Raising Your Gardening Game | Waddell Landscape Design

Are you looking for a way to level up your gardening game? Raised garden beds are a great way to spruce up your outdoor space and create a beautiful garden to suit your specific needs. 

Benefits of Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds are separated contained garden areas that are elevated above ground level. Whilst being a rewarding DIY project, raised beds also offer many practical advantages that can help elevate your outdoor space, including;

• Better soil quality control: Raised beds allow for easier compost, fertiliser and other nutrient treatments, as well as improving drainage. 
• Increased accessibility: Raised garden beds can make gardening easier by reducing the need to bend or kneel down.
• Completely customisable: You can customise the size and shape of your raised bed to accommodate different types of plants, as well as select the material, shape, size, and height of your bed to suit your existing garden.
• Renter friendly: Raised garden beds can be a great temporary gardening solution, particularly useful for those living in rental properties. 

Raised Garden Bed Ideas

With so many great ideas to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of our favourite raised garden bed ideas to get you started:

Wooden raised beds

Wood is a versatile material that can be easily customised, and can be used in some great inexpensive garden bed ideas. Wooden raised beds can be stained or painted to match your outdoor space and can add a natural and rustic look to your garden. 

Stone or brick raised bed

Stone or brick raised garden beds offer a more permanent and durable option. Stone and brick are popular choices due to their natural beauty and ability to add elegance to any outdoor space. They are also low maintenance and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Corrugated metal raised bed

Corrugated metal raised beds provide a modern and sleek look, and are made from durable materials. They are also lightweight and easy to move around.

Vertical raised bed

Vertical raised garden beds are perfect for small outdoor areas, offering a unique, space-saving option. They are great for balcony gardens, small patios, or fences. 

Tiered garden bed

Tiered garden beds offer an eye-catching focal point to your garden and add depth and dimension to your outdoor space.

Grow bag raised planters

Grow bags are a convenient and inexpensive garden bed option for those who want to create a portable or temporary garden which are ideal for rental properties. 

Recycled raised garden beds – get creative!

A recycled planter is an inexpensive raised garden bed choice, offering a unique option for any gardener who wants to add a personal touch to their outdoor space. They can be made from materials like;

• Tyres
• Pallets
• Old furniture
• Milk crates
• Barrels
• Old bathtubs

Find The Right Raised Planter Design For Your Garden

With so many beautiful options available, it can be hard to know which style to go with. When selecting a raised planter, we suggest considering the following:

• Size and shape: Consider the size and shape of your outdoor space and how a raised garden bed could fit into it. 
• Material: When selecting your material, think about what best fits your aesthetic preferences and budget.
• Height: Raised beds should be easily accessible for planting, weeding, and harvesting.
• Drainage: Think about how you can add drainage holes to your garden bed, or consider lining the bottom of your bed with gravel or sand to improve water flow and prevent water-logging.

The Best Plants For Your Raised Bed

You’ve picked the perfect design, now it’s time to populate it. Remember to avoid plants with deep root systems, and choose ones that prefer well-draining soil such as herbs, vegetables, and flowers, including;

• Basil
• Parsley
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Marigolds
• Petunias
• Lettuce
• Spinach

Everything You’ll Need To Get Building

When it’s time to start building, there are a few basics you’ll need to purchase to ensure your new raised garden is productive:

Soil, Compost, and Fertiliser

Choosing the right soil, compost, and fertiliser is essential for a healthy garden bed. Look for a high-quality soil mix that contains a blend of organic materials. Compost and fertilisers can also be added to the soil to provide essential nutrients.

Irrigation Systems and Tools

Irrigation systems such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses can be used to water your plants. A variety of tools such as trowels, pruning shears, and cultivators can also make gardening easier.

Mulch and Pest Control

Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and protect your plants from temperature fluctuations. There are also several options for pest control, such as organic sprays or companion planting, which protects your garden from pests.

Tips For Maintaining A Raised Garden Bed

Once you’ve built your new raised garden bed, it’s important to regularly maintain it to keep it healthy. Remember to conduct the following maintenance activities regularly:

1. Water, prune and fertilise – water your plants consistently, prune them regularly to encourage new growth and fertilise as needed to provide nutrients.
2. Maintain good soil – soil erosion can be prevented by adding mulch to your garden bed, which will help retain moisture and protect your plants from temperature fluctuations.
3. Manage pests – regularly conduct pest control as discussed earlier to maintain a healthy garden bed.
4. Maintain a clean garden – keeping your garden free of weeds can help prevent diseases from spreading through your raised bed.

Need A Hand? Let Us Help Raise Your Garden Bed Game

While creating a raised garden bed can be a fun DIY project, it can also be a big task. If you need a hand, reaching out to landscape design specialists can be a great idea. Working with garden landscaping professionals like us means getting your raised garden beds up and running quicker. Our landscapers are equipped with knowledge, tools, and equipment that can help you make the right decisions for your garden, and get jobs done more efficiently.  If you’re considering getting a hand with your next raised garden bed project, we’d love to help! Learn more about the types of landscape design projects we can help with, or contact us for a free quote.