Selecting the Site for a Raised Bed

If you're interested in building a raised bed in your backyard, there are a few important factors to consider:

 

1. Where do you plan to construct your raised bed?

2. What materials will you need to build it?

3. What size do you intend for your raised bed to be?

Where are you planning to construct your raised bed?

Finding  A Good Location

When choosing a location to construct your raised bed you should apply the following  simple guidelines:

Environmental Conditions

 

Your raised bed should be located in an open area where the plants can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Some plants, however, thrive well in less than 6 hours of full sunlight. 

While plants thrive in bright light, they can be adversely affected by excessive heat generated by that light.

 

It's important to avoid shaded areas, as plants require light for photosynthesis, growth, and development.

ACCESS

 Your raised bed should be placed in an area that allows for easy access at all times. It should be situated where you can conveniently bring in construction materials and fertilizers and water your crops. Additionally, you should be able to easily carry out your harvested produce.

SECURITY
Your raised bed should be constructed in an area where it is safe from theft as well as household pets (dogs, cats) and poultry (chickens, ducks)

SURFACE
Your raised bed can be built on various surfaces, including bare soil or paved areas like concrete or asphalt.

Depending on the type of surface chosen for constructing the raised bed you may need to prepare the area for the base (bottom) of the raised bed. The surface you choose for the base will have some advantages and disadvantages.

Soil Surface

If you are using a soil/dirt surface, you will need to ensure that all weeds, rubble, stones, etc. are cleared so that the area can be levelled.

 If you need to level the area for the base of the raised bed, you can use soil, sharp sand, or plastering sand (also known as builder’s sand). 

 

When using soil, it's important to lay down a plastic liner or some type of weed barrier to prevent weeds from growing up into the raised bed. Additionally, make sure to clear a sufficiently large area to create pathways around your raised bed, allowing for easy access.

 

Keep in mind that maintaining a soil surface is a bit more challenging than maintaining a paved surface, as you will need to regularly manage the area around the raised bed to stop weeds from growing.

Concrete Surface

Creating a flat surface for your grow box is relatively easy if you use concrete as the base. However, it's important to ensure that the concrete area is level, as any slope could cause water to run off to one side of the raised bed. 

 

One major advantage of using concrete as a base is that you won't need to install weed barriers at the bottom of the raised bed. Additionally, you won't have to contend with weeds growing in the pathways around the raised beds.

Asphalt Surface

Asphalt is a highly durable material that is strong and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for a stable base for your grow box. When using asphalt as the foundation, similar to a concrete base, there’s no need to install weed barriers at the bottom of the raised bed.

The ground surface where you place your raised bed or grow box should be as flat and level as possible. If the ground is sloping or uneven, water and fertilizers will not be distributed evenly among the plants. This can result in some plants receiving more water and nutrients than others, leading to uneven growth. Some plants may not grow at all, and there is a risk of certain plants dying in the raised bed or grow box.