Gourmet Gardener: Raised beds

Our gourmet gardener Tara Kate Linnane takes us through some typical jobs for the garden in late September when the evenings start to creep in...

As we move through September, the darker evenings are more noticeable, and things are slowing down in the garden. This period provides an opportunity to look at jobs such as making improvements to existing growing structures or extending growing areas before the depths of winter hit.

Raised vegetable beds can be built at any time of year – however, the activity is suitable for autumn before the ground becomes too wet or waterlogged, and is good preparation for next spring. Raised beds are a convenient way of growing an array of different plants and are very well suited to growing fruit and vegetables in particular.

They are a good way of boosting drainage and can be used to introduce a different soil type to your garden. Raised beds are also a useful way to garden if you have restricted mobility, as they reduce the need to bend. Designing a garden with raised beds can create a space with structure and definition and can look quite attractive in symmetrical patterns.

Getting started

When deciding on the position of the vegetable bed, make sure it is in a place that is slightly sheltered and gets plenty of sunlight. Plan to build where you have enough space to walk around so you can access all areas easily (for weeding!).

The paths between beds must be wide enough to wheel a barrow along – roughly 50cm.

The choice of material really depends on your budget and the tools available. Timber from left over pallets for example is cheap but will not last as long as a masonry wall or treated sleepers.

The longer you want the beds to last, the more costly they become.

For construction, clear the site of existing vegetation and level as required and mark out the beds with stakes and string, and check the levels.

For all but masonry walls, insert retaining stakes at the corners and then at every 1.5m; sink 30-45cm into the soil to support the sides. Attach the sides to the retaining stakes with nails or screws (screws are better for avoiding splitting).

If building masonry walls, concrete footings should be laid on hardcore foundations.

Sleepers and logs can be laid directly on level, firm soil.

Once the sides are fixed, the beds can be filled.

Begin with a layer of recycled cardboard to prevent any weeds from growing.

It is also important to remember that if the beds are created on poorly drained soil, a layer of drainage material is required to prevent a soggy base for the plants. When building raised beds on top of hard surfaces, ensure a depth of at least 45cm, but ideally 60cm, so that plants can root deeply.

Raised beds can be used to grow almost any vegetable and they are also ideal for establishing a cutting garden for cut flowers.

If you choose to build permanent structures or cheaper temporary trial beds, it can be a lovely garden project to complete for kick starting your edible garden next spring.

Happy gardening.

Tara Kate Linnane is from Kilnaleck in County Cavan. She is a horticulturalist with a passion for growing vegetables at home. Tara recently was runner up in RTÉ's Super Garden competition.

She has an Instagram page with her husband Barry @two peas in a polytunnel.