A raised bed provides a neat, clearly defined growing area where it is possible to work without having to sloop or bend too much. ( can also provide extra growing “space,” because by using plants with a creeping growth habit you can cover both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the bed. This helps to soften the lines and disguise) he material used for the retaining wall , if YOU wish.
Raised beds bring an extra dimension to the garden. Growing vegetables, which requires close attention in the form of feeding, watering, and weeding, involves a considerable amount of bending. If you use raised beds for growing your crops, you can cut down on a lot of hard work. Because of this, raised beds are also practical for disabled or elderly gardeners to use, and, if high enough, they can be tended from .1 wheelchair.
One big advantage is that the soil (or compost) within the bed can be of a different type from that of the garden, allowing acid-loving plants to be grown there, even though the surrounding soil is quite alkaline. It is possible to grow these plants within the main garden, but it will always be a battle to keep the soil or compost around the roots acidic where one soil overlies another. One of the best ways to counteract this is to keep the raised bed isolated from the soil below by building it on a hard surface. Discarded railroad tics are popular for this, but there are attractive (and cheaper) alternatives.
TIP: Raised beds are an ideal way to plant herbs and create a mini kitchen garden, because you can supply them with plenty of drainage beneath the soil.
MAKING A RAISED BED FOR ACID-LOVING PLANTS Tools and materials
■ log-roll fencing
■ angle plates
■ wood screws
■ heavy-gauge polyethylene plastic
■ sharp general-purpose knife
■ compost
Gardening Techniques 