Why a raised garden?
The biggest advantage of a raised vegie garden is how easy it is to maintain. You are not on your hands and knees and your back will thank you, as you don’t have to bend as much. The closer you can get your vegie garden to waist height, the easier it will be to work in. They can also make an attractive addition to any garden and are the perfect solution to growing vegies in courtyards or in areas with heavy clay soils or rock.
Timber beds
Timber is the most versatile product for building raised beds because you can cut it to any length, so it exactly suits your needs. Hardwood sleepers are not only practical but also have a rich colour and texture. Coat them in a natural timber oil to retain the colour over time. Modular kits using timber are also available so you don’t have to worry about cutting; all you have to do is select the number of kits you need to suit your space and assemble them.
Steel beds
Beds made out of corrugated steel are increasingly popular. They come in kits of various shapes, sizes and heights so you’re sure to find one to suit your particular situation. Steel beds are finished in a range of Colorbond colours so you can match them up with other features of your home such as the roof and gutters. You’ll also find them in bright and bold primary colours for something a little bit different. Using these is also a great way of getting your kids involved in growing vegies.
Blend it in
A sunny spot is the best place for a vegie garden. They don’t have to stick out like a sore thumb either. There are ways to make your vegie patch blend in with the rest of the garden.
Mix up flowers and veggies in combined beds. A few flowering plants will add some colour to what is usually a sea of green. Alternatively you can mix vegies in your flower beds. Why not grow a border of lettuce or parsley around an ornamental garden bed instead of Mondo grass?
A raised bed set against a sun-drenched fence can help hide what is not really an attractive feature. Grow climbing vegies like peas or beans against the fence to cover it.
