Raised beds are saviors of vegetable growers with bad soil, drainage of the site and those who find it difficult to cultivate a large garden. The main idea of ​​such structures is instead of fighting against bad conditions to create a structure above the ground, where all soil parameters can be controlled with minimal effort. High beds that are attractive in the photo have their pros, cons and difficulties. Armed with advice and having studied the instructions of various options for arranging, choosing the one that suits you is quite simple.

Purpose of high beds

It is easy to understand why the beds are made high - this design helps to solve a variety of problems of the site, whether it is waterlogged, infertile, densely overgrown with weeds, or even cold climate.

Decorative vegetable garden

A properly selected and placed tall structure allows you to effectively grow plants in specific conditions, without making such significant efforts for this as in traditional vegetable growing.

Raised beds - horizontal boxes or containers for growing garden crops, herbs and flowers, located at least 15-20 cm above the soil level. Their width is from 40 to 150 cm.

This size is convenient for processing plantings without standing on the ground with your feet. The length depends on the size of the plot and the wishes of the owner. It can be as simple as ridges in the form of "hills" of nutrient potting mixes, and structures with sides made of different materials.

Protection from animals

Classification and features of species

Vegetable growers all over the world have developed many types of tall beds. This makes it possible to choose a design that is most suitable for certain conditions and effectively grow plants in almost any climatic zone. Any of the modifications can be attributed to one of the categories:

Waist-height vegetable containers

Pros and cons of growing plants at altitude

As in every technology, the method of growing garden crops "at height" has its advantages and difficulties that can arise when applied in practice. Therefore, before you "rush into battle" and start construction, you should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of the method and test it in specific conditions.

Design option

Benefits and Potential Difficulties

Bulk beds, be they large boxes, unenclosed embankments or narrow containers, have a number of advantages over traditional vegetable gardens:

• In spring, they warm up faster, allowing you to plant earlier plants and get the first harvest.
• The soil is not compacted by walking because the structures are made for easy access from the aisles between them.
• An excellent option for those who, due to health or employment reasons, cannot work in a traditional vegetable garden. Elevated beds require much less effort and time to obtain good harvest.
• Thanks to the use of humus, systemic feeding of plants with fertilizers and regular watering, you can get significantly larger yields of vegetables from a smaller area.
• Using imported soil and humus, you can get an ecologically clean crop, even on polluted and infertile (sandy, saline) soils.
• With a fence made of wood, vine or stone, beautiful tall beds can act as decorative element plot.

Wooden tall containers look very aesthetically pleasing

At the same time, some vegetable growers highlight disadvantages that sometimes cause difficulties in the practical implementation of this method:

• The equipment of tall beds requires the acquisition of materials and minimal skills in the construction of simple structures made of wood.
• In the absence of a compost heap, humus and fertile soil must also be purchased.
• In hot weather, the soil dries out faster, which requires more frequent watering or arrangement of the system drip irrigation.
• The need to replace the soil every few years or to add compost and grow green manures annually before and after the main vegetables.

How to neutralize cons and overcome difficulties

The listed difficulties can be overcome by taking used boards or slate as material for construction, having prepared in advance compost heap and arranging drip irrigation from plastic bottles.

For a test, you can make one small bed with your own hands and experiment on it for one year. Having determined what and how best to grow by this method in the conditions of a particular site, you can proceed to full-scale construction, taking into account the accumulated experience.

Strawberries grown in beds or in containers are always clean and free from sickness

Many gardeners begin their acquaintance with this method by growing strawberries in high beds. This plant can be grown with your own hands in any of the types of elevated beds. When planning the planting of strawberries, it is worth considering the peculiarities of its cultivation:

• When building a container or box, it should be borne in mind that strawberries are planted in sunny places, therefore, in order to avoid overheating of the soil, their walls are made of wood, brick or stone, but not from iron and slate. For the same purpose, the outer walls of a tall building should be whitewashed or covered with white facade paint.
• In order to avoid rapid drying out and overheating of the soil under the bushes, it must be constantly covered with a layer of mulch, film or agrotextile.
• In a low box, the earth will dry out and deplete faster. You will need frequent watering and mulch renewal - at least twice a week. Therefore, it is necessary to have a compost heap and a barrel in which organic matter will be infused for irrigation.

The device and dimensions of the raised landings

To do the right thing high bed do it yourself, you must first determine the most advantageous location for her on the site. The place should be lit 5-6 hours a day and preferably from sunrise. It should not be in winds, especially north winds, and in a draft.

Most experts recommend placing containers from south to north - then all plants will receive an equal amount of heat and light. If the site is located on a slope, it is better to arrange them regardless of the cardinal points, but across the slope.

Device and layers

How to calculate the dimensions of a structure

Then a suitable height is determined. Containers can be raised slightly off the ground (25-30 cm) or high (70-80 cm). Both options have their own advantages. There are even scientific studies devoted to the selection of the height of containers according to a certain formula for the proportions of the body. a specific person... As for the device, the beds at the waist level require more time and effort, but they are warmer and easier to care for.

Optimal size a high bed in width should allow reaching the middle without stepping on the soil (70-100 cm). If you plan to install two parallel containers, you can make a mini-greenhouse out of them. For this, the boxes are made 80 cm wide, and the passage between them is 60 cm. On top, a frame made of plastic pipes is created and covered with a film.

One of the options for a wooden frame

Basics of construction and the basics of construction

Having decided on the size, they outline a place on the site, remove the fertile soil layer on the bayonet of a shovel and fix the fence around the perimeter. On the sides, they knock down the frame, slightly deepened into the ground, or simply put it on the surface. Most often, the frame is upholstered with boards. The bottom is left free. High bed layout with timber frame and a small indentation in the photo below.

The simplest construction of high beds is a wooden box without a bottom, consisting of two short, two long boards and four pointed beams. The width of the boards is selected depending on the required height of the structure, and the length of the beams should be 20-30 cm longer to drive them into the ground.

Support bars are attached to short planks, after which long planks are attached to them. The finished structure is installed in a marked and prepared place.

Simple planks and beams construction

We make high beds with our own hands

For those who have at least minimal construction or carpentry experience, it will not be difficult to figure out how to make high beds with their own hands, and in a short time to bring the idea to life. The first (trial) design can be made from existing building materials or waste - old doors, slate, boards.

Wooden fencing and its features

Fencing can be built from wood, concrete, brick, stone, and just about any material available. When choosing a material for bulk beds, take into account:

• price;
• complexity of mounting;
• durability;
• decorative properties.

Typical circuit

When the question arises: what to make tall beds from, most owners opt for a tree. At correct processing this material can last 5-7 years, and it looks beautiful.

Before construction, you need to treat the boards and beams with a special antiseptic impregnation, stain or used oil. So that the impregnation does not subsequently penetrate into the soil, and the frame is as little as possible exposed to the influence of moisture, from the inside it is upholstered with a dense film.

Boards for high beds are taken from larch or acacia. These types of wood have the best ratio of low cost, strength and durability. For work, a croaker, a bar, logs (halves), any boards, lining are suitable.

Tall beds made of wood will last longer if the boards are at least 2 cm thick.The sides are fixed with metal corners or by installing bars 40 × 40 or 50 × 50 at the corners of the box and screwing the boards to them with self-tapping screws.

Not the cheapest, but very beautiful solution is the garden beds. Their advantages are durability and practicality - it is convenient to lean on a wide side, sit down, put seedlings. In addition, the timber will perfectly withstand even a large volume of soil in waist-high containers.

Timber boxes - reliable and beautiful

Other fence materials

More difficult to build with your own hands are high fences from concrete, brick, metal, stone. They are stronger and more durable than wood, but they also have their drawbacks.

Metal beds look very neat, they are mounted quite easily and last almost forever. They are usually made of galvanized steel, sometimes with polymer coating.

The stores sell ready-made fences, so their installation takes a minimum of time. If you have the skills to work with metal, you can save money and make a fence from roofing iron and metal corners or a frame from wooden bars.

Galvanized metal railing

Concrete beds are a little cheaper, but they also require special skills to build. Such a structure can serve for at least 30 years. Curbs can be installed in a monolithic strip method, using a sliding formwork, or make beds of concrete blocks, simply by installing them in the right place... The disadvantage of concrete fencing is its ability to increase the acidity of the soil.

Concrete structures can also perform a decorative function.

New brick fences are beautiful and reliable. Disadvantage - in order to make an even and neat laying, you must have special skills or hire a master. How to lay out brick beds:

• pull the rope tightly on pegs along the inner perimeter;
• dig a trench, at least half the height of the brick;
• lay out the first row evenly;
• start laying out the fence on the mortar.

Remains of building materials in business

A stone fence is made in the same way. The stone will fit into any landscape design and practically forever. Disadvantages - the inability to transfer the structure to another place and the high cost of decorative stone.

Fence Gabions

A fence for tall beds can be constructed from slate, plastic bottles, curb tape, vines, straw, and other materials.

Blocks as a fence

Soil preparation for successful vegetable growing

When the fence is ready, start filling the raised beds with nutrient soil. On wet soils and at a low height of the fence, it is best to dig a trench 10-15 cm deep. If there are rodents on the site, a fine-mesh construction mesh is laid on the bottom to protect the plants.

How to fill high beds with your own hands - the order of the layers:

1. If the structure is installed on the surface of the earth without removing the topsoil and filling the drainage, in order to avoid the germination of weeds, the bottom is covered with geotextiles.
2. If the site is wet or the fence is made of stone, concrete, brick, be sure to make a drainage layer from rubble and sand or from branches and twigs. Drainage from branches is covered with coarse sand or expanded clay. Geotextile is laid on the drainage layer, then another layer of crushed wood waste.
3. Next, plant waste is laid: chopped branches, grass (excluding weeds), dry leaves, tops, cleaning vegetables, straw. The organic waste layer can be compacted with earth or placed on top of the turf with the soil facing up. To accelerate the decomposition of waste, they can be poured with a solution of "Baikal" or other similar means.
4. The next layer, depending on availability, is laid with manure, peat or unripe compost. After complete decomposition, they will feed the vegetables for a long time.
5. The topmost layer is the soil for high beds, consisting of a mixture fertile soil and humus or mature compost. It must be of such thickness that roots do not grow into the lower decaying layer. The composition of the topsoil is easy to adjust for specific crops. You can add mineral fertilizers, sand, semi-rotten sawdust, sod soil, peat to it.

Layer-by-layer filling of the finished box

Watering for tall beds

You need to water the beds and feed the plants more often than in open ground... The average frequency of watering is once or twice a week. Traditional watering from a hose or a watering can has significant drawbacks - it compacts the soil, after which loosening is required, a strong pressure of water destroys the structure of the upper soil layer. If you water weak pressure water, a lot of time is wasted. Therefore, more and more gardeners prefer to organize automatic or semi-automatic watering.

The irrigation system for high beds can be made in different options:

1. Drip irrigation tapes. Lay one such tape under each row of plants. Further, polypropylene pipes are fixed on the fence, to which each tape is attached through valves.
2. You can arrange drip irrigation in a similar way using polypropylene pipes with holes. A diagram of such a system is shown in the photo below.
3. A semi-automatic bed sprinkler can be created from old hoses. They are laid on the ground and small holes are made in places where water should come out.
4. One of the most simple options semi-automatic watering, which you can do by hand - watering with a wick. To do this, buckets or large plastic bottles are dug in at the ends of the frame. One end of a wick made of cloth or rolled cloth is immersed in a container of water, and the other is buried in the soil 10-15 cm.
5. Backlash irrigation of beds is the cheapest in the device. To do this, you need to bury a plastic bottle with a cut off bottom and made small holes under each plant. It will be convenient to pour water from a hose through the bottom, and from the holes it will slowly flow out under the root of the plant.

Diagram of a drip irrigation system from old hoses or pipes

Raised beds, with all their pros and cons, are a technique that allows you to grow solid yields of vegetables even in small and unsuitable areas. There are many variations of their arrangement, filling and watering - from simple and economical to expensive and decorative. Among such a variety, it is easy to choose an option suitable for a specific site, material capabilities and even physical parameters of a person.

What amateur gardeners do not come up with to get a good harvest.

Today we will introduce you to an unusual technology - growing crops in high beds.

Advantages and disadvantages of high beds

Tall beds are confined spaces raised above the ground.... They are used for growing other crops as well.

It is best to build such structures in the fall, but with proper maintenance, you can create "raised" and at other times of the year.

Important! If you build too high sides - more than 70 cm, the bees will not be able to pollinate, which will negatively affect the further growth of the crop.

As with any solution related to growing vegetables, this has its advantages and disadvantages.

We list the advantages of high beds:

• it warms up faster in spring, and sowing can be carried out much earlier than in open ground; this will increase the yield by 2 times;
• thanks to the borders of the box, mulch will not be washed off or carried away by gusts of wind;
• the design provides good - this will avoid stagnation of moisture;
• there is the possibility of individual selection of soil for each site, which will ensure optimal conditions for growing crops;
• thanks to the design, you can save the crop from sudden changes in temperature;
• it is much easier to till the soil, as the amount of work is significantly reduced;
• raised areas are convenient in that you do not have to lean too much towards;
• the structure looks beautiful; with the right approach to the construction, it will last a long time and will not collapse;
• can be built in any sunny location.

Despite the huge number of advantages, this method also has disadvantages. The disadvantages of high beds are:

• the need to constantly feed due to the limited space;
• physical and material investments required for the construction of the structure;
• the risk of multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms that can be dangerous to plants.

Do not be afraid of possible difficulties - it is enough to seriously approach the construction of an unusual design, and you will get a rich harvest.

Optimal dimensions

Each gardener can independently choose the size of the future bed, since there are no clearly established dimensions. However, there are certain guidelines that may come in handy when you build tall ones with your own hands.

Height

The optimal side heights vary from 15 to 50 cm... If you plan to place the structure on fertile soil, you need to limit yourself to a height of 15–20 cm. This amount of embankment is quite enough to get a good harvest.

If the land on the site is not very favorable for growing crops, the bed should be raised higher - about 50 cm. Depending on the wishes of the gardeners, you can raise the walls of the structure even higher - in this case, you will not have to bend over during weeding or planting. But, remember that such a structure will require more materials.

Width and length

The optimal width of the structure is considered to be a distance from 90 to 120 cm... It is necessary to equip the site in such a way that it can fit 2 rows in itself. This layout will allow the plants to get enough air and sunlight, which will undoubtedly affect the harvest.

If you plant many rows, it is likely that the ones in the center will not receive required amount air and light, which will lead to lower yields. Ridge standard width easy to handle.

Important! When choosing plastic for construction, be careful: some of its types emit toxins and are not suitable for use in agriculture.

Reflecting on the length of the site, you can be guided exclusively by the possibilities of the territory. However, most often there are structures with a length of 1.5 to 3 m. Such areas look compact and neat.

Choosing a place in a summer cottage

It is very important to take a responsible approach to the choice of the place where the structure will be located in the future. It is better to place high beds in the country in sunny areas: light should come to this place for at least 6 hours a day. Be sure to take this requirement into account if you plan to place a structure near any buildings or fence.

When placing an embankment on open ground, it is worth adhering to the following recommendations:

• put on the ground metal mesh- this will protect the roots of plants from rodents;
• put old newspapers on the bottom of the structure - this technique will significantly slow down growth.

Material selection and step-by-step manufacturing instructions

A wide variety of materials can be used to build tall ones. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most common options for structures and the features of their manufacture.

Wooden structure

This material is perhaps the classic one for creating garden beds. It attracts gardeners with its availability. For manufacturing, you can use boards and logs.

Did you know? By choosing larch for the construction of boards, you will significantly increase the service life of the structure. The resin of the tree is an excellent protector against external influences and prevents the destruction of the boards.

1. Before proceeding with the assembly of the structure, it is necessary to process the boards. To do this, you can use all kinds of impregnations that will prevent the decomposition of the tree. You can also varnish or paint the boards. The safest and in an accessible way wood processing is lime - just whitewash the elements.
2. Using a regular tool, you need to attach the bars to the boards. To do this, you need to nail the posts to the edges of the short boards. Long planks are also connected to the planks. Select the bars in such a way that they go 20-30 cm into the ground.
3. The next step is to knock down the box. Try not to allow gaps, the boards should fit snugly against the bars.
4. The final stage is the installation of the mounted box. After driving the beams into the ground, check with a spirit level that it is level.

Important! When installing a garden bed next to fruit trees, you will need to install a barrier for the root system before marking.

After installing the structure, you can fill it with soil and start planting plants.

Stone use

Undoubtedly, there can be no doubt about the durability of such a structure. But due to the high cost of the material, not everyone can afford such beauty. If you find funds for a stone bed, it will be a wonderful decoration. suburban area.

Instructions for the manufacture of such a structure include the following steps:

• it is necessary to dig a trench around the perimeter of the proposed site, 30 cm deep;
• we lay polyethylene or roofing material on the bottom;
• fill the trench with sand to a third of the depth;
• we lay stones;
• we fill the concrete foundation with a pre-prepared mortar;
• then masonry is carried out around the perimeter using a solution that is applied only to the inside of the stone;
• after 2–3 weeks, you can fill in the soil and plant the plants.

Brick beds

Having built a high brick bed, you will undoubtedly decorate your site. Such a structure is very similar to a stone structure: it has the same construction principle and a relatively high cost of materials.

In addition to the cost of materials and a lengthy manufacturing process, you will have to find a specialist who can lay out a beautiful, even composition.

Slate

This material is distinguished by its durability. Everyone in the country has unnecessary pieces of slate, which are just useful for the construction of high beds.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the manufacturing instructions:

1. First of all, the preparation of materials is carried out: it is necessary to cut the plates and give them the desired size.
2. At the next stage, a trench is dug at a predetermined size.
3. Cut slate plates are installed in the dug hole along the perimeter. If you are using flat slate, it is necessary to connect the strips using corners - this will give the reliability of the structure.
4. Then the trench must be covered with soil and tamped well.

That's all - the slate structure is ready and you can start sowing crops.

Made of plastic

Plastic beds can be of two types. The first is the use of plastic panels. V in this case it is almost ideal for creating a structure. It has excellent thermal insulation, has a long service life and allows you to create a bed of any shape.

Such blanks can be purchased at specialized stores. The principle of the construction of the structure is the same as in the case of slate.

Important! When making slate beds, do not drive it into the ground - this is how the probability of its destruction arises. To install the sides, carefully dig the slate into the soil.

Another option is to make a bed of plastic bottles. However, this is not really good way, since tightness is out of the question. In addition, plastic bottles can quickly deform, which over time will make the site not very attractive.

From straw and twigs

One of the cheapest materials for making beds is straw.... Bales have quite an affordable cost, so this way of building beds is the most budgetary.

Traditional cultivation of the land is time-consuming and physically demanding, and the yield is not always as expected. That is why more and more gardeners are equipping high beds on their plots, allowing them to get an excellent harvest of vegetables every year without much effort. Anyone can make high beds with their own hands, because this does not require special skills or special equipment.

Compared to conventional beds, bulk beds have much more advantages:

• a garden can be planted even on a plot that is completely unsuitable for farming;
• digging and weeding of the garden is replaced by light loosening of the soil;
• it is easier to remove weeds in a confined space;
• a high bed is easy to mount and just as easy to disassemble;
• between the beds, you can lay out paths and walk along them in any weather;
• plants ripen faster, which is especially important for cold regions;
• when arranging a high bed, good drainage is provided;
• crops in the beds can be easily protected from frost by covering with tarpaulins or agrofibre.

In addition, a garden from bulk beds can be very decorative, so you can set it up next to the house.

Fencing materials

A high bed is a frame of a certain size, the inner space of which is filled with soil, compost and fertilizers. Most often, the frame is made rectangular, but they collect it from boards, slate, branches, plastic and other materials.

Wood is the most affordable, easy-to-install and environmentally friendly material. To assemble the beds, boards, beams, small logs are used. Disadvantages: wood is demanding, quickly darkens and loses its attractiveness, short-lived.

Vines and twigs - inexpensive and original solution... Wicker walls look very attractive, you can give the garden any shape. Disadvantages: vine weaving requires skills, the service life of such a frame is very short.

Stone and brick is an option for areas with classical architecture. Very reliable and durable material, gives the beds decorative view... Disadvantages: high cost, it will take more time to create a bed, difficult to dismantle.

Plastic is a great alternative to wood. Sheet plastic is easy to assemble and disassemble, it is strong enough, has an attractive appearance, is very durable and relatively inexpensive. Disadvantages: certain types plastic contain harmful substances, so they are not suitable for the garden. Environmentally friendly safe material has a corresponding certificate, which must be presented upon purchase.

Metal is a comfortable and durable material, ideal for curly beds. If necessary, transferring the metal frame will not be difficult, as well as dismantling it. The appearance of the metal walls is neat, they can be painted in any color or painted with ornaments. Disadvantages: the skills of a welder are required to assemble a metal curb, the price sheet metal high enough to protect against corrosion quality processing surfaces.

- an excellent solution for multi-tiered beds or arranging a vegetable garden on a slope. The walls can be made monolithic or assembled from separate ones. The concrete surface is easy to decorate, it is as strong and durable as possible, it has a neat appearance. Disadvantages: long installation process, high cost of materials, additional requirements for the drainage system.

Decorating the beds with slate is a completely budgetary and simple option. You can install the walls very quickly, this material serves for a long time, for decorativeness, the slate can be painted in any color. The main disadvantage is the fragility of the material, therefore, it should be handled with care during installation.

Each gardener chooses the size and shape of the bulk bed at his discretion. And yet, there are optimal parameters at which the garden bed will be most effective:

• height from the ground 15-50 cm;
• width 90-120 cm;

If the garden bed is to be poured onto fertile soil, it is made 15-20 cm high. This is quite enough for a good harvest. If the soil on the site is not suitable for farming, the bed is raised up to 30 cm.The compost beds are made even higher - up to 0.5 m.Sometimes the walls are raised very high, which allows you not to bend over during soil cultivation and planting, but this increases the consumption of material and requires more time to equip a vegetable garden. In addition, with a large frame width, it is inconvenient to cultivate the soil at such a height.

The bed should be wide enough for two rows of plants. With this planting, all plants will receive the same amount of air and sunlight, which has a very positive effect on yield. More rows means that medium plants get less air, shade, stretch upward, and yield drops. It is also much easier to process a bed of standard width than too wide.

The length of the bulk bed does not play a special role, therefore it is limited only by the size of the site. The most common option is beds from 1.5 to 3 m long; they are compact, look neat in the garden.

Correct arrangement of a high bed

For example, a bed with a fence made of boards is taken; this option is the most convenient and inexpensive.

In the process of work, you will need:

• bayonet shovel;
• roulette;
• drill or screwdriver;
• building level;
• circular saw or jigsaw;
• self-tapping screws;
• boards 50x200 mm;
• timber 50x50 mm;
• primer;
• construction mesh.

Step 1. Wood processing

The boards are cut to the size of the frame, after which they are covered with antiseptic impregnation on all sides. You can use waste oil for these purposes, and so that harmful substances do not penetrate into the soil, it is recommended to cover the tree on one side with a film after processing. The lower edges of the boards, which will be in contact with the ground, are especially carefully processed. The bar is sawn into pieces 50 cm long and also impregnated with a protective agent. After that, the building material is laid out to dry.

Step 2. Site preparation

The plot for the garden should be illuminated by the sun for at least 5 hours a day. They mark the boundaries of the beds, remove stones and branches, dig perennial plants... If desired, you can dig up the soil together with small grass - this will increase the permeability of the soil. If the soil is very dense, trampled down, it is enough to remove the sod layer along the perimeter of the marking to a shallow depth in order to more conveniently set the frame.

Step 3. Assembling the frame for the garden

Dried boards are knocked down in pairs into shields and connected to each other using bars. The height of the shields is equal to the height of the beds, the long sides of the frame are additionally reinforced with transverse bars in the center. Since the length of the bars is greater than the height of the walls, they should protrude 10 cm above the frame. These will be the legs of the frame. To improve the appearance of the structure, flat-laid boards are stuffed around the perimeter of the frame, the edges of which are cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Finally, the frame can be painted from the outside.

Step 4. Installation of the structure

The finished frame is transferred to the installation site; expose the structure according to the markings, make indentations for the legs, check the location of the beds with the building level. If necessary, pegs are placed or, conversely, excess soil is taken out. The structure should stand as straight as possible, all corners at the same level. At the end, soil is poured along the perimeter of the walls and compacted so that there are no gaps left.

Step 5. Filling the beds

First, the bottom is closed with a construction mesh and nailed along the edges to the walls of the frame. The mesh will protect the structure from the penetration of moles and mice. Then geotextiles are laid, which will not allow weeds to germinate. Further, the filling of the beds is performed in layers:

• small branches, bark, large shavings, leaves;
• bird droppings, rotted manure or;
• fallen leaves, branches, bark, grass;
• mineral fertilizer;
• fertile land.

The thickness of each layer is 10 cm. It is not necessary to mix the layers, but it is necessary to smooth and compact well. If the soil on the site is not of very good quality, it is better to use purchased soil... After filling, the bed is well spilled with water and left for a couple of days. During this time, the layers will settle down a little and thicken. From above it is recommended to cover the frame with black agrofibre, which provides better heating of the soil and prevents weeds from germinating.

It is recommended to make high beds in the fall or at the end of summer, so that the layers are well overlapped and the roots of the plants get the maximum nutrients... If the beds are installed in the spring, it is necessary to fill them at least a month before planting the plants and spill them abundantly with water several times to compact them. Such a structure can be easily turned into a greenhouse: for this, plastic or metal arcs are installed above the frame, the ends of which are fixed to the walls with bolts. On top of the arcs are attached plastic wrap or special agrofibre.

The device of beds from slate

For the device of bulk beds, you can use both flat and corrugated slate. The technology of installing beds in this way is very simple and everyone can do it.

Table. Wave slate

For work you will need:

• slate sheets;
• Bulgarian;
• bayonet shovel;
• a piece of chalk or a pencil;
• roulette;
• level;
• rubber hammer;
• drill;
• wooden pegs or metal rods.

Step 1. Markup

At the selected site, the boundaries of the beds are marked and beacons are installed. Narrow grooves are dug around the perimeter to the depth of the bayonet. If the soil is good, then remove the entire fertile layer inside the marking, pouring it out near future beds.

Step 2. Preparation of the material

Slate sheets are laid on flat surface, measure the desired length and draw a line with chalk across the waves. After that, the slate is cut along the lines with a grinder. The pegs are impregnated with bitumen mastic or waste oil, and if scraps of metal rods are used as racks, they are treated with anti-corrosion compounds.

Step 3. Installing the frame

The first sheet of slate is installed vertically in the groove from the corner of the marking. Next, put the next sheet with an overlap in one wave, align, knock on top rubber hammer so that both sheets are at the same height. The location of the upper edge of the slate is checked by the building level, if necessary, the soil is poured or removed from below. The walls are strengthened with metal rods or pegs, which are driven in on both sides to a depth of 0.5 m.This is how all the sheets of the frame are exposed one by one, the trench is filled up and the horizontal is checked again with a level. After that, the soil is tamped at the walls, the excess is removed.

Step 4. Filling the beds

At the very bottom, you can put old newspapers, cardboard, pieces of wallpaper, the next layer is chopped brushwood, tree bark, sawdust. After that, small chips are poured, plant waste, peat or compost are laid. And from above all this is sprinkled with the soil that was taken out at the very beginning. A generous bed of water to soak all layers, and leave for several days. When the bed is compacted, you can start planting.

Garden bed care

When the plants sprout, the plantings should be well watered and mulched. Weeds that have broken through the layer of mulch are immediately removed. After harvesting, the surface is loosened and sown with green manure. Before the onset of cold weather, all the vegetation is mowed, leveled in the garden bed, covered with a layer of earth on top and covered with black film for the winter. Periodically, you need to inspect the walls of the frame, replace or repair individual sections.

The soil between the beds is most often covered with fine gravel, gravel, straw, sometimes sown with lawn grass. In such conditions, the garden always remains well-groomed, weeds do not grow, dirt does not stick to shoes. Optionally, you can use tiles and bricks, or pour concrete ones.

Video - DIY high beds

Video - High slate beds

This article describes all the subtleties of the process during which high beds are created in the country with their own hands: photos and detailed descriptions technologies, types of structures, their purpose and features, advantages and disadvantages. Specificity of vertical products intended for growing strawberries, cucumbers and other crops, recommendations for their production.

High beds in the country with their own hands: photoand design features

The construction of high beds opens up new opportunities for growing crops in the garden. A similar approach to the organization of planting allows you to create an interesting design on the site, effectively grow berries, fruits and vegetables. There is an opportunity to get an excellent harvest from a plot, the soil of which is not particularly fertile.

Warming up of tall structures is much faster than with conventional beds. Plant care is simplified because the person does not have to bend over too low.

Note! Organic substances are used as filler for tall beds. Due to the fact that the roots of plants are located in a nutrient medium, crops grow faster and give a rich harvest.

Features of high beds: the pros and cons of designs

The construction of such structures is accompanied by minimal cost, therefore, summer residents prefer to make tall beds for strawberries and vegetable crops.

The advantages of raised structures:

• the availability of a crop does not depend on the quality and composition of the soil on the site. Thanks to this, summer residents and gardeners can grow plants in areas with rocky surfaces or heavy clay soil;
• the beds simplify the process of cultivating the land, do not require intensive care. You only need to dig the ground twice. The first time in the spring, when the plant is planted, the second time the procedure is done in the fall after harvesting;
• for processing, it is not required to dig deep into the soil, it is enough to stir the soil with the help of a garden pitchfork;

• making high beds is as simple as possible, as is the procedure for dismantling them. The placement of structures can be easily changed if you want to create new design Location on;
• the space inside the product is limited, so it is not difficult to remove weeds;
• accelerated ripening of vegetables in high beds is promoted by good drainage system, which is organized inside the structure;
• the soil in high beds is protected from freezing, which often occurs in spring, when frosts return. During early autumn frosts, it is enough just to cover the plantings with tarpaulin or polyethylene so that they do not die;
• the construction of high beds for strawberries allows you to save the berries from erosion by downpours, which often destroy the crop.

There are few disadvantages to the designs. They consist in the need for enhanced mineral feeding and frequent watering. You will also need to keep an eye on the bear. This pest loves to settle in high beds.

How to make a high bed in the country with your own hands: common technologies

The following types of beds are most in demand among owners of summer cottages:

• bulk gardens of a triangular shape;
• multi-tiered structures;
• trapezoidal bulk beds;
• decorative gardens.

Note! To equip high beds does not require large costs. Many summer residents use materials at hand for these purposes. In most cases, it is enough to buy bricks and a mixture that improves soil quality and drainage to create high beds.

For the construction of a tall bulk garden of a triangular shape, only a shovel is needed. The size parameters of the beds are selected taking into account which plants will be grown. The size of the crop root system is taken into account. The maximum permissible height of the bulk garden is 0.3 m, the width is about 0.7 m. In the process of filling the bed with soil, it is not necessary to compact the earth.

A similar scheme is used to create a trapezoidal bed. In this case, the upper part of the bulk garden should not exceed 0.3 m in width. Planks can be used to cover the upper slopes. It is also allowed to use mulch, which will have a positive effect on the condition of the soil.

For making a multi-tiered strawberry bed with your own hands, it is suitable shaped tube or fittings. Metal structural elements are fastened by welding or by bolting. Containers or boxes filled with soil are put on the finished frame base.

Making high beds: photo and material selection

Fences on high beds are needed so that the soil with plants is inside the structure. Most often, beams or boards are used for construction. Do-it-yourself technologies for making high slate beds are also popular.

Wood is considered a traditional material for creating practical and reliable high bed designs. Slate is also popular, but less environmentally friendly. In addition, it has one significant drawback - a fragile structure. During the construction of the garden, this material can be damaged if you neglect the rules for handling it.

The most durable and strong beds are made from brick or stone. Large elements are connected with concrete mortar... Often, concrete itself is used, while working with which one should carefully consider the shape, dimensional parameters and location of the garden, since the garden bed in this case will be stationary and it will not be possible to move it over time. When making structures from concrete, stone or brick, it is important not to overdo it with the thickness and width of the frame. In massive products, the earth will not be able to warm up quickly.

Summer residents also use other budget materials:

• empty bottles;
• old plastic boxes;
• ready-made structures in the form of plastic fences.

Note! The construction of high beds from plastic panels is the most budget way get a vegetable garden. You can even find plastic slate in the assortment of individual stores.

Features of Igor Lyadov's high beds: design of the beds, photos and parameters

The basis of Igor Lyadov's beds is a technology invented at the end of the twentieth century by Jacob Mittlider. The American worked to create optimal designs for growing strawberries. These products are distinguished from ordinary bed-boxes by their reduced width - only 45 cm. Any material can be used for the manufacture of boards, but boards are most often used.

Fertile soil and an interlayer of sawdust are used as a filler. On the paths between the structures, Mittlider took a width of 0.9 m. To prevent the growth of weeds in this area, the grower spread agrofibre.

Unlike his American colleague, Igor Lyadov proposes to use organic matter rather than mineral supplements. He authored several formulations that include traditional fertilizers such as bird droppings and manure, as well as herbs. The design of the beds looks somewhat different in the photo. The high beds of Lyadov are 0.6-1 m wide.

Passages 0.6-0.8 m wide remain between the structures. This area can be covered with roofing material, sand, tiles or sawdust to make it easier to move along the plantings and not think about weeds. The space of the paths between the beds is often sown with lawn grass. But in this case, you will have to periodically mow the vegetation so that the passages look neat and do not go beyond their boundaries.

Note! Igor Lyadov strictly designated the placement of the beds. Landings should be located from north to south. Only in this way the plants will be provided with the required level of sunlight.

Diy high bed: how to makewooden structure

The technology provides for the construction of a garden bed, the width of which is 180 cm, the length is 3 m, and the height is 40 cm. However, the dimensional parameters of the structure can be changed taking into account the area of ​​the summer cottage. At the first stage of construction, optimal place for placing a vegetable garden. It is better if the selected area will be illuminated by the sun during the day for at least 5 hours. For this purpose, even a place unsuitable for growing crops is suitable, for example, a wasteland.

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After that, the design of the beds in the summer cottage is being developed, photo interesting options placements can be found online or in gardening magazines. Before starting construction, the site is cleared of debris, stones and rhizomes of perennial weeds. Annual weeds can not be removed, since the need for this procedure disappears during the initial digging of the territory.

First, the fences are prepared. To do this, you will need to cut the material so that you get 4 boards 1.8 m long and 4 boards 3 m long.In addition, you should prepare wooden blocks, each 40 cm high. At the ends of the boards intended for assembling the frame, a cut should be made at an angle of 45 °.

Before proceeding with the assembly of the frame, you should process wooden elements special impregnation or antiseptic to stop decay processes and prevent rapid deterioration of the material, which can be caused by exposure to moisture. From the outside, the boards can be painted or varnished. For decorative purposes, patterns can be applied to the surface. After waiting for complete drying, you can start assembling the box. If the design of the bed provides for two levels, each of the tiers is fastened with bars.

Helpful advice! To protect the planting from moles and rodents, it is recommended to nail the net to the bottom.

How to fill a do-it-yourself high bed of boards

Filling a high bed is carried out in the following order:

• the drainage system is laid in the first layer; bark is used for its organization, which needs to be crushed, fallen leaves, small twigs and wood shavings;
• the second layer is formed from fertilizers; manure is well suited for organizing this layer, it is better if it is rotted;
• as the third layer, a water-permeable material is used, it is performed by analogy with the first layer;
• the basis for the fourth layer is organic, this layer can be supplemented mineral fertilizer complex purpose;
• the fifth layer is fertile soil, the composition of the soil depends on the plants that will be grown in the garden, the minimum thickness of the fertile layer is 10 cm.

After the bed is full, it should be watered abundantly and allowed to brew for 2-3 days so that all layers can settle. It is not recommended to immediately start sowing or planting seedlings. It is better to keep the garden bed for some time, so that it has time to warm up well. To do this, cover the structure with black material. Polyethylene will do.

Helpful advice! If the construction of the beds is carried out in late summer or autumn, the structure must be left covered until spring.

Making vertical beds with your own hands: photos and technologies

The vertically arranged beds are used for growing spices and berries. The advantages of such designs are associated with decorative appearance, saving space and protecting the crop from birds and various pests.

The construction of vertical beds will become a great solution for planting crops that require a lot of space on the site. These designs are ideal for growing herbs, strawberries, flowers, strawberries. Moreover, the owners of summer cottages can not only build on their own, but also buy ready-made vertical beds in one of the specialized stores.

Why is it profitable to create or buy a vertical strawberry bed

There are many design options for vertical beds, but their main advantage is their compact size. Moreover, this advantage of the products will be beneficial not only to the owners of small summer cottages, but also to people who want to grow herbs or berries on their balconies. A light bed made from plastic bottles is best suited for this purpose.

Vertical beds are easy to maintain. The plantings are at a sufficient height so that weed weeding or harvesting can be carried out in convenient conditions. This does not require bending low and enduring back pain. At the same time, the plants and their roots are raised high above the ground, where rodents and small pests cannot reach. Pyramid or cylinder beds prevent birds from landing comfortably to eat berries.

Prices for finished structures:

product name	price, rub.
A bed of agrotextile	150
Bed made of plastic mesh	490
Hole pipe	1500
Hole pipe	3200
Vertical ladder	4700

Making a pyramid bed for strawberries with your own hands: sizes and technology

To work, you will need the following tools and materials:

• jigsaw or hacksaw;
• edged board measuring 40 × 5 × 20 cm (11 pcs.);

• screwdriver and a set of self-tapping screws;
• pencil and tape measure;
• seedlings and soil.

To create the base, 4 support boards are used. To make them, you can cut a board 2 m long. It is recommended to make cuts at an acute angle, so that later it would be convenient to join the pieces.

Helpful advice! To increase the rigidity of the structure, an additional pillar should be installed in the central part of the pyramidal bed, which serves as a support.

After that, a pair of boards 2 m long, having a corner cut along the edges, are laid on a horizontal plane and connected to each other. A rail is mounted in the base to organize the future garden and is fixed on both sides. The dimensions of this element are 5x40x5 cm. The resulting side of the pyramid should be installed vertically and the second and third sides should be fixed on it. They are made in a similar way.

When the frame part of the pyramid is ready, using a tape measure, the length of the strips intended for the manufacture of beds is measured. They should be placed in increments of 25-30 cm. To secure the rails, you will need to cut the ends at an angle of 30 ° so that the shelf is raised. At the end of the assembly, the structure is filled with soil, which should be tamped. The products can be successfully used for the cultivation of vegetables and herbs.

Manufacturing technology of vertical beds for strawberries from plastic pipes

This design option is great not only for growing strawberries, but also for greenery.

List of required tools and materials:

• plastic pipes of the required length with a large diameter;
• steel cable (can be replaced with thick fishing line);
• construction knife for cutting pipes.

The large diameter of the pipes is necessary so that the pipe cut in half can accommodate the amount of soil necessary for growing plants. The product is cut along the length. To fix the bed in an upright position, holes should be made on both sides of each of the halves. A steel cable or thick line is passed through them. The halves are placed one above the other according to the principle of a ladder. The number of such half-levels can be unlimited.

Note! Since the structure, being in a suspended state, can swing, it is recommended to install the bed in a place protected from the wind.

Construction of vertical beds with your own hands from a construction mesh

Small vegetable gardens based on construction mesh, suitable for growing strawberries, flowers, herbs or potatoes. To work you will need:

• construction metal mesh;
• the soil;
• straw;
• a tool for cutting metal wire.

To create a garden bed, you will need to bend a rectangular piece of mesh in the form of a pipe, the size of which is 0.9 m in diameter.Using wire or other devices, the edges of the segment must be fastened in this position. The straw is stacked on the sides inside the structure. This will prevent the soil from spilling out. Free space is filled.

If potatoes are to be grown, the first plant level should be 50 cm above the ground. About 10 cm should be left between the crops. After that, the first layer is shed, 50 cm of soil is laid again and the plants are planted. The tower bed can be of any height. To give the vertical bed a more attractive appearance, you can use black plastic instead of straw.

Technologies for making vertical beds for strawberries with their own hands from pots

Flower pots can be used successfully for growing strawberries. Such designs have a decorative appearance. For work, clay or plastic products... As a result, the design is multi-level. The number of such levels is limited only by personal wishes. The pots are selected so that each subsequent one has a smaller diameter than the previous one. It is desirable that the difference in size between each pair of pots is approximately the same.

The largest pot is placed 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 next option is made on the basis of pots of the same diameter. Only one of them should be large. It will be installed at the very base of the structure. Place inside a large pot metal rod or a wooden stick.

Note! The size of the rod should be chosen so that its diameter is slightly less than the diameter of the hole located at the base of the pot.

The pot is filled with soil. The remaining products are alternately strung on the rod through the hole in the bottom. The result is a multi-tiered structure with pots that seem to balance on top of each other. They are filled with soil, where the plants are then planted.

If the area has a tall tree stump or post, the pots can be secured to it. In no case should you do this on a living tree. Products are fixed around the circumference in any order. The spiral looks beautiful from the side. You can also use the staggered potting technique. The only drawback of this bed is the inconvenient irrigation system.

Manufacturing technology and photos of vertical beds for strawberries with their own hands from tires

The car tire tower is made in the same way as the flower pot structure. Tires of different diameters are selected for construction. This material has a significant drawback. Old car tires are not environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is recommended to create such beds for one-time use, and after a year build new ones from other tires.

Before starting work, car tires need to be prepared:

• thoroughly clean them of dirt and stones;
• dry;
• paint if necessary.

The largest tire should then be laid on one side. On the other hand, the side part with the hole for the disc is cut off. The finished element is filled with soil and planted with plants. You should do the same with other tires and install them one on top of the other so that the size of each next one is less than the size of the previous one.

Helpful advice! Car tires can be beautifully decorated, as is usually done with flower beds made from this material. For these purposes, you can use bright colors, patterns, or make decorative cuts.

Making high beds for strawberries with your own hands from scrap materials

Plants will look great on a bed made from a bag. Such a structure can be conveniently placed on a fence, a wall of a gazebo, a house, a shed or any other stationary building. For work, you need a bag made of plastic or natural fabric. Burlap is much better in an operational sense. It is environmentally friendly and, unlike plastic, is reusable. The fact is that artificial materials are subject to rapid destruction under the influence of the sun.

On the other hand, burlap has a good throughput, providing air access to plants. To prevent the bottom and sides of the bag from breaking through over time under the influence of gravity, it is recommended to sew them several times. A loop is made at the top of the product for hanging. On one side of the bag, holes are made for planting plants. After that, the bed can be filled with earth and planting.

Multi-tiered structures can be made of wood or plastic boxes different sizes... They are stacked one on top of the other with a gradual decrease in dimensional parameters. Such a ladder of boxes can be painted in a bright color and laid around a tree or post.

Helpful advice! To create a garden bed, you can use an old chest of drawers by pulling its drawers forward and filling them with earth. For these purposes, other unnecessary furniture is also suitable.

Recommendations for creating vertical strawberry beds

Before you start making a garden, it is useful to take into account some tips for optimal construction designs:

• if the bed is large, the assembly must be carried out right at the place of its installation, otherwise there may be problems with transportation, during which the product can be damaged;

• a decorative vegetable garden with berries should be placed strictly in the sun. If the vertical bed will be used for growing greenery, then its structure can be located near the kitchen;
• the soil for filling the beds should be prepared in advance. For berries, sandy loam soil is suitable, with an admixture of peat, fertilizer and hydrogel. Over-melted compost is optimal as a feed;
• in advance you need to think over a system that will protect the beds from frost in winter time... Whether the structure will hide or be brought into the room;
• It is recommended to locate the vegetable garden closer to the water source so that it is more convenient to regularly water the plants.

Note! The construction of vertical cucumber beds is also welcomed by many summer residents. Most of the designs are made by analogy with strawberry products. Since cucumbers belong to the category of climbing crops, the garden bed should be supplemented with supports to which the plants will cling.

Making vertical beds for cucumbers with your own hands: photos of interesting designs

A vertical cucumber bed can be presented in various designs. Most often, bags or plastic products are used to grow these crops. The walls of buildings, nets or shields, as well as all kinds of partitions can serve as a surface for fixing the beds. Vertical bed for do-it-yourself cucumbers can be arranged inside plastic pipe... Such a product is closed on one side and suspended vertically on the crossbars.

A mesh made of plastic is considered the simplest option for organizing a decorative vegetable garden for cucumbers. The product is placed vertically and the plants, as they grow, rise along the net. A similar version of the garden bed can be bought ready-made or made by yourself. This will require thick fishing line and straight tree branches, which will act as supports. They are placed in a circle with an equal step and at the top are connected at one point so that a kind of a hut is obtained.

With the help of thick fishing line, you need to walk in a circle, forming a vertical base to secure the plants as they grow. If it is planned to build a bed in the form of a grid for cucumbers, it is strictly forbidden to use metal products for these purposes. Such structures will overheat on hot summer days, and injure plants, leaving burns on them. A safe option for growing cucumbers is bags or canvas bags.

For construction vertical structures use of unusual materials, such as pallets, old furniture, empty stumps, etc. An unusual approach to the decor will allow you to create a difficult vegetable garden on the territory, but a beautiful decorative composition that will fit optimally into the space of the summer cottage.