There are so many benefits of using raised garden beds. They offer better soil drainage, easier access to your plants, protection from bugs, slugs and wild animals, and the added aesthetics of a pretty bed border.
But how do you get started? This beginner’s guide to raised garden beds covers all the basics of setting up and maintaining a raised garden bed.
Types of raised garden beds
There are lots of options for raised garden beds, and there are even more types you can DIY at home. Below are some of the most popular types of materials for garden beds, many of which you can find around your home and garden.
- Wood
- Masonry
- Metal
- Stock tanks
- No frame
- Mandala
- Pre-made garden beds
- Mobile garden planters
Pinnacle’s range of raised planters are quick and easy to assemble, and you can choose from stationary, mobile, or kids’ planters.
Choosing safe garden bed materials
While it’s great to repurpose old materials, there are some that you should avoid putting in your garden. Especially if you’re planting an edible garden, some materials aren’t safe for your plants, pets, or family members. Below are the materials you should steer clear of:
- Pressure-treated wood
- MB pallets
- Railroad ties
- Cinder blocks
- Old tires
Where to install your raised garden beds
Direct sunlight is one of the main ingredients for a thriving garden, preferably for 8 hours a day. This requirement is essential if you are growing vegetables. But for more specific advice, you should check the conditions favoured by the species you want to plant.
Notice how much sun and shade is in your desired planting spot. Are there big trees nearby that cast a lot of dim shadows? Or is the location out in the open, soaking up the sun’s rays all day? Make sure your raised garden bed gets the optimal amount of sunlight by placing it in an area free of shady trees in the middle of the day for maximum sun exposure.
How to install a raised garden bed
Our raised garden beds are simple to assemble and install. You’ll only need basic DIY skills to put them together. Here’s what to consider when installing the Pinnacle garden planter.
Materials
Our garden planters are solid steel, while our mobile planter has wheels to enable easy movement around the garden. A solid steel construction means that your raised garden planter will last while out in the elements.
Location
Match your chosen flowers or veggies to the environment you’re planting in. Of course, if you use one of our mobile garden planters, you can move your little garden around to get the best of both worlds – sun and shade.
Nutrients
The soil you use will significantly impact the nutrients available to help your plants grow. If you want to grow vegetables, this is even more true. Use supplements such as compost, manure and soil improver to get a better soil texture with more minerals and vitamins.
Plant for your conditions
Keep the climate and conditions of your location in mind when choosing your plants. If you live coastally, choose hardy plants such as grasses and succulents. If you live in a windy area, ground cover can be a wise choice. Know whether your plants want full sun or part shade, and plant accordingly.
Water
When you install your raised plant beds, it helps to position them near a water source so that watering them is convenient and easy. Plants need water to grow, so don’t forget this crucial step. Younger plants need watering more often to help develop their root systems.
See our range of raised garden beds at Pinnacle Hardware
Our raised garden beds are made with solid steel construction with a powder-coated finish which means they are sturdy and water-resistant. They are quick and easy to assemble so that you can plant veggies or flowers sooner.
See our raised garden planters online or visit your local Bunnings Warehouse.
