Building Raised Beds

It is simple to grow your own vegetables, especially in raised beds. Fountain Timber sell all you need to get started: standard/large raised beds, cold frames and soil.

Components supplied

• 1.8m x 1.2m - 6 long and 6 short boards plus 6 blocks and 30 Fixing Screws
• 2.4m x 1.8m - 6 long and 6 short boards plus 8 blocks and 36 Fixing Screws

Choosing and locating your raised bed

The standard raised bed is 1.8m x 1.2m; the large raised bed is 2.4m x 1.8m. When choosing the size and location of your raised bed, bear in mind that you will ideally need access all the way around it, but access to two sides will suffice. The raised bed can sit on any surface as long as it can drain; bare soil is perfect.

Building your raised bed

The beds will be delivered in flat-pack form but can be constructed in minutes. Each pack contains 3 long boards and 3 shorter boards. The standard raised bed pack contains 6 blocks while the large raised bed pack contains 8 blocks.

Step 1

Layout 3 blocks. Place one of the longer boards on top. Check that the centre block is equal distance from each end and that the blocks are at right angles. Boards are placed with the angle cut facing down. Screw board to blocks. Repeat process for all three boards to construct one side.

Step 2

Repeat Step 1 to create the other long side.

Step 3

For the two shorter sides, the block is placed in the centre. Prop ends temporarily whilst fixing centre block.

Step 4

Screw the two completed longer lengths to the completed shorter lengths by drilling pilot holes and screwing into corner blocks. Your raised bed is now finished, although you may need to re-tighten the screws during a hot summer.

Preparing the raised bed for seeds

You will need to order soil to fill the raised bed, which will be suitable for most vegetable and salad crops.

Put the soil into the raised bed and work it well down to remove any air pockets. When firmed in, lightly loosen it with a fork. Once the soil has been firmed in, the only tools you should need to work the soil are a fork, rake and push hoe; you should never need to "dig" the soil again. Simply work the surface with your push hoe or lightly fork the soil.

Top Tips - You could construct a temporary cold frame over the standard raised bed, and advance the season by four to six weeks. It would keep cats and birds off your seed bed! When the plants are up and all danger of frost has passed the cold frame can be removed. If you wish to make your own compost to improve your soil and nurture plants, Fountain Timber can supply slatted compost bins.

The information and advice in this article is provided in good faith and is designed to give general information and guidance. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. If in doubt we strongly recommend you seek professional assistance.

If you need further advice with your purchase please ask our experienced staff, we will be happy to help!

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