Why rasied beds?

[8LGM]

Hi.

I'm new to the grapevine and viewing some of the threads I see that people go on about "raised beds".

My question is: What is the benefit and how do you create one?

Thanks.

[TPeers]

Loads of threads on this - use the search button top right, under your name and type in raised bed - see you in a week after you have read them all!

[gardenplot]

improved drainage ensures the soil warms more rapidly in the spring and no dig
Making a raised bed

[8LGM]

improved drainage ensures the soil warms more rapidly in the spring and no dig
Making a raised bed

Thanks

[Headfry]

I have been using deep beds for some 8 years now. I work full time and have other time consuming hobbies, so sadly i have little time to spare for maintaining huge areas of soil.
Make the bed no wider than you can reach the center of with ease.
when thinking of length for your beds remember that you will have to walk round them...to long and it becomes a chore to walk round, you might be tempted to walk over it!
Height- is your back ok? if the bed is to tall digging will become difficult, unless you opt for a no dig system. Tall and a 'no dig' method can be better for bad backs.
If your soil is poor- high sided beds can help as you can fill your bed with good soil and manure- over time if needed.

My main reason for deep beds was that I have a huge plot and found the thought of digging/weeding it all seemed very intimidating, this way i can build one bed and then add others as I wish. Mine (i have 5) are so easy to dig and weeding is just as easy.
I have used wooden boards to surround my beds - you have much more choice these days, and can even buy them in kit form!!!!
I 'double dug' each of my beds (2x fork depth or as deep as you can without digging up subsoil- nasty looking soil- clay, stones, rock in my case, or chalk etc.) - it has paid off well, the soil is lovely and easy to work now.
The golden rule---once dug you should never stand on your deep bed!