The first detail we will look at is how much room or space we have when we are considering the layout of a raised bed. After having established these facts we can now move on to the next step. A standard size of raised bed is approx 8ft x 4ft. This is a good sizeable space to begin with and if we can handle a bed this size in our first year, we can then expand further as we go forward. A suggested width between garden beds is about 2ft. This will allow room to push a wheelbarrow or perhaps a lawnmower. My preference is to lay a gravel path between beds, as this eliminates soil or muck on our footwear and if done properly will look more attractive and professional.

Materials: The frames for these raised beds are available for purchase online and come as a flatpack with set instructions. If we are anxious to complete the construction of this ourselves, it is not a very difficult task to achieve. We can source the timber for this bed at any lumber yard or it is available at most garden centres. Treated timber is our best option as the raised bed frame will be exposed to all types of weather conditions. We need to be very careful when deciding what type of treated timber we are using for the different beds; whether the bed is for flowers and shrubs or if the bed is to be used for vegetables.

Location of bed: A good sunny spot is ideal for our raised bed layout, so that we can maximise the benefits of the sun. We need to be close to a water source also, as raised beds tend to need more watering especially during summer or dry periods. We could also locate these raised beds against a south facing, or garage wall and this gives us other options to consider. We now have a partially sheltered or shaded area and if we are growing plants that are climbers or tend to be tall, we have a good structure to erect or attach a trellis.

What we want to grow: The type of soil mix which we will use will be dependent on what we want to grow in the raised beds. If the beds are to be used for flowers or shrubs a standard mixture will suffice but if we are growing vegetables, then this is entirely a different proposition. We will require a mixture of farmyard manure, compost, peat and a good quality top-soil. This is important to adhere to these steps as we are laying the foundation bed so to speak, we can add further to these beds year on year. Hopefully these guidelines will be helpful for what is one of life’s great pastimes and passions. Happy gardening.