and 1.2 meters.

Any raised bed over 1.2 meters wide will be difficult to reach over unless you plan to have access on all sides.

How high should a raised bed be?

As a rough rule, 6 inches or 15cm is the minimum depth you will need.

You will need to work over the ground underneath any shallower than this. Since most people using raised beds are trying to avoid this, you will need 15cm of topsoil for new planting. Also, if you are planting on top of a hard surface, this is the minimum depth.

Ideally, 40cm is a nice height for most raised beds to save your back.

60cm high raised beds are good if you want to perch and sit on the side if using railway timbers or sleepers.

How to make a raised bed

Making a raised bed is not difficult, though it involves plenty of planning and measuring. Making your own raised beds gives you a sense of real achievement in the garden. Building raised beds requires some key tools which you will need:

• Wood saw (Heavy-duty or fine, depending on the thickness of the wood)
• Screwdriver
• Electric Drill & Bits
• 75mm Stainless Steel Screws
• Mitre saw (Optional)

Raised bed building guide

If you want to make your own raised beds, the step-by-step guide below will help you quickly create a raised garden for fruit, vegetables, or flowers!

Step 1: Measure up

Once you have your measurements, double-check that they fit the space where the raised bed will go.

Step 2: Cut your boards length

Using your wood saw, cut your boards to the length you need. For a 1m raised bed, the boards should be 1 m long.

You then need to multiply the width of each individual board by the height you need the bed to be. This will give you how many 1m boards you need per side. So if a board is 30cm wide and you want your bed 60cm high you will need two boards for each length.

Step 3: Cut the raised bed sides

Next, cut the boards for the sides of the raised bed, also known as the depth. These will be your side panels. For example, a 90cm deep raised bed will require a 90cm long board for your side panel. Again, cut enough boards to make the required height. 

You will need to ensure the braces on the side boards are recessed. If they are dead on the edge, they won't provide a flush joint, as they will butt up against the other brace when joined to the front and back panel.

You will need to ensure the braces on the side boards are recessed. If they are dead on the edge, they won't provide a flush joint, as they will butt up against the other brace when joined to the front and back panel.

Step 4: Cut the side braces

You then need braces to secure the rows of board or timber. The photo below shows how the braces can be positioned. It also shows you the front view with the screws going through the face of the side of the raised bed to the brace.

Measure the height of your bed and then cut enough braces for the faces of the bed. A minimum of two should be used on each face, but I usually use three for strength.

Step 5: Screw the braces to the sides

Drill a pilot hole and then screw these braces from the facing side inwards using your 75mm screws. Decking screws can also be used but be careful, as some can rust and stain your wood.

Step 6: Check you have all the pieces

You should now have four pieces: two long panels and two shorter side panels. The long piece is the length, and the shorter piece makes the depth of the raised bed.

Step 7: Screw the raised bed together

Once you have braced your four sides, you can start to screw the sides together. Drill pilot holes and then screw the edges together. Use clamp supports or a helping hand to keep them steady whilst you position them.

Step 8: Add an internal brace

 Once all the screws are in, you then need to add another brace to the inside of the raised bed. This ideally should be placed in the middle and stop the raised bed from bowing when full of soil. It also adds strength & rigidity to your raised bed.

Step 9: Tighten all the screws up

Once that's complete, double-check your bed for signs of movement or any joints that don't feel tight and secure. Ensure all screws are tightened before you move or add the lip.

Optional Mitered Raised Bed Lip

You can now add a mitred edge or lip if you wish. This gives the raised bed a more finished look and somewhere to rest your tools, plant pots, or a pint of beer! To do this, you will need to measure the length on a new board and mark it up.

Then, cut from that measurement using a mitre saw set to 45 degrees.

Do this on each side, flipping the mitre to the opposite 45-degree angle so the cuts face away from each other. Measure the sides and do the same, ensuring they fit neatly before screwing them into the raised bed.

Once this is done, your raised bed should be complete!

Raised Beds in Garden Design

Raised beds can also be a real design feature in a garden. Not only do they warm up quicker, allow you to choose your soil type, and save backache from bending over, but they can also be incredibly stylish.

I recently designed and built an Outdoor living space using stone raised beds. These beds were clad in grey granite pavers and gave the outdoor garden room a really modern feel. If you're looking for raised beds in a contemporary garden, see more on that design below.

Which Soil to Choose When Filling Your Raised Bed

Now that you have your raised bed in position, you can start filling it with the soil of your choice.

Ideally, you want a mix of loam and good organic matter in your beds. By choosing quality topsoil, you can ensure that whatever you plant in your raised beds has the best chance of producing beautiful flowers and large fruits!

There are 3 main soil types for raised beds: 

1.     Sandy (Free draining & lightweight)

2.     Clay (Heavy, wet & nutrient-rich) 

3.     Silty (Light & moisture retentive)

The above descriptions refer to which particles of Sand, Silt, and Clay are most present in a soil sample. These are the mineral fractions of the soil and contain no organic matter themselves (they are inert on their own) but do provide a home for organic matter to thrive.

If you get to pick your own soil, always opt for a more sandy-free-draining soil compared to clay. Alternatively, mix in some peat-free compost to heavy clay soil to help break it up. I have a detailed article on why soil type matters that you can read here to know more about the best soil type for raised beds.

If you have taken up turf underneath the beds, you can use it in the bottom. Simply turn the turf upside down and line the base of your raised bed with it. This is a great way to recycle and save money on buying soil!

You have two options when filling raised beds:

1. Filling them on top of lawn turf
2. Filling on top of paving or hard surfaces

1: Fitting raised beds on turf or soil

If you're putting raised beds on top of a lawn, you can fill the raised bed with topsoil. You don't need to remove the turf or grass, as this will break down over time.

Now is a valuable time to improve the drainage of the ground where the raised beds are going, especially if they're going onto heavy clay soil or where the drainage is poor. Fork it over and add organic matter before you fit the bed.

Preparation is key, if you put a raised bed onto the compacted ground, you can end up with 'wet bed'. My guide to improving compacted soil below can show you how to improve soil conditions quickly and avoid this wet bed problem.

2: Building Raised beds on tarmac or flags

If your raised bed is placed on a non-porous surface such as tarmac or flags, it may be useful to break into one of the flags to allow for drainage. This will prevent water from pooling at the bottom or causing a 'wet bed'.

The wet bed is where the bottom of the raised bed is always damp as the drainage causes a backlog of water. This can also damage your plants and cause an awful smell.

If you're sitting the raised beds on ungrouted flags, drainage is probably unnecessary. However, if the flag's surface is non-porous or slow to drain, you must break it up to allow water to drain from the raised bed.

See below for how to break up flags to allow for drainage. Use a lump hammer and goggles to smash the flag.

Dont overfill your raised beds

You need to remember to leave a gap between the very top of the bed and the soil level.

I'd always leave a 2-3 inch gap between the very top and the soil level. This helps prevent the soil from spilling over onto the surrounding area. It also means that small or new plants are slightly protected from wind or immediate exposure.

When plants are young or new, any harsh winds can damage or slow down their ability to take root. It also means that when you water your plants, there's no wet, muddy water spillover!

When filling the raised beds with topsoil, I'd always advise mixing in some compost or organic material to assist your new plants in taking root. You need to ensure that the soil is of a PH that is suitable for your plants, ideally neutral at 7 for most plants. If you're planting acidic-loving plants, you may need to acidify the soil by adding pine needle mulch.

Choose a Suitable Planting Plan for the Raised Bed

Once filled, you can then start to lay out your plants. I advise you always work to a planting plan If not, you may end up with 'pick and mix planting' where you just plonk things here and there and the overall look becomes a bit of a jumble.

To make the best of your raised bed you need a cohesive planting plan. Usually, a good tip is to have the taller plants at the back, if it's a bed against a wall, and then smaller planting towards the front. If it's a bed you can walk all the way around, it can be a good idea to have the height in the middle with a row on either side of the plants. The possibilities are endless, but they must be well thought out!

One popular scheme for a South Facing garden is a prairie planting scheme that's both high-impact and low-maintenance.

How much do raised beds cost?

Raised beds come in several budget options, from cheap to high-end expensive, depending on the material and finish. For the most part, raised beds are a cost-effective way to garden.

As a starting point in order of cost, here are some ideas for raised bed prices for a 2000mm x 900mm x 400mm bed.

• Gravel or timber boards - £50-£80
• Prefabricated metal beds £80-£200
• Timber sleepers - £100-£200
• Block & Paint - £80-£200
• Brick - £250-£350
• Stone £350 +

How much are sleeper-raised beds?

Using timber sleepers for raised beds is a popular option. Not only because they require little in way of assembly, but they last for years, with care for decades! Timber sleepers or railway sleepers allow you to build rectangular raised beds quickly.

The standard dimensions for a timber sleeper are 250mm wide by 100mm high (or thick) by 2.6m long. This means the longest you can make a raised bed without having to tie it together is 2.6m.

In 2024, a timber sleeper costs around £25 per sleeper, making it a cost-effective option for raised bed construction.

How long do timber raised beds last?

Timber raised beds can last anywhere between 5 and 25 years. It all depends on the thickness, type of wood, and whether the timber has been pressure-treated. As a guide, a pressure-treated timber sleeper should last at least 20 years, if not longer.

Thin untreated soft wood like pine screwed to corner stakes or pegs will last far shorter, maybe 5-6 years.

Always double-check the timber your raised bed kit contains, or better still, build them yourselves using pressure-treated timber!

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Raised Bed Summary

Ultimately raised beds come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and many materials. Raised beds are great for a quick-fix garden design and can be incorporated into any garden. A recent family garden transformation utilised them excellently, as can be seen here.

Whether you're growing your own vegetables or planning a fantastic garden design, raised beds are an excellent choice. They allow you to pick your own soil and avoid growing in soggy, wet clay or uneven ground, so they're a great beginner gardening choice!

Now you've read my guide to raised beds I'd love to hear from you on Social media, either by Tweeting, Facebook or Instagram. Why not let me help you with my YouTube Gardening guides?

Happy Gardening!

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