Growing in raised Beds

When we first erected the polytunnel we installed lots of raised beds filled with over 25 tonnes of compost. It was a huge job but there are several benefits to growing plants in raised beds.

1. Improved drainage: Raised beds have better drainage than traditional garden beds. This is because the soil is elevated above ground level, and excess water easily drains out.

2. Improved soil quality: Raised beds allow you to choose the soil that is appropriate for the type of plants you want to grow. You can mix in organic matter, compost, and other soil amendments to improve soil structure, nutrient content, and fertility. We have one bed which is purely filled with builders sand just for growing carrots!

3. Easier access: Raised beds are typically built at a height that is comfortable to work at. This means less bending and stooping, which is so much easier on everyone’s backs. Juggling the busy restaurant alongside the kitchen garden we definitely had to consider the easiest ways of doing things for a longer term.

4. Better pest management: Raised beds can be covered with netting or other protective covers to keep pests away from your plants. This reduces the need for pesticides and other chemical controls.

5. Longer growing season: Raised beds warm up faster in the spring than traditional garden beds, allowing us to plant earlier in the season. They also drain better, which means you can work in them sooner after a rain.

We love our raised beds, they offer is a number of advantages over traditional garden beds. They are a smart choice for anyone who wants to grow healthy, productive plants with less effort and more convenience.