Raised bed kits offer numerous advantages to gardeners, especially those growing vegetables and herbs. They provide a great growing medium and ease their work as they are already filled with soil. Above all, they provide good drainage since they are well above the ground level.
Raised beds also help you formalise and plan your garden as they can be placed in strategic positions to ensure easy access. And because they are relatively movable, it’s easy to make changes that best suit your style.
Now when it comes to choosing raised beds, there are various things that you must consider to ensure that you get one that suits your specific needs. They include:
Price
Price is an important consideration when selecting a raised bed kit. Most kits range between £20 and £100. Depending on the number of kits you want to purchase, you can be sure to get discounts especially if you need more than one.
Usually, the difference between cheap kits and the expensive ones is generally the type of materials used and the quality of construction. In this case, buying an expensive kit is a much better value for money. You can compare prices in various online stores.
Space Available in Your Garden
Another important consideration when purchasing a raised bed kit is the space in your garden. It’s crucial that you measure the area you want to place the kits to ensure that you buy the right size.
Shape is also an important consideration. Most kits come in either rectangular or triangular shapes. Kits with shapes that allow them to be slotted together to save space are worth considering.
The size of the kits also matters. Choose sizes that can fit perfectly into the available space in your garden.
Height of the Kits
It’s upon you to decide whether you want to buy short or tall beds. Short beds are more common than taller ones. However, tall beds offer a few benefits. One, you can easily reach them without having to bend and thus can make gardening a much easier task especially for the elderly and wheelchair users. Two, the plants are much nearer to the eye level, making it possible to watch them closely for potential problems such as diseases and damages.
Material Used
Timber raised beds are more common although you can find others made from different materials such as uPVC. Since the variety is quite broad, you can choose one made of materials that best suit your taste and style.
Additional Features to Consider
Some kits come with a Coppa Stoppa” feature which is a copper strip running around the kit that repels slugs and snails. Others come with mini-greenhouses that are designed to offer protection from frost.
Where to Buy Raised Bed Kits
You can purchase the kits from your local farm store or hardware. Another great alternative is checking online. The advantage of buying online is that you can compare designs, shapes, sizes, and prices from different websites. Be sure to buy from a reputable online seller to avoid being scammed.
Raised bed kits offer a stress-free way to grow vegetables and other types of plants, and choosing the right ones can make the experience even more rewarding. Be sure to consider all the above requirements before buying.