Back To Basics – Vegetable Raised Bed Materials

Posted on 14. May, 2011 by Tracey in Sow Seeds

Raised beds can be constructed from a variety of different materials, from plants to wood and man made materials like plastic and tyres. All have their advantages and disadvantages for growing vegetables in, its just a matter of choosing which material is suitable for you and your budget.

Popular Types of Material include:

Wood

Build a Raised Bed

This is a strong and robust building material which can be found in different forms such as scaffolding boards, planks, old crates or pallets. The wood must be untreated or eco-treated (sometimes called e-tanalith) so that toxins do not seep into the soil and into your vegetables. Some old sleepers which have been treated can be used but the beds will need to be lined with plastic to prevent to toxins leeching into the soil.

If you want to weatherproof untreated wood, the Organic Gardening Catalogue sells a toxic-free wood preservative which can be applied, you may be able to buy a similar non toxic wood preserve from garden centres as well. As wood is natural product, it fits in well in a back garden and looks neat and tidy. Protected with a preserve, wooden raised beds can last in excess of 5 years without rotting.

Plastic

Plastic raised beds such as link a bord are cheap and easy to build from kits. However a disadvantage is that the soil in plastic beds dries out more quickly than other materials, therefore you may want to consider an irrigation system or locating the raised bed near a water source. The plastic may also discolour after a few years or crack due to frost.

Box Hedging

Hedged Veg Garden

Box or any other low hedging can be used to surround a vegetable plot. The plot can be raised up or the hedging used to shelter the vegetables from strong winds and frost pockets.

This is an expensive way to surround a vegetable plot and extra maintenance will be required to keep the box or other hedging looking aesthetically pleasing. However it does look very ornamental when hedged.

Here’s some inspirational examples of hedged gardens:-

Concrete blocks or bricks

Brick Raised Beds

This is a good way of building a permanent vegetable plot and doesn’t require a lot of skill. The outer walls of the plot can also be plastered or rendered to help insulate the walls and a plastic liner could be used on the inside to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.

Veg Growers with Brick and Concrete Beds:

Tyres

Veg in Tyres

For a small garden, old tyres can be stacked on top of one another and even painted to provide a container garden with a difference. The rubber on the tyres acts as insulation from frost so you could grow tender vegetables in a tyre stack with no problems.

The way the tyres stack on top of each other makes it a perfect method of growing potatoes and every time you would need to earth up the potatoes, just add another tyre and compost to the stack.

Here’s How To Prepare Tyres for Planting a Veg Garden.

Straw

Straw Bale Garden Bed

Straw is an unusual material to make raised beds out of, however it is quick and easy to use. The straw will breakdown over the years and can be composted but can be easily replaced.

The great thing about straw bales are that they are already formed into building blocks which can be tied into place, then soil can be added to the centre space. The sides can be clipped to keep a tidy edge to the raised bed and will attract beneficial wildlife to the plot. Potatoes can also be grown in a straw wire container, see the Potato Straw Tower Project here.

Links: How To Make a Straw Bale Vegetable Garden.

Barrels

Old beer barrels and half barrels can be purchased from garden centres and eBay from pubs, they make great large containers for growing patio vegetables like salads or even runner beans. Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to drain away to prevent water logging.

YouTube Video: Growing Vegetables in Wine Barrels

Willow Edging

Woven Hazel Beds

This can be used to surround the raised bed. Use a raised bed liner to keep the soil in place and edge with willow hurdles. They can be very attractive and rustic looking and fit in well with the ‘cottage garden’ look. Over time the willow may break and need replacing.

Cheap Raised Beds

If your budget is low or non existent, there’s still a few options to get you started growing your own veg.

Look on Freeycle, ebay, Snaffle Up and similar giveaway sites to try and find old pallets, fencing boards, roof tiles, paving slabs, rocks etc any type of material you can think of to edge your raised beds with.
If you’ve got a few pounds to spend, try the pound shops for plastic, willow or log roll edging or use trellis or brushwood screening cut down and support with cut bamboo canes.
You’ll also need some soil, compost and manure, however if you are strapped for cash, compost or garden soil will do. If you have garden soil to use for the raised beds then just add a bit of compost for nutrients. Compost can be bought in bulk or try local nurseries instead of garden centres as you can haggle for prices.
The simplest form of a raised bed is a mound of earth to start sowing your veggies in, then if you wanted to, you could add edging at a later time.