Grow vegetables and herbs without back strain? With a raised bed, that's not a problem. But which plants can be grown here?
A raised bed is the ideal place for herbs and various types of vegetables, but also for flowers. The plants get the complete pampering program: loose soil, nutrients and sufficient sun. They can also be used, tended and harvested while standing. In addition, raised beds offer better protection against snails compared to ground beds.
Which plants are particularly suitable for raised beds?
Basically all types of herbs and vegetables can be planted in a raised bed. In principle, a raised bed is nothing more than a large, raised planter. However, space is limited, so the plants should grow compact. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes, grow very tall. Here it is advisable to use varieties that are also suitable for tubs or window boxes.
The space in the raised bed should be used wisely in order to be able to harvest as often as possible. Plant species with a short cultivation period are recommended for this. Large plants with a long cultivation period and a large space requirement allow only a one-time harvest, while they block the bed for almost the whole season. Exceptions are tall, climbing plants such as zucchini. These can be used at the edge of the raised bed and can then grow downwards.
Different herb and vegetable plants can be combined in the raised bed (mixed culture). However, the plants should have similar demands on the soil, which is generally nutritious and humus-rich in raised beds.
Ten ideal plants for raised beds
Herbs
Herbs that love the nutritious soil in raised beds and grow quickly include chives, basil and parsley. They thrive particularly well when sown directly in the bed. Unlike basil, chives can alternatively be planted out of the pot.Carrots
Carrots get along very well with other plants in the raised bed, such as lettuce, onions, radishes and tomatoes. They are sown from April to June and, like the herbs, like the nutrient-rich and loose soil in the raised bed.The germination period is quite short, it is up to four weeks.
Radish
Like carrots, radishes are also root vegetables. The cultivation period for radishes is between four and eight weeks. From around March, the seeds are sown in rows directly into the bed. In order to be able to harvest the crunchy vegetables over several months, it is advisable to sow different varieties one after the other.
Onions
Spring onions are a popular ingredient in salads. Due to their fast culture, they are ideal for raised beds. Spring onions can be sown steadily from March to August depending on need.
Onions are also suitable for raised beds. However, they have a long cultivation period. If the bulbs are planted in spring, they can be harvested between August and September.
Leaf Vegetables
Salads - whether lettuce, cut lettuce or picking lettuce - are ideal for mixed cultures and feel really comfortable in the raised bed. Depending on the type of lettuce, the cultivation time varies between five and 15 weeks. It therefore makes sense to sow lettuce at intervals of a few weeks so that it can be harvested continuously and not too much is ready to be harvested at once. Leafy greens can be grown into fall/winter.
Kohlrabi
In addition to Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, kohlrabi in particular is well suited for raised beds. Compared to the other types of cabbage, kohlrabi grows very quickly and does not spread as much. Can be planted from April to August, depending on the variety. The advantage: kohlrabi can be harvested in all sizes. Even the delicate foliage is edible.
Pulses
Beans and peas are also popular plants for raised beds. They are easy to care for and thrive in loose, nutrient-rich soil. However, the legumes do not get along well if they are planted next to each other. In addition to peas, types of cabbage such as Brussels sprouts, red cabbage or broccoli and carrots feel good. In addition to leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes and strawberries, an ideal partner for beans is savory.
Tomatoes
Small varieties such as balcony tomatoes can be planted well in raised beds. Ideally this will have a canopy as tomato plants are susceptible to late blight and late blight. If there is no canopy, outdoor tomatoes may be an option instead of hanging or compact varieties. These are more resistant and can also be used without a roof. For theTomato plants should have enough space in the raised bed.
Potatoes
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are low-growing tuber vegetables that are also suitable for raised beds. It should be noted that potatoes are so-called heavy feeders. They need a lot of nutrients to grow. A combination of low, medium and high consuming plants is optimal so that the nutrient depot is used up evenly.
Strawberries
If you don't want to do without fruit in the raised bed, strawberries are a good choice. The fruit is perfect for raised beds. The plants don't grow very tall and the fruit can climb over the raised bed, making them easy to pick.
The plants can be placed in rows, for example. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange them as an outer ring around the raised bed. Other berry plants such as raspberries can also be used in raised beds.
How should a raised bed be planted?
When planting a raised bed, it is important to consider not only the growth width but also the height. Vegetable plants in particular need a lot of sun. If arranged incorrectly, the plants could take away the light from each other. It is therefore advisable to place the plants in rings in the raised bed.
- Low plants such as strawberries can be placed on the outer edge. These can grow down over the edge of the raised bed. Suitable plants with a hanging growth are also pumpkins, zucchini and melons.
- The next ring can contain compact growing plants such as lettuce, cabbage, peas, carrots or mini tomatoes.
- Larger plants can be placed in the inner ring. Depending on the size of the raised bed, small fruit trees are also conceivable.
It is important that there is always enough space between the individual plants.
Some plants, such as berries, are perennial. In principle, this is not a problem for raised bed planting. However, it should be taken into account that the volume of the plants can increase slightly over time. The plants may then take up too much space in the raised bed. In order to plant the bed as effectively as possible and to be able to harvest bountifully over the months, we recommend annual plants in particular.