Building Raised Beds: A Complete Guide
GGAA Team18 January 20265 min readSoil & Composting
Benefits of Raised Beds
Raised beds warm up faster in spring, drain better, and you can fill them with perfect soil. They're easier on your back and define growing areas clearly.
Materials
Untreated timber, scaffolding boards, or sleepers all work well. Avoid treated wood that might leach chemicals. Beds don't need bottoms - they sit directly on the soil.
Size and Position
Make beds no wider than 1.2m so you can reach the middle from both sides. Length can be whatever suits your space. Orient them north-south for even sun exposure.
Filling Your Beds
The best mix is roughly 60% topsoil, 30% compost, and 10% other organic matter like leaf mould. Don't use pure compost as it compacts over time.