Most often, a dacha is not only flowers and rest, it is also a harvest. These are seedlings in the spring, shoots, transplanting into the ground and other concerns. If you are a gardener who cares not only about the harvest, but also about a neat, well-groomed plot with fences, then you probably wondered more than once how to arrange beautiful garden beds in the country with your own hands?
Beautiful garden in the country with their own hands
If you started a dacha not only for the sake of flowers and fruit trees, then you definitely have beds. And usually the most difficult work is their improvement. Because you need to provide so many important nuances in order to fully enjoy the harvest afterwards. That is why we want to figure out together with you what kind of beautiful and correct beds they are?
Vertical beds - how to create, what are the features, pros and cons
If you have a small plot, but you want to use it to the maximum advantage, then you should think about creating vertical beds. Thanks to them, with small areas, you can get an excellent harvest, only once making enough effort for this.
These beds are great if you want:
- save space,
- grow more in a limited area,
- grow in open ground
- simplify your care and reduce the number of likely weeds,
- facilitate watering and harvesting.
Thanks to their simple design and mobility, these beds are easy to assemble and move. And at the same time, you yourself can choose how many bushes or seeds you need for seedlings.
Varieties of vertical beds
There are several types of vertical beds:
ladder type- are created from boxes of different sizes, stacked on top of each other according to the principle of a ladder,
tubular- are plastic pipes of a selected diameter, filled with soil, with holes for seedlings,
suspended- where the beds are located one above the other, being suspended or installed on a structure similar to a stepladder,
pyramids- are created according to the principle of stairs, but each new tier is smaller than the previous one on all sides and is located in the center, eventually creating the appearance of a pyramid.
Clear instructions for creating different types of vertical beds
Creating a vertical bed is not difficult, but it all depends on your skills, the tools in your arsenal, and the materials you have at your disposal.
Most often they are made from boards in order to extend the life of their structure and get the maximum benefit. After all, wooden beds last longer, are more stable and harmless to future seedlings. But their arrangement requires more knowledge and experience in using tools such as a drill, screwdriver and jigsaw (if you need to cut the boards to the intended size).
In general, the basic set of materials for creating a wooden vertical garden bed is the same:
- boards,
- beam,
- nails,
- self-tapping screws,
- priming,
- seedlings or seeds.
First, decide on the size of the largest and smallest beds. Saw the boards into the cuts you need, and then assemble boxes from them, which you stack on top of each other and fill with soil.
Do not forget that even experienced craftsmen use a pencil and a tape measure so as not to be mistaken with the size. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands.
Take advantage of a very clear, step-by-step master class by Ekaterina Komkova, who talks about how to build a very neat pyramid for your seedlings.
And if you liked a place near a fence or a wall of a country house, then it’s more suitable for you, as in the relena75 master class:
They take up little space and, which fit perfectly into small areas, and due to their design are also very mobile. After all, they are so easy to carry from place to place or put away for storage at the end of the season. Yes, and they are made no more difficult than their more massive girlfriends. See for yourself by following the instructions from the video lesson of the Country Expert:
However, a pallet can also become a bookcase.
Tubular beds do not require much effort to manufacture. And they take up much less space compared to the previous ones. And the harvest will give a worthy full-fledged garden.
To create it, it is enough to cut pipes of a suitable diameter, make holes on them with a special nozzle for a drill, dig into the selected place, fill with soil and your garden is ready!
They are great for growing strawberries or cucumbers.
If you want to understand the intricacies of creating such compact beds, then you should pay attention to the master class of a country craftsman with the nickname Adek.
Disadvantages of vertical beds
But, like everything else related to the dacha, vertical beds are not a panacea. Indeed, due to all the same design features, they also have disadvantages.
- the soil in them is quickly depleted,
- the soil often has to be watered due to drying with a small volume of the bed itself,
- if your region has severe winters, then the ground will freeze, which is bad for perennial crops,
- you will need to make an effort and stock up on patience, as well as the tools to create them.
In addition, due to limited space, not every crop will take root on a vertical garden - plants with a powerful root system will not be able to fully develop.
Therefore, it is best to grow in such beds:
- salad,
- basil,
- cucumbers,
- strawberry,
- dill.
Warm and high beds - basic requirements, pros and cons
As you can see, vertical beds are not suitable for pumpkin, corn and potatoes. Therefore, it is worth considering other options for growing garden crops. For example, if you have plenty of space but the ground is cold, then you might like the option of tall, warm beds, great for tender, heat-loving crops.
In fact, a high bed is a mound of fertile soil, bounded on four sides by a fence. She is:
- easy to assemble and disassemble
- does not require much care and attention,
- well suited even for rocky terrain,
- gives an excellent harvest.
In addition, due to the closed nature of the ecosystem, there are many times less weeds in such a bed, which means that weeding will require less effort.
They are divided into permanent and temporary. And, as the name implies, some can be used for several years in a row, while others are more often collected for growing seedlings. But both of them, in their essence, remain ordinary garden beds.
And most importantly, if the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating a warm garden bed for a summer cottage with your own hands visited you, then you do not need to put in a lot of effort.
Very efficient and comfortable...
... and can be made from improvised materials!
General rules for the design and assembly of high beds
The optimal height is considered to be 15-50 cm from the ground (depending on the root system of the crop you want to grow.
The width varies from 90 to 120 cm.
The mandatory composition of each bed includes soil, drainage and biofuel (which will become humus, giving the main fertilizer of the root system).
But the materials for fencing can be completely diverse:
- boards,
- plastic boxes,
- pallets,
- metal profile,
- wooden boxes.
Everything will depend only on your idea and what is now at hand.
The most common and stable are the beds of the boards. If you lay them with roofing material before falling asleep with earth, then they will last a very long time, since they will be isolated from moisture and decay.
Boarding fencing…
...metal...
... and again with boards
And creating them is quite simple if you follow the detailed instructions of Evgeny Afanasyev given in the master class.
If you are not friends with tools or do not have enough time to organize a permanent garden, then you can solve the issue differently. After all, such beds are good because they only require a high fence. Plastic vegetable crates or pallets stacked upright and hastily hammered together to form a square, and even concrete blocks can be a better solution.
Pallet fence...
...and concrete blocks.
Yes, you do not need to have a carpentry education to organize a garden bed. It can be made even in an old barrel.
And even weave!
If you want to plant a couple of seedlings as an experiment, then you can get by with pocket beds.
Here you do not need to be able to saw and plan, but the skill of sewing and sewing is useful. After all, such a homemade product for a summer residence and a garden, created by oneself, will appeal to every needlewoman.
Take an old organizer for small things, combs or other household items, put film, soil and fertilizer into the pockets, sew on strong loops so that it can be hung on any wall or fence, and that's it - your miniature bed is ready!
As you can see, do-it-yourself beds for summer cottages and gardens are created from a variety of materials and varying complexity. For some, you will need an impressive set of tools, but the result will give a good harvest or, for others, only a few boxes and a couple of barrels will be enough, although the result will also be joyful and very pleasant. The main thing you should know at the beginning of the season is that any idea for a summer residence can be brought to life with your own hands - from a garden bed to a personal garden with the most exotic flowers.
For many, your own garden or summer cottage is not only an opportunity to grow your own vegetables, but also a kind of option for relaxation. Therefore, it is so important that the territory with your landings has. At the same time, you can decorate the plantings beautifully and give them a neat look with the help of different materials. Let's find out how to make original beds with your own hands, not like everyone else. Interesting ideas in our review will help you create a variety of designs.
DIY beds are not like everyone else: interesting ideas and tips for arranging them
The design of the beds in the garden depends on the selected materials. Photos of popular designs are presented in the article. The beds differ in the type of material used. To select a quality material, first decide on the purpose and shape of the structures. An important factor is the location of the landings.
Use borders for framing - practical and beautiful. Such barriers do not allow the soil to crumble, and also give the territory a well-groomed appearance. It's good rain.
In the video below you can see how you can make reliable enclosing elements:
When creating beds, use the following nuances:
- the width of the beds can be 50-70 cm, the height is -30-60, and the distance between the paths is 40-50 cm;
- the length of the beds depends on the area of \u200b\u200bthe personal plot, as well as on the volume of the crop;
- before the construction of the beds, the marking of the landing area is carried out. At the same time, agrotechnical features of plants are taken into account;
- crop yield per 1 sq. m.;
- plant compatibility;
- with a slope of the site;
The nuances of designing a garden design with beds
Photos of beautiful beds with your own hands will help you design your garden. This process must be accompanied by a rational distribution of space, as well as the right combination of vegetable crops.
If your site has a small area, then choose the corner version of the beds. You can try radial and radial layout schemes. The radial scheme is often used along. It can be used for the local area.
You can install rectangular or round beds and plantings along yard and garden paths.
Pay attention to the compatibility of crops that are going to be planted in the same area. There are special tables that will help determine the favorable neighborhood of individual crops.
Creating a garden layout and the location of the beds should be done taking into account some recommendations:
- . The site must be divided into an economic zone, recreation and front;
- important to think about. The site should be lit from all sides, as many vegetable crops love the sun;
- limit planting areas to create additional protection and quality care for crops;
- placement of landings and original configurations;
- the width of the plantations and the passages between them matter. Experienced gardeners do not advise making a width of more than 70 cm;
- landscaping is the most important part.
Decorative borders are necessarily used for beds with their own hands. Not like everyone else, interesting ideas can be found on our website. With the help of the sides you can raise the embankments. If the design of the entire territory involves the use of smooth lines, then you can make figured frames from ready-made modules.
Planting plants in containers has many benefits. They are especially valued for their mobility. You can move them to any place in the territory. With similar boxes of greens, you can not only decorate the beds in the garden, but also a barbecue area or.
In compact containers, you can plant cherry tomatoes, eggplants or decorative peppers. In large containers, you can plant several crops at once.
Flower and vegetable beds look good. In this case, flowers can be placed in groups, like bright islands.
Note! Do not forget to decorate the paths with small gravel, granite elements or wood cuts.
Designing beds in the country with your own hands: how to make the right sizes
When planning your garden space, consider the size of your plantings. The placement of narrow ones for vegetables is popular, since such a design facilitates the care of plantings.
The functional design of the beds is carried out taking into account their length, height and width, which are determined in advance. Size parameters can affect the yield, the level of complexity of design, as well as the appearance of the beds.
You can choose any width, but the best option is 70-90 cm. On such beds, plants can be planted in several rows. Even with a size of 90 cm, you can easily reach the central part of the landing from two sides. If you plan to plant vegetables near a wall or, then do not make the width more than 50 cm.
Particular attention should be paid to height. If you plant plants on a hill, then they can freeze in the winter, so not the best solution for perennials. In this case, the height can be no more than 15-20 cm.
Creating a design of beds in the country with your own hands: photos of paths and materials
When making a garden bed with your own hands, not like everyone else, you can bring interesting ideas to life with the help of unusual paths. For their arrangement, stone, sawdust or crushed stone is used.
You can concrete the paths, such a coating is particularly convenient. And if you are going to change planting patterns every year, then lay out the paths with wooden platforms, rubber or.
If there are no other materials, then tree bark or wood shavings can be used. This material does not rot, unlike sawdust.
On the paths, you can plant green manure, which will enrich the soil, and also help to get high-quality mulch. But such a coating is not dense enough and it will be inconvenient to walk on it.
gr Tracks from the boards Budget options include crushed stone sprinkles. In some cases, pieces of roofing material, gratings of slats and flat slate are used.
From pieces of ceramic tiles, you can lay out a variety of ornaments and mosaics. A reliable coating is obtained from multi-colored.
Note! The materials of the paths and fences must be combined with each other. For stone fences, a good option is crushed stone, paving stones or tiles. If the structures are wooden, then the paths can be made from saw cuts of wood or from sawdust.
How to make a garden fence with your own hands
To create high-quality and beautiful designs, pay attention to the choice of materials for the manufacture of beds.
The design instructions begin with universal steps. First you need to prepare and level the soil. Mark the perimeter of the landings.
Consider some material options:
- used for borders material made of steel with the addition of polyurethane. This solution will keep the designs from fading for a long time. The material is easy to install and can be dismantled when cold weather sets in. In addition, such fences are resistant to corrosion and are distinguished by mechanical strength;
- via plastic panels you can create multi-tiered structures. In this case, the elements can have a curved or smooth shape. This material is in demand due to its resistance to temperature extremes, as well as high strength. You can make an original garden bed from plastic pipes;
- common material is wood. Before use, such material will have to be treated with additional impregnations, as it quickly deteriorates. More expensive solutions include decking;
- polycarbonate borders produced in a variety of colors. Such material is fire resistant and resistant to mechanical stress;
- slate durable material that perfectly withstands the impact of precipitation.
When creating any border for a garden bed with your own hands, follow these rules:
- fences should not be high. The optimal value is from 10 to 30 cm;
- framing should be in harmony with the configuration of the beds;
- set the material firmly enough so that the soil does not spill out onto the paths.
Note! Plastic fences are easy to clean. To do this, it is enough to pour them with water from a hose.
Related article:
If you do not know which plastic constructions can be used, then our review will help you. You will not only get acquainted with the specifics of such products, but also learn the most unusual ideas for their use.
Do-it-yourself options for unusual beds in the country: photos and tips
Consider design options for unusual beds with your own hands from improvised materials. The photo shows the most original ideas.
With proper design, beautiful beds are in no way inferior. Some ideas you can bring to life on your own:
- high beds allow you to raise the plants, and also contribute to their rapid heating and development of seedlings;
- round designs look unusual. They can be used to grow beets, cabbage, tomatoes and radishes;
- multi-level structures recommended for small areas;
- for creating ladder apply;
- vertical are made in the form of boxes for seedlings or in the form of plastic pipes. They are fixed vertically, which saves a lot of space. Vertical beds are used for strawberries, onions, lettuce, herbs and even cucumbers;
- comfortable suspended structures. You can plant greens or strawberries in them.
To create beds, you can use any improvised materials. These can be plastic boxes, barrels or wooden containers.
Related article:
In this article, we will look at how to use the border tape correctly, prices and reviews for these products, and also find out what types of such decor can be used for landscape design of your site.
How to make a bed for strawberries with your own hands: photo and manufacturing method
Let's find out what kind of beds you can make for strawberries and other materials. For cultivation, wall and vertical structures are suitable, which provide optimal conditions for this plant. You can use spunbond. The price per meter of this material is less than the cost of film coatings.
So, here are the advantages of such structures:
- are used for installation on a terrace or veranda;
- fill the space along the fences;
- can be placed on the walls.
How to create a bed for strawberries with your own hands from car tires
You can make a pyramid for growing strawberries. In this case, you will need tires from the car. This material is ideal for creating multi-tiered structures.
Tires are first cleaned, then washed, and then dried. Then the material should be painted over in the selected color. Make holes on the sides. Then the tire is mounted in place. A pipe is installed in the center, and soil is poured inside the tire. Be sure to wrap the pipe with synthetic fabric and make holes in it. The rest of the tires are laid on top and also filled with soil.
When the bed is made, fill the pipe with water. In this case, the liquid will flow into each tier of the structure.
How to make a bed for strawberries from a pipe
The option of arranging vertical beds for strawberries from is popular.
To make an interesting design, you will need two types of pipes with different diameters. In a pipe with a large diameter, make holes for planting seedlings. And in a smaller part, make holes for. The length of the structure can be any. Planting strawberries in a pipe horizontally can be done from separate elements.
Then the smaller product is inserted into the larger one, and the space between them is filled with soil. Such a material is resistant to the effects of the external environment, which is why it is so often used.
You can also make original beds for strawberries from a sewer pipe.
In the table you can see the installation step by step.
| Image | Installation steps |
 | Holes are cut in the surface of the pipe, the diameter of which should not exceed 25-45 mm. The distance between the holes should be about 100-150 mm. |
 | We prepare a tube for watering. Poke holes with an awl. The speed of watering the soil depends on their size. Then wrap the part with spunbond or burlap, and then fix the material. Cover the bottom hole with a plug. Place a watering can at the top. |
 | Place a large pipe in a recess up to 0.5 meters. Sprinkle around with gravel, and then tamp down. In autumn, such structures can be moved to a warmer place. |
 | Put a smaller pipe inside, and then pour the substrate around. After watering, the soil can shrink, so it needs to be added occasionally. |
 | Plant rosettes from strawberry bushes in the finished structure |
Making multi-tiered beds for strawberries with your own hands
Let's figure out how to make a multi-tiered bed for strawberries. In this case, constructions in the form are used. They can also be used as shelves for containers or pots.
A simple solution is to make a pyramidal structure from boxes. In this case, you will need boards that need to be connected in the form of rectangular and square products. Then the boxes are assembled according to the principle of a nesting doll: the largest element will be at the bottom, and the smallest at the top. Earth is poured into the container, and then seedlings are placed there.
Note! Tiered structures can be made from various improvised materials, for example, from plastic bottles.
Technology for creating beds for strawberries from bags
You can try the method of growing strawberries in bags. For this, products made of high density polyethylene or burlap are suitable.
Structures made from natural materials have excellent throughput, environmental friendliness and durability. With self-production, it is recommended to additionally strengthen the material with strong threads. Then the bags need to be filled with earth and cut into them. They will house strawberry bushes. It is important to firmly fix such a product. Sew a loop on top to secure the bag to the support. This is a good option for creating high beds in the country with your own hands. Photos allow you to see interesting ideas, for example, a checkerboard design.
How to make a bed of slate with your own hands: photo ideas
Fencing beds with slate is popular with gardeners and gardeners. This is a simple material that is durable. With the help of such elements, it is possible to protect the soil embankment from spreading along the paths.
Let's note their advantages:
- used for long fences;
- the material warms up quickly, while the process of getting nutrients to plants is accelerated;
- ease of use;
- low cost;
- long service life;
- attractive appearance.
But the slate border also has negative sides. In rainy weather and erosion of the soil, he sheets may deviate to the side.
In the video below you can see how to make a slate fence:
Useful inform tion! The surface of the slate can be painted in any color.
Features of beds from wavy slate do it yourself
Let's look at how to make a bed of wavy slate with your own hands. A similar material is used for roofing, but often there are small pieces that can be put to good use.
Here's what you can do:
- cut the material into suitable pieces;
- mark the boundaries of future landings. Dig trenches in which you install pieces of slate and sprinkle them with earth;
- use metal pegs to fix the sheets.
Slate sheets are covered with vertical or horizontal waves. Material with a horizontal pattern is more difficult to cut.
How to make a bed of flat slate with your own hands
You can use flat slate for beds. This option is not as convenient as the previous one. For beds, sheets are suitable, the length of which is about 1.75 meters.
Here is the manufacturing procedure:
- blanks are cut into two parts;
- a trench is dug;
- the prepared parts are placed there, and then sprinkled with soil;
- in metal corners, holes must be made through which bolted connections will be made;
- metal elements are connected to slate sheets. They must be additionally treated with special compounds that protect against corrosion;
- after the material dries, it is necessary to fill the bed with organic fertilizers. It can be compost, or brushwood.
Important information ! Slate should not be driven into the soil, as it can easily break.
The nuances of buying slate for beds: the price of products
You can specially buy a flat slate for the garden. A grinder is suitable for cutting this material. When working with this tool, turn it so that the dust flies away from you. Such dust can cause harm to human health, so wear glasses specifically for this work.
You can also buy strips for slate beds. This material is sold for decoration of various landings.
You can see the prices in the table.
| Image | Material | Dimensions | Price, rub/piece |
 | flat slate | 3000*1500*10mm | 1450 |
 | 8 waves | 1750*1130*5.2mm | 210 to 245 |
 | 7 waves | 1750*980*5.2mm | 200 |
 | flat not pressed | 1500*100*10mm | 389 |
 | Metal slate 0.55 | Sizes are different | 150 to 208 |
 | PVC slate (matt, color) | 0.9*2m | 320 |
How to make beds in a greenhouse: photo options and manufacturing nuances
Beautiful photos of the beds in the greenhouse demonstrate how to properly equip. If you properly organize planting, you can get a rich harvest. Greenhouses with a size of 3 * 6 m are in demand, as they can be used even in small areas. Similar designs are made from sheets. This material is characterized by high strength and good transmission for sunlight. Such products are easy to assemble and disassemble, as well as convenient to transport.
For greenhouse beds, you can use the following elements and materials:
- great for sideboards boards. Long parts are securely fixed with wooden pegs;
- aluminum sides easy to install;
- slate boards durable and comfortable;
- as sidewalls from tires it is better to use cut tires;
- glass suitable for low structures;
- brick fences can be used for more than one year.
In terms of dimensions, the beds can be narrow, medium, wide. All sorts of original configurations are also popular: pyramidal, vertical, French or spiral.
Note! A greenhouse can be built from film, glass or wood. Functional products can be purchased at the store or made independently from improvised materials.
Features of the location of the beds in the greenhouse 6 × 3: photos and location of structures
Greenhouses 3 by 6 are especially popular, and many gardeners are interested in how to arrange beds in such structures. Incorrect placement of plantings can lead to a decrease in yield.
Some rules will help you make the right layout:
- low plants need a lot of light. To provide the necessary level of illumination, position the greenhouse from north to south;
- when growing tall plants, you can install in the direction from west to east. This approach will provide sufficient lighting for the lower parts of the seedlings;
- if the surface is not even, then step circuits can be built. In this case, the plants will be evenly lit.
How to make beds in a 3 × 6 greenhouse: photos and layouts
A competent approach to the planning of the internal environment of the greenhouse will allow you to achieve high quality crops. Use a small width of beds in a greenhouse with a width of 3 meters. Since the overall dimensions make it difficult to care for plants.
Try these layout options:
- wide beds of 120 cm, and between them a path. In this case, the width of the passage will be about 0.5 m. But difficulties may arise when trying to get to the extreme plants;
- vertical placement of beds in the greenhouse;
- placement of three beds with two paths that separate them. Such a scheme has a smaller area, which makes it easier to care for;
- one wide bed in the center and two narrow paths along its edges. This allows you to properly organize even a small space and provide maximum illumination;
- several rows of small width located along the walls of the greenhouse and one voluminous bed in the center.
The layout depends on the installation in the greenhouse with your own hands, as well as on the vegetable crops that you plan to grow.
Warm beds involve the use of a special organic insulation. For this, a manure layer can be used, which warms up the soil layer well. To increase the decay process, you can add some sawdust or straw to the manure. In this case, sawdust is first laid, and a layer of manure is laid on top. After that, the insulation is poured with boiling water. Then, after a couple of days, the manure cover is covered with soil.
You can use different wood chips. Bark, sawdust and tree branches are laid at the bottom, then potato tops. After that leaves paper and rags. Then the insulation is watered with chicken manure. After that, the layers are covered with a film. A week later, the insulation is covered with a layer of earth, and plants are planted.
How to make a warm bed can be seen in the video below:
Creating beds in a greenhouse with your own hands: non-standard placement options
When choosing the placement of beds in height, consider the climatic features of your region. This value can vary from 20 to 50 cm, which provides access to plants. Also, there is no accelerated drying of the soil. For unusual designs, materials such as board, slate, brick or polycarbonate are used. The bottom of the structures is recommended to be covered with straw fillers, dust or rotten bark.
If such waste is poured with boiling water, then the fermentation process will begin, the formation of heat and decay will increase, which has a positive effect on plant growth. The vertical arrangement helps save usable space. Thus, strawberries are planted vertically in pipes.
So, let's look at the main options:
- ties to supports often necessary for plants that are too tall. To build vertical structures, you can use grids, partitions or shields. At the same time, stretching cultures will rely on such a basis;
- shelves They look like boxes and are placed one above the other. The height is determined by the needs of the plants. You can apply this method for low crops;
- plastic pipes are covered with holes where soil is placed, and then plants are planted. It is necessary to fix such structures in a vertical position.
Article
Do you know what an innovation is, how high beds came to our country from Canada. There, the land has been cultivated in this way for many years. Such planting options can be used not only for growing vegetables, but also for creating original ones. Let's find out how to make beautiful and practical high beds in the country with your own hands. Photos, descriptions of technological processes and diagrams will help you with this.
Do-it-yourself high beds in the country: photos of designs and main characteristics
The rate of gas exchange, soil moisture and the presence of beneficial microorganisms depend on the size and shape of the beds. All these parameters affect the quality of the soil.
With the help of raised beds, you can grow a large crop of berries, vegetables and fruits. At the same time, you can get good performance even from a piece of land that is not fertile. A feature of high beds is that they warm up faster than low designs.
There are several types of vertical beds. They differ not only in material, but also in functionality. Some options are made from building materials, while others are made from simple ones.
Here are the types of beds available:
- trapezoidal structures;
- multi-tiered beds;
- triangular structures.
When creating isolated beds, factors such as illumination, soil composition, and also its structure can be taken into account. At what height such beds will be placed depends on the volume of the root system, soil characteristics and your own preferences. The minimum height is 15 cm, but to produce better insulation, you can raise them by 30-40 cm. Warm raised landings can be higher than 50 cm, since a layer is still laid on the bottom. Narrow beds can be up to half your height.
The length can be very varied. Most often it depends on the length of the garden. If the bed is too long, then it needs to further strengthen the sides. When arranging any garden, remember your own comfort and convenience. The best width is when you can reach the middle of the structure. The optimal value is 90-120 cm.
You can grow a variety of crops in raised beds. It is not recommended to use plants with tall stems, as it will be inconvenient to harvest fruits from them. Root crops, strawberries, peppers, herbs and cucumbers are often planted on bulk structures.
Note! A special benefit is the filler for raised beds. It is made from organic ingredients. At the same time, the root system is located in the fertile layer, which contributes to the development and growth of plants.
Related article:
Let's find out how to make original beds and what materials they can be built from. Interesting ideas in our review will help you create a variety of designs.
Features of high beds: pros and cons
The main advantage of raised beds is that you can place a lot of vegetables and plants in a small area. High beds for strawberries, fragrant herbs and cucumbers are especially popular. Also, such structures have other advantages:
- bulk beds can be filled with specially prepared soil. In this case, the quality of the soil on the site does not matter much;
- it is possible to adjust the thickness of the soil layer for any plants;
- raised vegetable gardens are easier to weed and dig;
- raised beds can be set up anywhere, even with difficult terrain;
- seedlings can be planted on high embankments earlier, as the soil in them warms up faster;
- in raised gardens, the soil is looser, which contributes to better gas exchange;
- can be used for, which will hang from the edge of the fences for a high bed;
- depending on the material, you can create not only practical, but also beautiful designs. Some options can become a design masterpiece for your garden;
- high beds with sides are practically not subject to attack by weeds, and are also well protected from mold and fungi;
- the installation of the beds is not a difficult procedure, they can also be easily dismantled. The location of landings can be easily changed;
- inside such structures, you can create a comfortable one;
- soil on raised beds is maximally protected from freezing. During early frosts, such a landing can be covered with polyethylene;
- the erection of high landings is protected from erosion during heavy rains.
Such structures have certain disadvantages, but there are not so many of them. First of all, you will need top dressing with mineral fertilizers. It is important to monitor the invasion of the bear.
Note! Before starting work, treat the wood parts with an antiseptic and special impregnations. This will prevent the processes of decay and protect against the destruction of materials.
Creating vertical beds with your own hands: photo options
You can also create warm high beds or vertical structures. They are popular because of the appearance and space savings. In addition, this is an excellent solution for protecting plantings from various pests. Vertical structures are great for growing flowers, strawberries and herbs. You can not only make such designs from improvised raw materials, but even purchase ready-made options. You can see how to make warm designs in the video:
Why buy a vertical bed for strawberries: prices
You can see different design options for vertical beds, but their most important advantage is their miniature dimensions. Such structures can be built from any materials, even from plastic bottles.
Vertical products do not require special care. They are at the optimum height for easy handling.
You can see how to make a raised structure for strawberries in the video: To increase the rigidity of the pyramidal bed, you need to install an additional pole as a supporting element. In this case, the boards are mounted on a horizontal surface and attached to each other. A rail is installed in the base. The resulting side is fixed vertically, and then the second and third sides are attached to it. After installing the frame system, the length of the rails is measured. They are placed with an interval of 25-30 cm. To make the shelf raised, its ends should be cut at an angle of 30 degrees. After assembly, the structure is filled with soil, which is rammed.
The technology of arranging vertical beds for strawberries from plastic pipes
To grow strawberries, you can build a vertical garden bed. In this case, you need to prepare plastic pipes, a steel cable and a special knife for cutting. The volumetric section allows you to place the required amount of soil inside. The incision should be made along the structure. To fix the bed in a horizontal position, you need to make a hole in each of the halves. Then a fishing line or cable is pulled through them. Then the parts are placed one above the other. At the same time, you can make different levels of beds from pvc pipes with your own hands.
Note! If you plan to place structures in a suspended state, then you need to consider that they can sway. Therefore, it is better to install them in places that are well protected from the wind.
Do-it-yourself erection of vertical beds using a building grid
A compact design can be built for crops such as strawberries, herbs, flowers or potatoes. A good solution would be a vertical bed. To do this, you need to prepare a metal mesh, straw, special soil and the necessary tool for processing the material.
To create a bed, you need to bend the grid in the form of a pipe. In this case, the cross section should be 0.9 meters. The edges are fastened with wire. Straw is laid on the sides, and the free space is filled.
To plant potatoes, such beds should be placed at a height of 50 cm from the surface level. Spaces of 10 cm are left between the plants. Then the first layer should be shed, then the soil should be laid and the seedlings should be planted.
Features of arranging a vertical garden for strawberries with your own hands: using pots
Ordinary strawberries can also be used to grow strawberries. Such designs allow you to create an attractive external design. You can use both plastic and clay pots. Thus, you can create a multi-level composition.
Pots must be selected so that their diameters become smaller towards the top of the structure. In this case, the difference between pairs of pots should differ little.
The largest pot is set in the selected location and filled with soil. After that, a smaller pot is placed in it, etc. When the structure is ready, plants are planted in the soil and watered. The largest pot is installed at the base of the structure. A rod smaller than the diameter of the container is placed inside. The pot is filled with soil, and the rest of the products are alternately strung on rods. After filling with soil, plants are planted. Pots are mounted on a pole or high stump.
The nuances of creating vertical beds for strawberries with your own hands from tires: photos of products
There are different ways to grow cucumbers outdoors. In this case, you can build vertical beds. Also, this option is suitable for planting strawberries.
The tire structure is mounted on the same principle as pot structures. For this, tires of different sections are suitable. But at the same time, keep in mind that old products are not particularly environmentally friendly material.
Before mounting, the tires should be cleaned, dried and, if necessary, painted. The largest tire is placed down, and a part is cut off on the side. The hole is filled with soil and planted with plants. Thus, other elements fit in. Tires can be beautifully decorated with patterns or even unusual cuts.
Article
Gardening in Russia is famous for the fact that people are constantly adopting various low-cost ways to increase productivity. The so-called warm beds have earned high popularity. Their device is designed in such a way that there is an early heating of the soil with natural (from decaying organic matter) or artificial (with the help of an energy carrier) heat.
In simple terms, a warm bed is a kind of compost pit that has drainage at the bottom and planting soil at the top. There are three options for compost beds for their placement relative to ground level:
- raised above the surface;
- buried;
- mixed design (the base is at a depth, the top tower is located above ground level.
In any case, the filling of the beds will look like a layer cake, in which each layer is some kind of organic material.
Such beds are formed either in early spring or late autumn. Going into the winter with pre-prepared beds is very rational, because before freezing in the bowels of the structure, the process of decomposition of organic matter will already begin, and in the spring it will continue with renewed vigor.
Contents of organic warm beds
Approximate content of raised beds from bottom to top:
- protection against rodents - mice and moles (use a metal or plastic mesh);
- drainage layer (plant branches, large branches, logs, remains of old stumps and other bulk material);
- insulating fabric (geotextile) or a layer of old newspapers and cardboard on top of it;
IMPORTANT. The insulating layer prevents the drainage layer from being flooded with water, and also prevents the germination of weeds.
- sawdust, bark, chopped branches;
- unripe organics - old foliage and various plant remains;
- rotted compost;
- garden soil or specially brought fertile soil.
IMPORTANT. The thickness of the top layer must be made such that the roots have enough space and they do not grow into the layer of unripened organic matter. Study in advance the specifics of those plants that you plan to plant on this bed.
Depending on the design, some layers can be eliminated. For example:
- if the bed lies on the ground without deepening, then a drainage layer of bulk material is not needed. There is no need for cardboard - just cover the bottom of the bed with a protective coating against rodents, and then with a waterproof technical cloth so that irrigation water does not quickly go into the soil;
- if the bed is of a mixed type (buried with elevation) - make sure that the ground level is somewhere between a layer of cardboard and unripened organic matter.
There are no strict rules. The main task of a novice designer of warm beds is to understand the whole principle of work:
- layer sequence;
- organization of the process of decay;
- rodent protection;
- thickness of each filler layer.
Most of the questions are related to how thick each layer should be. Experienced gardeners recommend paying attention to key points:
- top fertile soil with compost 15-25 cm (depending on the length of the roots going deep into the soil);
- unripe organic matter (old leaves, etc.) with a layer about 12-15 cm thick;
- a layer of old branches, sawdust - about 10-13 cm;
- the lower drainage layer is from 5 to 10 cm.
Varieties
There are different versions of beds that give natural warmth from the inside. The choice of design depends on how much you are willing to spend time and effort on the result. Remember that any garden design is considered simultaneously as:
- opportunity to increase yields;
- a means of facilitating further garden work, increasing convenience;
- aesthetic organization of plantations and plantings on the site.
Technologically the easiest option. What are the advantages of a warm bed of this type:
- they are much easier to care for;
- there is no need for hard work on digging the earth to a depth;
IMPORTANT. They are ideal in conditions when the soil is excessively swampy (inside the contour of a warm bed, an optimal environment is created due to the selection of fillers, and the bottom is covered with insulating material).
- it is easy to create clear geometric shapes (important for lovers of the delights of landscape design);
- it is much easier to protect plant roots from mice and moles.
buried beds
The most difficult option in terms of labor costs. However, the result is more solid:
- under the ground level, organic matter does not freeze as much as in raised beds, so the process of heat release begins much earlier in the spring;
- once you dig a trench and fill it with organic materials, you don’t have to worry about repeated work for several years (shelf life is about 3-4 years without the need to change the internal contents);
- saving time and effort on the side frame of the beds, because. you can do without it (if the surface of the beds is flush with the level of the surrounding ground).
mixed type
This option is considered optimal:
- the buried part plays a long-term role (it is not necessary to dig it up every spring);
- the elevation of the upper fertile part allows you to process the bed with less effort;
IMPORTANT. Working in a sitting position is relevant for older people. Often they suffer from atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases, in which the head down position is contraindicated.
- the recommended height of the part protruding above the surface is approximately 55-70 cm;
- the towering part will have to be decorated with side walls, that is, an aesthetically attractive view will be obtained - the garden or vegetable garden will look more stylish, pleasing to the eye with landscape design.
materials
A very important aspect is what to make the contour of the beds from. Although there are a wide variety of materials on the market, they have different properties:
- aesthetic appearance;
- financial high cost/cheapness;
- fragility / durability;
- temperature response;
- safety from an environmental point of view.
IMPORTANT. Never use glass. The risk of a battle is great, and it is simply unrealistic to remove small fragments from the soil.
The final decision is always yours, and let it be balanced. Brief overview of materials applying for use:
DIY garden bed
In this article, we will consider a mixed type construction:
- deepened by the base;
- having an above-ground part;
- wooden side frame.
Such instructions will help you better understand the general scheme and details of working with various materials.
Preparation for work
Tools and material:
- carpentry (saw, drill, level, screwdriver, measuring tape, corner);
- garden (shovel, rake, pitchfork, garden cart for transporting compost and other filler materials, earth drill);
- edged board 2-2.5 cm thick, 17-20 cm wide;
- bar 4x4 cm for stakes;
- metal or plastic mesh from rodents.
Bed sizes:
- in width, it is important that it is convenient to work with the bed when growing plants. It is optimal if the bed is no wider than 1.0-1.3 m. In narrow places of the site (for example, near the fence), you can make beds 70 cm wide. Even with one-sided access, the plantings will receive the necessary care and care of the gardener.
- the length is arbitrary - as far as the configuration of your garden plot allows.
- as mentioned above, the ground part of the beds is recommended with a height of 50-75 cm;
- however, this recommendation is not mandatory. Especially considering the fact that the thickness of the inner layers varies. Therefore, the bed can also be placed inside a lower contour (20-35 cm).
IMPORTANT. Plan ahead, so it will be easier for you to implement your plans without wasting time on rework and refinement.
Frame manufacturing
Please note that the sides of the beds will have to be made from a double board, that is, one board should be placed vertically above the other so that the height of the walls is sufficient. Thus, you have to do the following:
- measure the desired length, cut the boards (4 pcs. side, 4 pcs. end);
- prepare stakes from a bar 4x4 cm, 75-80 cm long;
IMPORTANT. How many stakes will be required? With a bed length of 2-2.5 meters, 6 pieces are enough. With a bed length of 3.5-4 meters, 8 pieces are enough.
- make two-level boards by connecting two boards together (use cutting boards, loosened with a hatchet into planks);
- keep in mind that the screws should not go beyond the drilled wood (when buying self-tapping screws, remember that the thickness of the board is 2.5 cm, and it must be multiplied by two, since the connecting strips will be the same thickness).
This completes the preparation. It will be necessary to install the frame directly into the trench - in the same place to make fastening at the corners of the structure. Measuring angle and level will help you to maintain accuracy.
Trench and its filling
Step by step:
- mark out the beds or beds (basting with a peg and a stretched cord will allow you to dig a trench of an even geometric shape);
- it is desirable to dig a trench so that its depth is about 40-45 cm;
- lay down a mesh from rodents (it is sold in hardware stores, ask for a reinforcing mesh or chain-link);
- create a drainage layer (see details above) - coarse, long-ripening organic matter;
- cover with old newspapers, cardboard;
- install side walls;
- drill holes for support stakes;
- at the corners of the structure, connect the boards and stakes with self-tapping screws;
- use a corner and a level so that the structure “sits” in the ground exactly both horizontally and perpendicular to the connecting corners;
- continue to fill the raised part of the beds;
- add dry grass, foliage and other unripe organic matter;
- further - humus, manure or compost;
- the final layer is high-quality garden soil.
IMPORTANT. In fertile areas, before starting trenching, carefully remove the top layer of earth, set it aside. This is the turf you use for planting.
After all the steps, do not forget to water the bed with water to create a humid environment. Under such conditions, the process of decay inside will begin. Do not try to moisten each layer with water as the trench fills. There is no hurry, let everything go at a moderate speed. There is still time before planting, and the contents of the garden bed should just rot and be loose, and not rot in a viscous slurry.
Video - Do-it-yourself warm beds
Warm beds with artificial heating
The concept is that:
- water pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene are laid on the drainage layer;
- the pipe structure is connected to the electrical cable;
- heating is controlled by the user (turning on and off the heat supply - as needed, depending on the temperature of the soil).
IMPORTANT. Artificial heating is optimally suited for covered (tented) beds and greenhouses - the heat generated by the pipes is stored inside the system, and is not sprayed in the open air.
The order and list of fillers may vary. In any case, the most important layers should remain:
- lower drainage (it is laid directly on natural soil);
- additional insulation (prevents cooling of the “layer cake” from below, from the ground);
- sand (occupies the location of the heating pipes) - plays the role of fine-grained drainage, helps to retain heat, promotes the passage of irrigation water to go down).
Only after all these components is a fertile layer of earth placed at the top.
- in dachas it is advisable to use an electric cable (after all, dacha heating, as a rule, is temporary and low-power);
- in capital private houses, you can connect directly to the heating (do not forget to make a shut-off valve in case the house is heated, but the garden bed does not need to be heated at this time).
What type of heating is allowed? It can be of any type:
- gas;
- electrical;
- steam;
- water;
- furnace.
Operating procedure
It's actually quite simple:
- prepare layers (large drainage, synthetic insulation, sand);
- lay water pipes. Scheme - a closed circuit (ensure the circulation of warm water in a circle);
- add some more sand on top;
- the final layer is directly fertile soil. Use good-quality garden soil, as well as additional black soil. Keep in mind that the soil when heated should nourish the plants well;
- connect the greenhouse piping to the heat source.
In the absence of experience with electricity, invite a more knowledgeable person to help. If you understand the electrical work, the whole process will be elementary for you, and the design will turn out to be durable, efficient and reliable.
At first glance, the beds in the country do not require decorative elements, but in fact they play a big role not only in productivity, but also in the appearance of the entire garden plot. While working in the garden, almost each of us would like to see our site as well-groomed and pleasing to the eye as possible.
The form
The shape of the beds on the site primarily depends on your fantasies and how you want to see them in the end. There are a lot of decor options: beds are square, round, in the form of animals, various objects and other things. If you wish, you can not even follow the standard rules when building a garden bed, but come up with something new and unusual. It is recommended to arrange the beds on the garden plot, taking into account the features of the relief.
As a rule, there are no strict recommendations on sizes, but there is one nuance that should be taken into account when calculating. The size of the bed should be such that from any side you can reach its middle without any inconvenience. If you need to build a bed near a fence or wall of the house, then first think about whether you can easily reach the opposite side.
Attention ! The width of the wall beds should be within 70 - 80 centimeters. The width of the beds, located directly on the site and adjacent to the wall or fence, varies from 1 meter in width, from 2.5 meters in length, and the depth is from 20 to 50 centimeters. The distance between the beds themselves is recommended to be from 50 to 70 centimeters. The paths and paths between them should be approximately 20-50 centimeters below the surface layer of the beds.
Organization
If the summer cottage is located in the lowlands and places where dampness prevails, then the beds are best built in the autumn. It is recommended to choose a small size (1 by 1 meter), and the height should be no more than 30 centimeters. Thus, the soil will warm up much better, and the snow cover in the spring will come off much faster.
- to start, take four wooden boards;
- then collect from them a square 1 by 1 meter;
- after the base is ready, install the structure on a horizontal surface and fill it with soil mixed with fertilizer. If you need an early and plentiful harvest, then in this case it is best to equip raised beds.
The construction process is as follows:
- in a suitable area, it is necessary to dig a hole 40-50 centimeters deep. Choose the length of the hole according to your preferences. As for its width, here the recommended width is from 1 to 1.2 meters;
- further along the perimeter of the dug hole, it is necessary to establish a semblance of a frame. The material for the frame can be chosen based on your own preferences, for example, stones, bricks, small logs and others. The frame, the height of which should be from 40 to 50 centimeters, must be closed from the inside with a plastic film;
- further, an iron mesh must be installed at the bottom of the pit, which will protect the crop from rodents;
- then carefully fill the hole. To begin with, a layer of sawdust, shavings, cardboard and other similar long-decomposing material (1/3 of the hole high) is poured onto its bottom. Sprinkle the layer a little with earth and pour water;
- at the end, we fill up the soil, which should be mixed with manure and mineral fertilizers.
Location
If the plot is small, there may be some problems with the location of the beds. To place the beds in a small area as rationally as possible, you should adhere to the following rules:
- it is necessary first of all to use any horizontal surfaces and suspended structures;
- the second option could be to combine a beautifully designed garden with a recreation area;
- you should also pay attention to various items on your site (unnecessary barrels, old carts, etc.), which can be used for planting vegetables.
Attention ! Remember that it is necessary to place the beds on a flat horizontal surface, thereby avoiding the possible accumulation of excess moisture.
tillage
As a rule, the beds are dug up twice a year, in spring and autumn, while adding all the necessary mineral and organic fertilizers. If digging takes place in the fall, it is best to leave the soil lumpy, which will help retain moisture. In addition, if the earth remains lumpy, then the pest larvae in it will freeze and die. Also, instead of autumn digging, mulching can be done. To do this, you will need to fill the soil with a sufficiently large layer, consisting of peat, sawdust and rotted compost. In the spring, the unripened layer must be removed with a rake, and then the soil should be dug up.
Borders
Many people often do not pay due attention to the design of the sides of the beds. As a rule, simple paths are made between them or upholstered with boards around the perimeter. But some want to create a beautiful view throughout the site, including the garden. You can decorate the bumpers in different ways, from improvised or purchased materials, for example, ready-made bumpers bought in a store, bumpers made of bricks or slate. It all depends on your imagination.
Kinds
vertical
A vertical garden bed will be a good solution for a small area. You can build it from improvised materials, for example, from boxes. But it is worth remembering that not all types of garden crops are suitable for growing in such a garden. The following types are suitable: strawberries, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers.
From car tires
To do this, you need several rubber tires from the wheels of the car. First you need to prepare them: clean them of dirt and paint. Then soil with organic and mineral fertilizers is poured into the tire. The following types of crops are suitable for growing: parsley, dill, radish.
green wall
If your site has a fence or other building, then to give them an attractive appearance, you can try to build a so-called green wall. There is nothing complicated about this, you just need to attach the boxes to the fence or to the wall of the building, fill them with soil and plant the plants.
You can also go in a more original way and use simple plastic bottles instead of boxes. To do this, we fasten plastic bottles to the required surface, then cut a hole in the upper part of the bottle and fill it with earth. After that, you can plant the necessary crops.
weaving arch
At the summer cottage, you can build an arch from weaving types of crops, for example, cucumbers. To do this, we need several boxes where we fill the soil and plant seedlings of cucumbers. Then you need to build an arch from small pipes (if you make an arch yourself, then you can’t do without the ability to work with welding). After the arch is ready, seedling boxes must be placed to the bottom of the structure. As the cucumbers grow, they need to be tied up.
spicy
A spicy garden bed in the country occupies a special role, because the crops growing on it can be used as medicinal, seasonings for dishes, or simply playing the role of ornamental plants.
Attention ! A spicy bed is best placed in areas of the site where sunlight predominates.
Spicy herbs will be the perfect solution for creating an original landscape design. Spicy crops do not require close care from the summer resident, they will also help protect the garden from various kinds of pests:
- lavender will help prevent the spread of aphids on rose flowers;
- a thyme border around the perimeter of the garden bed will prevent the spread of pests on vegetable crops;
- yarrow will give carrots a sweeter and richer taste.
Suitable plants
- Melissa;
- thyme;
- yarrow;
- sage;
- fennel.
ornamental plants
- common basil;
- Melissa officinalis;
- mint;
- parsley;
- rosemary officinalis;
- thyme;
- caraway;
- medicinal sage;
- coriander;
- fragrant onion.
Worth paying attention
When arranging a spicy bed, it is worth considering that some types of crops (such as lemon balm or thyme) can grow to impressive sizes, thereby crowding out other crops. For this reason, plant growth must be monitored and controlled very carefully.
Growth control is carried out as follows: plants must be pruned in time, allocate an area for subsequent growth or limit it by constructing tile or brick sides. Thus, the area where it is planned to plant plants will be divided into squares, which are laid out in a checkerboard pattern using slabs or bricks. Crops are planted in free squares.
When planting greenery, you must consider:
- when planting spicy and medicinal plants, special attention should be paid to their environmental requirements;
- for spicy and medicinal beds, you need to choose species planting material.
If you follow these simple rules, as well as use creative ideas, you can give your site a pleasant appearance.