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Raised beds are usually always in contact with the ground. If no soil is available, the question arises whether a raised bed on stilts can be used just as effectively.
In a nutshell
- Raised beds can be used without ground contact
- planting deep-rooted plants is not possible due to their small dimensions
- they are suitable for the cultivation of ornamental plants, herbs, shallow-rooted vegetables and fruit
- several types such as the table bed are available
Raised bed on stilts possible?
A raised bed on stilts or feet without ground contact is easy to implement if you rethink a little. Raised beds need ground contact so that microorganisms can get into the layers and work. This improves the quality of the substrate and vegetables and other heavy consumers in particular benefit from the concept. This is exactly where the problem with raised beds without ground contact lies. The space below is limited and closed, which means that the necessary layers such as the clippings cannot be filled in. You need to think of such a raised bed as a planter and not as a direct replacement for a vegetable patch. For this reason, they can be used on the balcony, terrace or in the yard. They are available in two versions:
table bed
- table beds
- Vertical raised beds
A table bed is quite high and is reminiscent of a planted table at first glance. This makes them very popular. Vertical raised beds, on the other hand, offer several compartments for the plants that are attached one above the other. The floor is not touched with these either. Table beds are particularly recommended for terraces and larger plots of land without open ground, while vertical raised beds can easily be accommodated on the smallest of balconies. Before purchasing, you should know about the advantages and disadvantages of raised beds on stilts.
Notice: If you opt for a bed with feet on your balcony, you should only use the types mentioned. Due to their low weight, they do not endanger the statics.
disadvantage
Of course, raised beds on stilts have certain disadvantages that you should consider before using them. The biggest problem is the limited selection of plants that you can cultivate in the raised beds. Due to the lower height, deep-rooted plants cannot be grown, which makes numerous vegetables such as carrots or radishes unsuitable. Only the following groups are suitable:
- shallow roots
- middle rooter
- herbs
- flower
Due to the limited number of plants that can be cultivated, such a bed is not ideal for everyone. There are also other points that are significantly less favorable compared to a classic raised bed:
- tends to waterlogging (if the construction is wrong)
- regular fertilizing required
- more sensitive to heat
Vertical raised bed made from pallets
As you can see, these problems overlap with those of traditional container planting. This is exactly what makes a stilt raised bed ideal for every gardener. Make sure that your bed has effective drainage, otherwise the water will not be able to drain away. Either you choose a model that already has drainage options or you integrate them yourself. In addition to the already mentioned drainage fleece, several drainage holes on the sides are suitable. Alternatively, you can cover the bed so that no additional rainwater is administered. A suitable substrate for the beds is so-called raised bed soil. It is specifically designed for use in off-ground beds, which offsets one of its biggest negative points.
Notice: If deer could regularly get lost in your garden, you should provide the beds with additional protection. Due to the easy accessibility, your plants are a found food for the game.
benefits
Raised beds that don't rely on ground contact, despite the negative aspects, have enough positives to make the idea interesting for many plant lovers. The small space requirement that the raised beds have is definitely worth mentioning here. Since they stand on stilts, you can store utensils, materials or other planters under the raised bed. Especially in relation to small plots of land, terraces and balconies, the space savings are immense, which makes their use in urban areas more and more common. Other positive aspects are:
- low acquisition costs
- easy construction
- transportable
- Overwintering measures as with a classic raised bed
If you are considering using any of the above types, you do not need to purchase them. Due to the simple construction, you can build the bed yourself. Basically, it only consists of the following components, which is another advantage for plant lovers without a real garden:
Build your own stilt raised bed
- crate
- four stilts
- bottom with drainage holes
- optional: drainage fleece
Each stilt is attached to one of the corners, the bottom is equipped with drainage holes and the bed is ready. Since no classic layers are possible, the selected substrate is filled in and the plants are planted. Depending on the substrate used, compost can be mixed in to improve the structure and provide the plants with sufficient nutrients.
frequently asked Questions
What should be considered when using a raised bed on stilts?Since there is no ground contact, these raised beds dry out faster. For this reason, it is important to regularly check the substrate for dryness and water it as necessary. Mulch is particularly helpful as it retains moisture and is easy to use. Lawn clippings are well suited as mulching material.
How tall should the beds be?Since you can't ignore the weight of a bed that doesn't touch the ground, you shouldn't be too tall. Compared to the classic raised beds, a height of 30 to 50 centimeters is recommended. Even if you fill these, the final weight will not negatively affect the structure.
What dimensions should a raised bed for wheelchair users have?Due to its elevated construction, it is possible for wheelchair users to garden in a relaxed manner. A few points should be observed in order not to further restrict wheelchair users. The box should hang at a height of 65 to 70 centimeters so that it can easily be driven under. In addition, the bed should not be too wide so that all plants can be reached from one position.