Raised bed query

[Compo72]

I'm thinking of buying a raised bed from a local garden centre .
Do I need to line it out or not with a liner or not .

I plan to put manure in then top soil

[rustylady]

Why do you want a raised bed?

[leonmc0708]

I use them in most areas to some degree - even if it's just a four inch high plank. Got some as high as 3ft as well. None are lined and not had any issues.

Swerve buying one though - make your own

[Compo72]

Just something to grow a few veg in and experiment . .
As do not have the space for a proper plot simply .

[rustylady]

But does it really need to be raised? What is your soil and drainage like?

[WilliamD]

Up to you whether or not to line it Compo. For: it'd protect the timber from being rotted by your watering. Against: a lining can make a perfect home for slugs (but then again so can soil!)

[Compo72]

Land is very heavy clay .
Part of the tees valley

Drainage is very poor generally in area
Though.can get 3 tonne acre of wheat off it I'm told

There used to be a proper ditch till the 50s over the other side of hedge at end of garden
Been filled in so water stands in fields and end of garden

Since we moved in , had land drain put in .
Done preventative measures removed parts of patio where water stood ..
Made it into a small wildlife garden with borders etc
Put soil , well rotted manure , long straw and sand in where I
can .
Tried to aerate the lawns with a folk too

Even though garden south facing . Gets plenty of sun ..
Took ages to warm up this spring . Like everywhere I guess

So far so good . Beats bucketing water away from patio doors on Xmas morning !