We all know the proverb, when the question was asked; when is the best time to plant a tree? And the answer came – Twenty years ago, and the second best time – right now. It is about taking action because it is never too late to start thinking about constructing your own raised beds. Whether it is early or late in the year, one can start at any time. The concept is very simple, select a location and then begin. The plans and designs are available online, or the frame for a raised bed can be purchased over the internet.

Perhaps now more than ever is the time to becoming more self-reliant and self-sufficient. People are recently becoming very concerned about where our produce comes from and how many airmiles it has travelled. The other worries that people raise very often are what was used in the growing of these foodstuffs, meaning what pesticides and chemicals were used. Well we can overcome and allay all these fears by planting and sewing our own.

If it is late fall then this is an ideal time to plant some kale and certain types of cabbages that will provide for us later on during the late-winter and early spring. If the time you are constructing the raised bed frame is spring then this time is ideal. As soon as the frame is in place you can begin. Depending on what one wishes to plant, how particular or exact we are as gardeners, this raised bed concept of gardening is very very simple indeed. If it is flowers and shrubs we are planting, then we need to concentrate on a good soil mix. If on the other hand we are sewing vegetables and salad plants we need to be more precise. Ask at your local garden centre for advice on what mix of soil, compost and organic fertiliser to use. If by chance you are living in the countryside, ask your local farmer for some farmyard manure as this is by far the best type of mix for your raised bed.

Remember that the first raised bed mix is paramount as this will serve us for years and years to come. We can always add to this in time when ever the need arises. Location of the bed is very important in terms of availing of the benefits of the sun. A good sunny area is ideal and always position on a level surface for the purpose of drainage. We can set up a sprinkler watering system oralternatively this can be done manually. The whole concept of assembling raised beds should not be seen as a hurdle but more as a labour of love.