All about raised beds made of steel: advantages, installation and care

Raised beds are not just a trend, but a practical and aesthetic addition to your garden. Steel raised beds in particular offer a range of benefits that take plant cultivation to a whole new level. Here you can find out everything you need to know about steel raised beds - from their definition to maintenance.

What are steel raised beds?

Steel raised beds are raised bed structures that have been specially developed for garden cultivation. They consist of a sturdy frame filled with soil and provide a raised growing area for plants.

Advantages of raised beds made of steel

Steel raised beds are an excellent choice for hobby gardeners for several reasons:

1. Robust and durable: Compared to traditional wooden beds, raised beds made of steel are extremely durable and resistant to the elements.
2. Aesthetically pleasing: With various surface options such as characteristic stainless steel, elegant stainless steel or a powder-coated finish, steel raised beds fit seamlessly into any garden style.
3. Easy maintenance and assembly: Steel raised beds require little maintenance and are easy to assemble, which makes them particularly attractive for amateur gardeners.
4. Optimal plant growth: The raised position of the beds enables better drainage and aeration of the soil, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields.

 There are many other benefits that raised beds offer, both for your health and for your garden.

Raised beds are not only practical, but also extremely beneficial to your health. The elevated position of the plants when growing in raised beds allows you to bend down less when gardening, thus minimizing back and knee pain. Better ergonomics are a big plus for anyone who enjoys working in the garden and doesn't want to neglect their health.

In addition to better ergonomics, raised beds also offer better control over soil quality and moisture. You can adapt the soil in a raised bed to the needs of your plants and thus create an optimal environment for their growth. Watering is also easier as the water does not run off as quickly as in conventional beds. This allows you to save water and at the same time ensure that your plants receive sufficient moisture.

Another advantage of raised beds is the reduced number of weeds. The raised soil makes it more difficult for weed seeds to get into the raised bed. This means less work for you, as you have to spend less time removing weeds. You can therefore concentrate on the essentials: The growth of your plants.

In addition to the health benefits, raised beds also offer numerous advantages for your garden. One of these benefits is the optimal use of space. Even if you only have a small garden, raised beds allow you to make the most of the space available. The raised position of the plants allows you to grow more plants and therefore enjoy a greater variety of vegetables, herbs or flowers.

Last but not least, raised beds also offer a certain degree of protection against pests. The raised position of the plants makes it more difficult for slugs and grubs to reach your plants. This can help to reduce pest infestation of your plants and reduce the need to use pesticides.

Setting up a raised bed

Setting up a raised steel bed is easy and only requires basic tools. Place the raised bed in a sunny spot, fill it with high-quality soil and start growing your favorite plants.

Regular watering and occasional fertilization are important for optimal care of your raised bed. Make sure to control pests and protect the raised bed from frost, especially during the winter months.

Choosing the right location

The location of your raised bed plays a decisive role in the growth of your plants. Here are some important factors you should consider when choosing the right location:

• Position: Choose a sunny location for your raised bed, as most plants need sunlight to grow. Make sure that your raised bed receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Accessibility: Choose a location that is easily accessible so that you can reach your raised bed comfortably. Make sure there is enough space to walk around the raised bed and maintain it.
• Soil conditions: Check the soil for drainage, as raised beds need good drainage. If the soil is too clayey or too sandy, you can improve it with compost or fertilizer to increase the soil quality. Well-drained soil is important to avoid waterlogging.

Steps to set up

Once you have prepared all the materials and tools, you can start setting up your raised bed. Follow these steps to ensure that your raised bed is set up properly:

1. Fill the frame with soil or a mixture of soil and compost: Make sure to fill the frame evenly with high-quality soil or a mixture of soil and compost to avoid cavities.

2. Smooth the surface of the soil with a garden shovel or spade: Use a garden shovel or spade to smooth the surface of the soil in your raised bed. Remove stones or other obstacles that could affect the growth of your plants.

3. Water the soil thoroughly with water: Water the soil in your raised bed thoroughly with water. Make sure that the soil is moist but not soaked. Even watering is important to promote the growth of your plants.

4. Leave the raised bed to rest for a few days: Leave the raised bed to rest for a few days before you start growing plants. This gives the soil time to settle and adjust to the right humidity.

Now you are ready to plant your raised bed with your favorite plants. Remember to water regularly, remove weeds and look after your plants to get the best results. Have fun gardening!

Frequently asked questions about raised beds

How high should a raised bed be?

The height of a raised bed depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, a general rule of thumb is that a raised bed should be at least 30 cm high so that the roots have enough space to grow.

Which plants are suitable for raised beds?

The choice of plants for raised beds depends on various factors, such as the location and growing conditions. Here are some plants that grow well in raised beds:

• Tomatoes
• Salad
• Cucumbers
• Herbs such as basil and parsley
• Carrots

Now that you know everything there is to know about raised beds - from the benefits to how to set them up and maintain them - you can enjoy your own raised bed in the garden. Have fun gardening!