How to make beds from boards. How to make beds with your own hands, not like everyone else? Interesting ideas and photo examples How to make high beds in the garden

This article describes all the intricacies of the process during which high beds are created in the country with their own hands: photos and detailed descriptions of the technology, types of structures, their purpose and features, advantages and disadvantages. The specificity of vertical products intended for growing strawberries, cucumbers and other crops, recommendations for their manufacture.

Do-it-yourself high beds in the country: photoand design features

The construction of high beds opens up new opportunities for growing crops in the garden. A similar approach to organizing plantings allows you to create an interesting design on the site, effectively grow berries, fruits and vegetables. It becomes possible to get an excellent harvest from a site whose soil is not particularly fertile.

Warming up tall structures is much faster than conventional beds. The process of caring for plants is simplified because a person does not need to bend too low.

Note! Organic matter is used as a filler for high beds. Due to the fact that the roots of plants are located in a nutrient medium, crops grow faster and give a rich harvest.

Features of high beds: the pros and cons of designs

The construction of such structures is accompanied by minimal costs, so summer residents prefer to make high beds for strawberries and vegetables.

Advantages of raised structures:

the availability of a crop does not depend on the quality and composition of the soil on the site. Thanks to this, summer residents and gardeners can grow plants in areas with a rocky surface or heavy clay soil;
beds simplify the process of cultivating the land, do not require enhanced care. You only need to dig the ground twice. The first time in the spring, when the plant is planted, the second time the procedure is done in the fall after harvesting;
for processing, it is not necessary to dig deep into the soil, it is enough to stir the soil with a garden fork;

the manufacture of high beds is as simple as possible, as is the procedure for dismantling them. The placement of structures can be easily changed if you want to create a new design on the site;
the space inside the product is limited, so it is not difficult to remove weeds;
the accelerated ripening of vegetables in high beds is facilitated by a good drainage system, which is organized inside the structure;
the soil in the high beds is protected from freezing, which often happens in the spring when frosts return. During early autumn frosts, it is enough just to cover the plantings with tarpaulin or polyethylene so that they do not die;
the construction of high beds for strawberries allows you to save the berries from being washed away by downpours, which often destroy the crop.

There are few design flaws. They consist in the need for enhanced mineral dressing and frequent watering. You will also need to keep an eye on the bear. This pest loves to settle on high beds.

How to make a high bed in the country with your own hands: common technologies

The following types of beds are most in demand among the owners of summer cottages:

bulk gardens of a triangular shape;
multi-tiered structures;
bulk beds of a trapezoidal shape;
decorative gardens.

Note! For the arrangement of high beds does not require large expenses. Many summer residents use improvised materials for these purposes. In most cases, it is enough to buy bricks to create high beds, as well as a mixture that improves soil quality and drainage.

For the construction of a high bulk garden of a triangular shape, only a shovel is needed. Dimensional parameters of the beds are selected taking into account which plants will be grown. The size of the root system of crops is taken into account. The maximum allowable height of the bulk garden is 0.3 m, the width is about 0.7 m. In the process of filling the bed with soil, it is not necessary to compact the ground.

A similar scheme is used to create a trapezoidal bed. The upper part of the bulk garden should not exceed 0.3 m in width. Boards can be used to cover the upper slopes. It is also allowed to use mulch, which will positively affect the condition of the soil.

For the manufacture of a multi-tiered bed for strawberries with your own hands, a profile pipe or fittings are suitable. Metal structural elements are fastened by welding or by bolting. Containers or boxes filled with soil are put on the finished frame base.

Making high beds: photo and material selection

Fences on high beds are needed so that the soil with plants is inside the structure. Most often, beams or boards are used for construction. Do-it-yourself technologies for making high beds from slate are also popular.

Wood is considered a traditional material that allows you to create practical and reliable designs for high beds. Slate is also popular, but less environmentally friendly. In addition, it has one significant drawback - a fragile structure. During the construction of the garden, this material can be damaged if the rules for handling it are neglected.

The most durable and strong beds are made of brick or stone. Large elements are connected using concrete mortar. Concrete itself is often used, while working with which you should carefully consider the shape, size parameters and location of the garden, since the garden bed in this case will be stationary and it will not be possible to move it over time. In the manufacture of structures made of concrete, stone or brick, it is important not to overdo it with the thickness and width of the frame. In massive products, the earth will not be able to warm up quickly.

Summer residents also use other budget materials:

empty bottles;
old plastic boxes;
finished structures in the form of plastic fences.

Note! Building high beds from plastic panels is the most budgetary way to get a garden. In the assortment of individual stores you can even find plastic slate.

Features of high beds by Igor Lyadov: design of beds, photos and parameters

The beds of Igor Lyadov are based on a technology invented at the end of the 20th century by Jacob Mittlider. The American worked on the creation of optimal structures for growing strawberries. These products are distinguished from ordinary beds-boxes by their reduced width - only 45 cm. Any material can be used to make the sides, but boards are most often used.

As a filler, fertile soil and a layer of sawdust are used. Mittlider took a width of 0.9 m to the paths between the structures. To prevent the growth of weeds in this area, the vegetable grower spread agrofiber.

Unlike his American colleague, Igor Lyadov proposes to use not mineral additives, but organic matter. He is the author of several recipes that include traditional fertilizers such as bird droppings and manure, as well as herbs. The design of the beds looks somewhat different in the photo. The high beds of Lyadov have a width of 0.6-1 m.

Passages 0.6-0.8 m wide remain between the structures. This zone can be covered with roofing material, sand, tiles or sawdust, so that it is easier to move along the plantings and not think about weeds. The space of paths between the beds is often sown with lawn grass. But in this case, you will have to periodically mow the vegetation so that the passages look neat and do not go beyond their boundaries.

Note! Igor Lyadov strictly outlined the placement of the beds. Landings should be placed from the north side to the south. Only in this way will the plants be provided with the necessary level of illumination by the sun.

Do-it-yourself high garden: how to makewooden structure

The technology provides for the construction of a garden bed, the width of which is 180 cm, length - 3 m, height - 40 cm. However, the dimensional parameters of the structure can be changed taking into account the area of \u200b\u200bthe summer cottage. At the first stage of construction, the optimal place for the garden is selected. It is better if the selected area is illuminated during the day by the sun for at least 5 hours. For this purpose, even a place unsuitable for growing crops, for example, a wasteland, is suitable.

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After that, the design of the beds in the summer cottage is developed, photos of interesting accommodation options can be found on the Internet or in gardening magazines. Before construction begins, the site is cleared of debris, stones and rhizomes of perennial weeds. Annual weeds can not be removed, since the need for this procedure is eliminated during the initial digging of the territory.

First, the fences are prepared. To do this, you will need to cut the material so that you get 4 boards 1.8 m long and 4 boards 3 m long. In addition, wooden blocks should be prepared, each 40 cm high. At the ends of the boards intended for assembling the frame, a cut should be made at an angle of 45°.

Before proceeding with the assembly of the frame, the wooden elements should be treated with a special impregnation or antiseptic to stop the processes of decay and prevent rapid damage to the material, which can be caused by exposure to moisture. From the outside, the boards can be painted or varnished. For decorative purposes, patterns can be applied to the surface. After waiting for complete drying, you can start assembling the box. If the design of the beds provides for two levels, each of the tiers is fastened with bars.

Helpful advice! To protect plantings from moles and rodents, it is recommended to nail a net at the bottom.

How to fill a do-it-yourself high bed of planks

Filling the high beds is carried out in the following order:

the drainage system is laid in the first layer; for its organization, tree bark is used, which must be crushed, fallen leaves, small twigs and wood shavings;
the second layer is formed from fertilizers, manure is well suited for organizing this layer, it is better if it is rotted;
as the third layer, a permeable material is used, it is performed by analogy with the first layer;
the basis for the fourth layer is organic matter, this layer can be supplemented with mineral fertilizer for complex purposes;
fertile land is laid in the fifth layer, the composition of the soil depends on the plants that will be grown in the garden, the minimum thickness of the fertile layer is 10 cm.

After the bed is filled, it should be watered abundantly and let it brew for 2-3 days so that all layers can settle. It is not recommended to immediately start sowing or planting seedlings. It is better to withstand the bed for some more time so that it has time to warm up well. To do this, cover the structure with black material. Polyethylene will do.

Helpful advice! If the construction of beds is carried out at the end of summer or autumn, the structure must be left covered until spring.

Making vertical beds with your own hands: photo and technology

Vertically arranged beds are used for growing spices and berries. The advantages of such structures are associated with a decorative appearance, saving space and protecting the crop from birds and various pests.

The construction of vertical beds will be an excellent solution for planting crops that require a lot of space on the site. These designs are ideal for growing herbs, strawberries, flowers, strawberries. Moreover, the owners of summer cottages can not only build their own, but also buy ready-made vertical beds in one of the specialized stores.

Why is it profitable to create or buy a vertical bed for strawberries

There are many design options for vertical beds, but their main advantage lies in their compact size. Moreover, this advantage of products will be beneficial not only to owners of small summer cottages, but also to people who want to grow herbs or berries on their balcony. A light bed made from plastic bottles is best suited for these purposes.

Vertically installed beds do not require complex maintenance. Plantings are at a sufficient height so that weeding or harvesting can be carried out in convenient conditions. This does not require you to bend low and endure back pain. At the same time, plants and their roots are raised high above the ground, where rodents and small pests cannot reach. Pyramid or cylindrical beds prevent birds from landing comfortably to eat the berries.

Prices for finished structures:

product name	price, rub.
Bed of agrotextile	150
Plastic mesh bed	490
Pipe with holes	1500
Pipe with holes	3200
vertical ladder	4700

Making a pyramid-bed for strawberries with your own hands: dimensions and technology

To work, you will need the following tools and materials:

jigsaw or hacksaw;
edged board size 40 × 5 × 20 cm (11 pcs.);

screwdriver and a set of screws;
pencil and tape measure;
seedlings and soil.

To create the base, 4 support boards are used. For their manufacture, you can cut a board 2 m long. It is recommended to make cuts at an acute angle, so that later it would be convenient to connect the pieces.

Helpful advice! To increase the rigidity of the structure in the central part of the pyramidal beds, an additional pillar should be placed, which acts as a support.

After that, a pair of boards 2 m long, having an angular cut along the edges, is laid on a horizontal plane and connected to each other. A rail is mounted at the base to organize the future beds and is fixed on both sides. The dimensions of this element are 5x40x5 cm. The resulting side of the pyramid should be installed vertically and the second and third sides should be fixed on it. They are made in a similar way.

When the frame part of the pyramid is ready, using a tape measure, the length of the rails intended for the manufacture of beds is measured. They should be placed in increments of 25-30 cm. To fix the rails, you will need to cut the ends at an angle of 30 ° so that the shelf is raised. At the end of the assembly, the structure is filled with soil, which should be compacted. Products can be successfully used for growing vegetables and herbs.

Technology for the manufacture of vertical beds for strawberries from plastic pipes

This design option is great not only for growing strawberries, but also for greens.

List of required tools and materials:

plastic pipes of the required length with a large diameter;
steel cable (can be replaced with thick fishing line);
construction knife for cutting pipes.

The large diameter of the pipes is necessary so that the pipe cut in half can accommodate the amount of soil needed to grow plants. The incision of the product is carried out along. To fix the beds in a vertical position, holes should be made on both sides of each of the halves. A steel cable or a thick fishing line is passed through them. The halves are placed one above the other according to the principle of a ladder. The number of such halves-levels can be unlimited.

Note! Since the structure, while suspended, can sway, it is recommended to install the bed in places protected from the wind.

Do-it-yourself construction of vertical beds from a building grid

Small gardens created on the basis of a construction grid are suitable for growing strawberries, flowers, herbs or potatoes. For work you will need:

construction metal mesh;
the soil;
straw;
tool for cutting metal wire.

To create a bed, you will need to bend a rectangular piece of mesh in the shape of a pipe, the diameter of which is 0.9 m. Using wire or other devices, the edges of the segment must be fastened in this position. Straw is laid on the sides inside the structure. Thanks to this, the soil will not spill out. Free space is being filled.

If potatoes are to be grown, the first level of plants should be at a height of 50 cm from the ground. About 10 cm should be left between crops. After that, the first layer is shed, 50 cm of earth is laid again and plants are planted. A bed in the form of a tower can be of any height. To give the vertical bed a more attractive appearance, you can use black film instead of straw.

Technologies for making vertical beds for strawberries with your own hands from pots

Flower pots can be successfully used to grow strawberries. Such designs have a decorative appearance. Clay or plastic products are suitable for work. As a result, the design is multi-level. The number of such levels is limited only by personal wishes. Pots are selected so that each subsequent one has a smaller diameter than the previous one. It is desirable that the difference in size between each pair of pots be approximately the same.

The largest pot is set in the selected location and filled with soil. After that, a smaller pot is placed in it, etc. When the structure is ready, plants are planted in the soil and watered.

The next option is based on pots of the same diameter. Only one of them should be big. It will be installed at the very base of the structure. A metal rod or wooden stick should be placed inside a large pot.

Note! The size of the rod must be chosen so that its diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the hole located at the base of the pot.

The pot is filled with soil. The remaining products are alternately strung on a rod through a hole in the bottom. The result is a multi-tiered structure with pots that seem to balance each other. They are filled with soil, where plants are then planted.

If the site has a high stump or pole, the pots can be fixed on it. In no case should you do this on a living tree. Products are fixed around the circumference in any order. The spiral looks beautiful from the side. You can also use the technique of placing pots in a checkerboard pattern. The only negative of this bed is an inconvenient irrigation system.

Manufacturing technology and photo of do-it-yourself vertical beds for strawberries from tires

A tire tower is made in the same way as a flower pot structure. Tires of different diameters are selected for construction. This material has a significant drawback. Old car tires are not environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is recommended to create such beds for one-time use, and in a year to build new ones from other tires.

Before starting work, car tires need to be prepared:

thoroughly clean them from dirt and stones;
dry;
paint if necessary.

After that, the largest tire should be laid on one side. On the other hand, the side part with a hole for the disk is cut off. The finished element is filled with soil and planted with plants. Similarly, you should do with other tires and install them one on top of the other so that the size of each next one is smaller than the size of the previous one.

Helpful advice! Car tires can be beautifully decorated, as is usually done with flower beds made from this material. For these purposes, you can use bright colors, patterns, or make decorative cuts.

Making high beds for strawberries with your own hands from improvised materials

On a bed made from a bag, the plants will look great. This design can be conveniently placed on the fence, the wall of the gazebo, house, barn or any other stationary building. To work, you need a bag made of plastic or natural fabric. Burlap in the operational sense is much better. It is environmentally friendly and, unlike plastic, is reusable. The fact is that artificial materials are subject to rapid destruction under the influence of the sun.

On the other hand, the burlap has a good capacity, providing air access to the plants. So that the bottom and sides of the bag do not break through over time under the influence of gravity, it is recommended to stitch them several times. At the top of the product is a loop for hanging. On one side of the bag, holes are made for planting plants. After that, the bed can be filled with earth and planted.

Tiered structures can be made from wooden or plastic boxes of different sizes. They are stacked one on top of the other with a gradual decrease in dimensional parameters. Such a ladder of boxes can be painted in a bright color and laid around a tree or pole.

Helpful advice! To create a bed, you can use an old chest of drawers by pushing its drawers forward and filling them with earth. For these purposes, other unnecessary furniture is also suitable.

Recommendations for creating vertical beds for strawberries

Before proceeding with the manufacture of the garden, it would be useful to take into account some tips for the optimal construction of structures:

if the bed is large, the assembly must be carried out right at the place of its installation, otherwise there may be problems with transportation, during which the product can be damaged;

a decorative garden with berries should be placed strictly in the sun. If the vertical bed will be used for growing greens, then its design can be located near the kitchen;
the soil for filling the beds should be prepared in advance. For berries, sandy loamy soil is suitable, mixed with peat, fertilizer and hydrogel. Quail compost is optimal as a feed;
you need to think in advance of a system that will protect the beds from frost in the winter. Will the structure be covered or brought into the room;
the garden is recommended to be located closer to the source of water, so that it is more convenient to carry out regular watering of plants.

Note! The construction of vertical beds for cucumbers is also welcomed by many gardeners. Most of the designs are made by analogy with products for strawberries. Since cucumbers belong to the category of climbing crops, the bed should be supplemented with supports for which the plants will cling.

Making vertical beds for cucumbers with your own hands: photos of interesting designs

Vertical garden for cucumbers can be represented by various design options. Most often, bags or products made of plastic are used to grow these crops. The walls of buildings, nets or shields, as well as all kinds of partitions can serve as a surface for fixing the beds. Do-it-yourself vertical garden for cucumbers can be arranged inside a plastic pipe. Such a product closes on one side and is hung vertically on the crossbars.

A mesh made of plastic is considered the simplest option for organizing an ornamental garden for cucumbers. The product is positioned vertically and as the plants grow, they rise along the grid. A similar version of the beds can be bought ready-made or made by yourself. This will require a thick fishing line and straight tree branches that will serve as supports. They are arranged around the circumference with an equal step and at the top are connected at one point so that a kind of hut is obtained.

With the help of a thick fishing line, you need to walk around the circle, forming a vertical base to secure the plants as they grow. If it is planned to build a bed in the form of a grid for cucumbers, it is strictly forbidden to use metal products for these purposes. Such structures will overheat on hot summer days, and injure plants, leaving burns on them. Bags or canvas bags are a safe option for growing cucumbers.

For the construction of vertical structures, it is allowed to use unusual materials, for example, pallets, old furniture, empty stumps, etc. An unusual approach to decor will allow you to create a garden on the territory, but a beautiful decorative composition that will fit optimally into the space of a summer cottage.

What amateur gardeners just don’t come up with to get a good harvest.

Today we will introduce you to an unusual technology - growing crops in high beds.

Advantages and disadvantages of high beds

High beds are a limited space raised above the ground. They are used for growing other crops.
It is best to build such structures in the fall, but with proper maintenance, you can create an "elevated" site at other times of the year.

Important! If you build too high sides - more than 70 cm, the bees will not be able to perform pollination, which will negatively affect the further growth of the crop.

Like any vegetable growing solution, this one has its advantages and disadvantages.

We list the advantages of high beds:

in spring it warms up faster, and sowing can be carried out much earlier than in open ground; this will increase the yield by 2 times;
thanks to the borders of the box, the mulch will not be washed away or carried away by gusts of wind;
the design provides good drainage - this will avoid moisture stagnation;
there is the possibility of individual selection of soil for each site, which will provide optimal conditions for growing crops;
thanks to the design, it is possible to protect the crop from sudden changes in temperature;
it is much easier to cultivate the soil, as the amount of work is significantly reduced;
raised areas are convenient in that you do not have to lean too much towards;
the structure looks beautiful, with the right approach to construction, it will last a long time and will not collapse;
can be built in any sunny place.

Despite the huge number of advantages, this method also has disadvantages. The disadvantages of high beds are:

the need to constantly carry out top dressing due to limited space;
physical and material investments necessary for the construction of the structure;
the risk of reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms that can be dangerous to plants.

Do not be afraid of possible difficulties - it is enough to seriously approach the construction of an unusual design, and you will get a rich harvest.

Optimal dimensions

Each gardener can independently choose the size of the future beds, since there are no clearly defined dimensions. However, there are certain recommendations that may come in handy when you build high beds with your own hands.

Height

The optimal height of the sides varies from 15 to 50 cm. If you plan to place the structure on fertile soil, you need to limit yourself to a height of 15–20 cm. This amount of embankment is quite enough to get a good harvest.

If the land on the site is not very favorable for growing crops, the bed should be raised higher - by about 50 cm. Depending on the wishes of gardeners, you can raise the walls of the structure even higher - in this case, you do not have to bend over during weeding or planting. But, remember that such a design will require more materials.

Width and length

The optimal width of the structure is considered to be a distance from 90 to 120 cm. It is necessary to equip the site in such a way that it can fit 2 rows. Such a layout will allow the plants to receive a sufficient amount of air and sunlight, which will undoubtedly affect the yield.

If you plant a lot of rows, it is likely that the ones in the center will not receive the necessary amount of air and light, which will lead to a decrease in yield. The ridge of standard width is convenient in processing.

Important! When choosing plastic for construction, be careful: some of its types emit toxins and are not suitable for use in agriculture.

Reflecting on the length of the site, you can be guided solely by the possibilities of the territory. However, most often there are structures with a length of 1.5 to 3 m. Such areas look compact and neat.

Choosing a place on a summer cottage

It is very important to responsibly approach the choice of a place where the structure will be located in the future. It is better to place high beds in the country in sunny areas: light should come to this place for at least 6 hours a day. Be sure to consider this requirement if you plan to place the structure near any buildings or fence.

When placing an embankment on open ground, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

put a metal mesh on the soil - this will protect the roots of plants from rodents;
lay out old newspapers at the bottom of the structure - this technique will significantly slow down the growth of weeds.

Material selection and step-by-step manufacturing instructions

A wide variety of materials can be used to build high beds. We offer you to get acquainted with the most common options for structures and the features of their manufacture.

Wooden structure

This material is perhaps the classic for creating beds. It attracts gardeners with its accessibility. For manufacturing, you can use boards and logs.

Did you know? By choosing larch boards for the construction, you will significantly increase the service life of the structure. The resin of the tree is an excellent protector from external influences and prevents the destruction of the boards.

Before proceeding with the assembly of the structure, it is necessary to process the boards. To do this, you can use all kinds of impregnations that will prevent the decomposition of the tree. You can also cover the boards with varnish or paint. The safest and most affordable way to process wood is lime - just whiten the elements.
Using a conventional tool, you need to attach the bars to the boards. To do this, it is necessary to nail posts to the edges of short boards. Long boards are also connected to the bars. Choose the bars so that they go 20–30 cm into the ground.
The next step is to knock down the box. Try to avoid cracks, the boards should fit snugly against the bars.
The final stage is the installation of the mounted box. After you hammer the bars into the ground, check with a level that it is level.

Important! When installing a bed next to fruit trees, you will need to install a barrier for the root system before marking.

After installing the structure, you can fill it with soil and start planting plants.

Use of stone

Undoubtedly, there can be no doubt about the durability of such a design. But due to the high cost of the material, not everyone can afford such beauty. If you find funds for a stone bed, it will be a wonderful decoration for your summer cottage.

Instructions for the manufacture of such a design include the following steps:

it is necessary to dig a trench along the perimeter of the proposed site, 30 cm deep;
we lay polyethylene or roofing material on the bottom;
we fill the trench with sand to a third of the depth;
laying stones;
we fill the concrete foundation with a pre-prepared solution;
then masonry is carried out along the perimeter using a solution that is applied only to the inside of the stone;
after 2-3 weeks, you can pour the soil and plant the plants.

brick beds

Having built a high brick bed, you will undoubtedly decorate your site. Such a construction is very similar to a stone structure: it has the same construction principle and the relatively high cost of materials.

In addition to the cost of materials and the lengthy manufacturing process, you will have to find a specialist who can lay out a beautiful even composition.

from slate

This material is known for its durability. Everyone in the country has unnecessary pieces of slate, which are just right for building high beds.

We invite you to read the manufacturing instructions.:

First of all, the materials are prepared: it is necessary to cut the plates and give them the desired size.
At the next stage, a trench is dug according to predetermined dimensions.
Sliced slate plates are installed in the dug hole around the perimeter. If you use flat slate, you need to connect the strips with corners - this will add reliability to the structure.
Then the trench must be covered with soil and compacted well.

That's all - the slate structure is ready and you can start sowing crops.

Made of plastic

Plastic beds can be of two types. The first is the use of plastic panels. In this case, this is almost an ideal option for creating a design. It has excellent thermal insulation, has a long service life and allows you to create a bed of any shape.

Such blanks can be purchased in specialized stores. The principle of construction of the structure is the same as in the case of slate.

Important! When making beds from slate, you should not drive it into the ground - this way there is a possibility of its destruction. To install the sides, carefully dig the slate into the soil.

Another option is to make a bed out of plastic bottles. However, this is not a very good way, since tightness is out of the question. In addition, plastic bottles quickly yield to deformation, which over time will make the site not very attractive.

From straw and branches

One of the cheapest materials for making beds is straw.. Bales have a very affordable cost, so this way to build beds is the most budgetary.

To make the necessary design, it is necessary to spread cardboard on the ground, lay bales on it in rows and fasten them with wire to give shape.

Before planting plants, straw must be prepared: in autumn and spring, it is plentifully watered and fertilized with special means.

You can also build a ridge of branches. To do this, you need the branches themselves and spunbond. The step-by-step instruction looks like this:

Pegs are dug in along the perimeter of the proposed landing area.
Then these pegs are braided with branches, as if you are making a basket.
Small branches should be laid out on the bed itself - they will act as drainage.
Along the perimeter, it is necessary to lay the spanbond, digging it a little into the ground and placing it on the fence. It is necessary to hold soil and water, otherwise the earth will simply fall out through the bars.
Place old newspapers or cardboard on top of small branches - they will not allow weeds to break through.
At the final stage, the site is covered with soil.

Highlights when arranging high beds in the country

Despite the fact that when making beds, you can choose their height yourself, you should not go beyond 70 cm. It is this height that is optimal and allows you to create a plot with suitable soil for further growing plants. By raising the ground, you can minimize the occurrence of various crop diseases, as well as minimize the chemical treatment of plants.

Did you know? The use of straw beds is ideal for cold climates, as the warming up of the straw occurs much earlier than the soil becomes suitable for sowing.

In order for the structure to be strong, the material that is used to build it must be dug into the ground by about half the height of the sheet.

To get a good harvest, it is recommended to lay a layer of compost on the bottom before filling the structure with soil.

If you decide to build several beds, the paths between them can be decorated with green lawn grass. Such a decision will make the site more beautiful.

Now you know how to make high beds, and you can not only increase productivity, but also decorate your summer cottage with an original and useful structure.

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A high bed is a frame located on a flat piece of land, inside which branches, grass, compost and fertile soil mixed with fertilizers are laid in layers. The lower layers, rotting, give the soil heat and useful substances, which improves the quality of the crop. For simplicity, the frame is usually made in a square or rectangular shape, 15-50 cm high. And if every gardener can easily find materials to fill, then the question of what to make the frame itself from remains open for many.

1. High beds made of wood

The most aesthetic option, suitable for any garden style. It is easy to work with it: the bed can be raised to any height and set any shape.

A significant disadvantage is the need to regularly renew the paint layer both outside and, ideally, inside the beds to prevent rotting. It is not easy to make a round shape out of wood either. If you are not ready to engage in the construction of frames on your own, then you will have to pay a considerable amount for an order from professionals.

2. Galvanized metal beds

Their unconditional advantage over a tree is the lack of maintenance. Such beds are easily assembled even by a fragile woman, will not corrode and will serve, according to the manufacturer, for almost 30 years. There are 5 available colors as standard: yellow, green, brown, blue and plain steel. If desired, they can be independently repainted in any color using paints for metal.

The disadvantages include, again, a rather big price, a fixed shape and height. If you decide to save money and not buy a ready-made version, but do everything yourself, then the skills of working with iron will come in handy when cutting sheets and installing them.

3. Brick and stone beds

Stone and brick are also extremely durable, maintenance-free and a beautiful option. Suitable for a classic garden with stone residential and utility buildings. A stone bed can be raised to any height and even made along the edges of a bench for the convenience of working with plants.

The disadvantage of this material is the price and the large time spent both on the device and on the dismantling of the frame. The cement mortar hardens for a long time, and when it hardens, it tightly fastens the structure so that it is no longer possible to transfer it to another place. while almost all other types of beds are quite mobile.

4. Concrete beds

Another monumental option: such a design is strong and reliable, can be of any shape and height, and, if necessary, will take on the role of a supporting wall if the site is on a slope. Concrete can be painted or lined with stone. but for such a frame, an ideal platform must be prepared, since durability will depend on compliance with the technology during pouring. the solution will harden for a long time, and if you can plant the first plants in a galvanized bed almost on the same day, then it can take up to a week for the concrete structure to dry completely.

I would recommend using this material only if the site was planned in conjunction with a landscape designer and you are sure that you do not want to change the site for the garden in the next 30 years.

5. Plastic frame for beds

This material, perhaps, has the largest number of variations: from self-assembly of a structure from improvised materials like plastic bottles to the purchase of a finished structure from WPC (wood-polymer composite). Here I also include fences made of curb tape, the height of which can reach 30 cm.

The first half of the "plastic list" options captivate with their cheapness, besides, they correspond to the tendency to reuse materials, but, as a rule, poorly meet the requirements of aesthetics.

In addition, the height with this approach is limited by the parameters of the source material. But the shape of the beds can be absolutely any, including circles and smooth transitions. Buying a finished plastic structure is quite expensive, and most often the gardener is limited in choosing the shape of the frame - square or rectangular.

6. Asbestos-cement strips for edging beds

This is the option that I ended up choosing. Manufacturers offer ready-made beds from this material in rectangular and round shapes, but almost any pattern with corners can be made. The advantages of asbestos cement include a very low price compared to other options while maintaining the aesthetics and durability of the material. Asbestos cement sheets are not subject to corrosion, rotting, fireproof and can be painted. sheet cutting can also be any and will depend on the agreement with the manufacturer.

According to the manufacturer, the frost resistance of such a fence is 25 winters. The sheets are light enough so that the design is mobile and the assembly is accessible to women and teenagers. also from the same sheets you can make paths between the rows.

The only disadvantages can be attributed to the fact that due to the negative impact of asbestos-cement dust on a person when inhaled and the fragility of the sheet under directional exposure, cutting into strips of the desired width and height should be carried out in production, and on the site
deliver ready-made sides of the future beds. Practice has also shown that if you buy a ready-made set of sheets and fasteners, then the standard four connecting profiles for beds 2 m long and six for beds over 3 m are not enough. it is necessary to additionally strengthen the structure with metal or wooden stakes in the middle of each sheet.

7. Frame for beds of vines or twigs

These beds are well suited for a natural, rustic style garden. Can be made independently, any height and shape. however, if you are planning a large number of beds, you should decide in advance on the procurement of material and be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on their manufacture. Dry branches are difficult to weave, so you need to work quickly. in addition, braided freshly cut rods will dry out and shrink over time, which can lead to spillage
soil between rows. Therefore, it is necessary to make insulation between the ground and the woven frame: a dense black spunbond is suitable, for example.

Unfortunately, the service life of such a frame rarely justifies the labor costs.

Table of comparative analysis of various materials for high beds

Material	Durability	Aesthetics	Preparation time	Price
Wood	low (5-7 years)	very good	the average	expensive
Metal	High (20 - 30 years old)	so-so	fast	average
stone, brick	Very high (>30 years)	very good	for a long time	expensive
Concrete	Very high (>30 years)	well	for a long time	expensive
Plastic	so-so (10 - 15 years old)	so-so	the average	cheap
asbestos cement	high (20-30 years old)	well	fast	cheap
Vine	Low (5 years)	very good	for a long time	average

Bad soil on the site is not the final verdict. You can eliminate these shortcomings with the help of high beds. The principle of high beds is not to fight bad soil throughout the site, but to create a separate place - a bed above the ground, which will allow you to control the texture and composition of the soil. In this publication, read about what high beds are and how to make them with your own hands.

What is a high bed?

A high bed is a bed built above the surface of the soil. The designs of high beds are complex, using wooden or stone high fences, or simple, when the bed rises literally ten centimeters above ground level. On a high bed, you can plant anything: from herbs and vegetables, to perennials and even shrubs.

Benefits of raised beds

By building high beds on the site, you will forget about the problem of poor soil and get additional benefits:

in spring, high beds warm up faster, you can work with the soil and plant plants earlier;
high beds dry out better;
the soil in a high bed is not compacted, because it is not stepped on;
the soil in a high bed is easier to adapt for specific plants;
high beds are easier to care for.

How to make a high bed?

The most popular type of raised beds are fenced beds, as they are great for any vegetable crops, berries, herbs, and flower beds.

The choice of materials for creating a high garden fence is very diverse. Most gardeners build raised beds out of wood, which is no surprise: it's easy to work with and affordable. Concrete blocks, stone or brick are also suitable for high beds, but creating fences from them is much more difficult.

Some gardeners do it easier: stack bales of hay or straw in sizes suitable for the bed, then pour soil, compost on top and plant plants. However, this method is short-lived - the straw quickly decomposes, and therefore such a bed will last no more than a year. If the need to change the contents of the garden once a year does not scare you, or if you are still in search of a permanent structure, then it may be worth starting with the above option.

And we will continue. Considering that most raised beds are built from planks of wood, here are instructions on how to build a raised bed out of planks.

The height of the bed is determined, depending on the structure of the soil and the plants that plan to grow on it. © Cucina Kristina

Step-by-step instructions for creating a high garden bed made of wood

1. Choose a location for your raised bed. If you know for sure that you will be growing vegetables, plants, or light-loving flowers, choose a spot that gets at least eight hours of sunshine a day. The surface for building a high bed should be flat and level, and the place where the high bed is built should have easy access to water for irrigation and enough space for working with plants.

2. Determine the size and shape of the raised bed. Make sure the plants are easily accessible to you without having to step on the bed.

One of the main advantages of high beds is the fact that the soil in it is not compacted, as in a regular bed, thanks to thoughtful access to it.

The standard width of a high bed is about 1 meter 20 centimeters, because in this case you will be able to access the middle of the bed from both sides. If you equip a bed against a wall or fence, its width should be no more than 90 centimeters. If you have chosen the right width for a high bed, then its length does not matter.

3. 15 centimeters is the normal soil depth for the growth of most crops. The ideal height of the beds is from 25 to 30 centimeters. If the soil is not bad, not too clayey or rocky, you can simply loosen it and build a bed 15 to 20 centimeters high. If the soil is poor, or you will be growing crops such as carrots and beets that need deeper soil, then the bed should be at least 25 centimeters high.

4. Prepare the site. Once you've decided on the size and shape of your garden bed, you can get to work on site preparation. The scope of work is determined by the height of the planned beds and the plants that are planned to be grown there. For most vegetables and herbs, a bed 15 centimeters high will do. You can save yourself time by simply laying newspaper, landscape fabric or cardboard on top of the turf and filling the bed with soil on top. However, in order for the roots of the plants to have enough room to grow, it is best to remove the existing sod and additionally loosen the soil with a shovel or garden fork to a depth of 20 to 30 centimeters.

5. Frame the raised bed. When building the frame, use rot-resistant boards such as cedar, larch, or modern composite materials. To create a 15 cm high garden bed, cut as many boards as needed to size, then fasten them together to make a simple frame. Boards can be fastened in various ways. You can pre-drill holes and fasten the boards butt-to-butt by screwing galvanized screws (self-tapping screws). You can also use small blocks of wood in the corners, attaching each board to them.

6. Align the frame in the place chosen for the bed according to the level. Using a level, be sure to level the frame in all directions with respect to the horizon. This is important: if the structure is not even, water will drain from one side of the bed and accumulate on the other. If one side of the frame is too high, simply remove some of the soil under that side.

7. Fill the bed with soil. The whole point of raised beds is that with its help you can create the perfect soil for plants. Therefore, fill the bed with quality substrate, compost and rotted manure. After filling the beds and leveling the soil in it, you can start planting plants or sowing seeds.

Care for high beds

Raised beds are easy to care for. Every spring or autumn they need to be replenished with compost and manure. If the bed is intended for growing plants only for part of the year, compost or manure can only be placed in the top few centimeters of soil. As with any raised bed, mulching the top of the soil in a raised bed will help retain moisture and keep weeds out. Moisture retention is especially important in raised beds because they dry out faster than regular beds.

Colin Vanderlinden, How to make raised beds?

Working in the garden and caring for plants takes a lot of time and effort, and the results are not always equal to labor costs. High beds will help to increase productivity in the summer cottage and facilitate physical labor. It is not difficult to grow a bountiful harvest without straining your back - high beds are easy enough to make yourself.

An example of a classic high garden in the country

This does not require complex tools and special skills.

Pros of high beds

High or smart beds are almost the perfect way to grow any plant: vegetables, berries, fruits, herbs or flowers. Compared to traditional garden beds, high fences have many advantages:

Arrangement of high beds with the help of unhewn boards

Materials for the construction of smart beds

Do-it-yourself high beds can be made from various building materials, here are the most popular ones:

Raised bed options

When installing high beds, you should follow some recommendations and take into account the following features.

Optimal Height

Length and width of raised beds

The length of the beds is unimportant, you can make any length - as long as the territory of the site allows. The only condition is that long beds need to be strengthened with additional jumpers or retaining posts.
You need to pay more attention to the width of the beds:

Where to install a high bed

If the nature of the soil does not matter much for a smart garden, then sunlight is important for any crops. For landing, you should choose a site on which direct sunlight falls for at least 5 hours.
Before filling the beds, do the following:

A construction mesh is nailed to the bottom of the box - it will protect the plants from rodents and moles;
Then dense cardboard or geotextiles are laid - weeds will not break through such an obstacle, and water will not stagnate.

What to plant

You can plant almost any vegetables, berries, herbs or flowers on high beds. On the decorated beds, you can annually make a crop rotation, changing crops in places. Only such plants as sunflower or corn are not very convenient to grow in such boxes because of the high-growing stems.

Do-it-yourself high beds from boards

Wooden boards are the easiest and most environmentally friendly way to make a garden bed. In addition, this material is always available.

However, many gardeners rightly believe that such processing reduces the environmental safety of the material and this affects the quality of the grown fruits and vegetables. The most environmentally friendly way to extend the life of wood is. It is even better to use boards with good resistance to decay - larch or oak.

Making a high bed of bars

Also, after antiseptic treatment from the inside, the bed can be sheathed with a film to limit the contact of the soil with wood treated with chemicals.

Inventory and materials

To assemble a wooden garden bed, you will need the following tools and materials:

boards 5x20 cm;
bars 5x5 cm;
hacksaw;
wood screws;
screwdriver or screwdriver;
shovel;
building level and tape measure;
building network.

High bed installation

Filling a high bed

The bed is ready, now you need to fill it. The efficiency of smart beds is achieved by their correct layer-by-layer filling:

First, you can lay cardboard to protect the beds from the germination of weeds.
A small layer of sand is poured onto the cardboard.
Organic layer - long rotting organic material (twigs, bark, coarse thick tops, wood chips).
Plant residues - plant tops, vegetable and fruit peelings, leaves, non-perennial weeds.
The bed is spilled with water, and preferably with manure infusion and fertile land is poured 15-20 cm.

Raised slate beds

Slate is a simple and budget option for arranging raised beds. And if this roofing material lies dead weight after replacing the roof, then this is also a free way to make smart beds in the backyard.

Advantages and disadvantages of slate for arranging beds

The advantages of building slate are as follows:

low cost;
durability;
rigidity and strength;
chemical neutrality;
neat appearance.

The minus of the slate border is strong heating in hot weather. Plants will need more frequent watering.

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