Raised beds or not?

[Norfolk n Proud]

Hi all, i've been offered the chance of some 18ft by 4" lengths of wood, ( F.O.C )and i'm trying to decide whether it's worthwhile making raised beds on my new lottie, or keeping it as is,which is approx 4m wide by 36m long. Already have 1st early spuds in at one end and onions and shallotts in the middle, but i wondered whether i would be better to make it into raised beds before i get too far into the year? If i do use raised beds, approx how big do you think they should be?
:) Many thanks

[Norfolk n Proud]

[kt.]

Get the wood & trial raised beds then do what suits from next year. If you decide to dismantle, you could make some cold-frames or path edging with the wood.

[flowerofshona2007]

I agree, put two in and see if you like them :) i loved them but its more work making them ect.

[Tin Shed]

I have a mixture of raised beds and normal soil. I have found that the raised beds have been brilliant for carrots, sald crops, courgettes, aubergined, and oriental veg. They can take a lot of watering esp in the heat of last summer - but i thought it was definately worth it.

[carolinej]

I have 2 lotties. The first is raised beds with woodchip on the paths. I've only just got the second one and that is still all earth. It is a real pleasure to work on the one with raised beds. I dont even need my wellies. It will take more work to water though.

cj :)

[Doris_Pinks]

YES, YES, YES to raised beds!! I love mine, so much easier to manage. ;D

[saddad]

You can't turn down free wood of those dimensions...
;D

[Trevor_D]

Agree!!!!

(You weren't seriously thinking of turning down the offer of free timber, were you?)

[legendaryone]

If you want to make raised beds they should be about 4 foot wide so youy can reach the middle from both sides, as for the length and height whatever you prefer.

[manicscousers]

our raised beds are 4' by 12 to 14', means I'm not tempted to walk across instead of round..I agree with doris pinks, I can sit on the sides and weed, dig in plenty of compost etc, mulch everything and that cuts down on the watering  ;D

[tim]

At your age, Andy, not necessary - but very helpful.

At my age, essential!!

Don't forget that doubling up is good?

[manicscousers]

this is one of ours, makes it easier on the back  :)

[carolinej]

Mainscousers,

what are in the loo rolls?

cj :)

[manicscousers]

last year's leeks  :)

[Norfolk n Proud]

Afternoon all, just back in from work, and i've got some raised bed making to do!! if the majority are to be believed, i love the tidy and organised look of raised beds, but wasn't sure where to start, as it's a long and thin plot, i thought it might look a bit weird, but the photos have convinced me!  Thanks to all who replied.
Andy  ;)

[Deb P]

I vote for raised beds too, but have a mix of both at the moment...... ;D

[Wasp_Box]

I tried them but I don't really rate them. I got no improvement in cropping, they were a pain to make and fill and they tended to dry out. In the end I dismantled the beds and used the timber as edging.

You weren't going to refuse the timber were you?

[allaboutliverpool]

Go for it. See my tips on

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments2_my_allotment_in_liverpool.html

I have been gargening for 50 years and would not go back to the old system!

George

[Norfolk n Proud]

Evening AAL congratulations on an awesome looking plot, really impressive in my opinion. Andy  :)

[manicscousers]

you can do stuff like this with them  ;D