Raised beds or mounds for veg growing

[MyWifesBrassicas]

My allotment neighbour has nagged me for the last few years about not using raised beds. I've always used a slightly raised mound type of growing design, yet my neighbour insists raised beds like his is the way to go and he produces a bumper crop, but I'm still not convinced.
When i say mounds, it's just rectangles of earth with defined pathways and has become mounded through adding compost over time.
I don't really understand why raised beds are used, sure enough they look organised and pretty, but are raised beds any better for growing stuff.
What does everybody use?
i'm wondering if there is a plausible reason for using raised beds

[Jimny14]

How raised are his beds? If beds are raised a couple of feet or more (and filled with good topsoil, compost, manure etc) then I could see a possible benefit in the form of significantly deeper top soil depth and available easily worked soil which could be useful to balance out problems of natural soil composition but other than that I'm not convinced. If you have well managed soil which is pretty stone free and neither too sandy or clay filled then the benefits of raised beds deminish in my mind. I'm sure I'll be corrected soon.

[veggiechicken]

To me "Raised beds" mean "Edged beds" - where the soil is contained within a frame of wood, metal or Pantiles (ask Snadger).
Some say that the edges are a good habitat for slugs and snails.
Raised beds are not as movable as "mounds" and tend to be constructed and stay in that place. Mounds can be shifted and change shape more easily.

Do whatever you feel comfortable with

[MyWifesBrassicas]

How raised are his beds? If beds are raised a couple of feet or more (and filled with good topsoil, compost, manure etc) then I could see a possible benefit in the form of significantly deeper top soil depth and available easily worked soil which could be useful to balance out problems of natural soil composition but other than that I'm not convinced. If you have well managed soil which is pretty stone free and neither too sandy or clay filled then the benefits of raised beds deminish in my mind. I'm sure I'll be corrected soon.

His "raised" beds are are about 9 inch - 1ft and to me, all they seem to be is a definition between bed and path. He adds compost just like I do, he doesn't walk on beds like me, in fact the only difference in how we do things is that he digs his more.
Hes sure that he's created a better growing zone than me.
I do give into the fact that if you use wood chip to line your paths, then the wooden frame stops the chips being kicked into to growing bed

[MyWifesBrassicas]

To me "Raised beds" mean "Edged beds" - where the soil is contained within a frame of wood, metal or Pantiles (ask Snadger).
Some say that the edges are a good habitat for slugs and snails.
Raised beds are not as movable as "mounds" and tend to be constructed and stay in that place. Mounds can be shifted and change shape more easily.

Do whatever you feel comfortable with

I think that is the main reason that I've not attempted to edge my beds with wood (or anything else) is that I'm always changing things around. As well as potential cost and time

[Scarlet]

I have raised beds and I also have a "growing patch" which is just an area that I either grow in rows, blocks or bung in where ever there's space.

The difference for me is that the raised beds have a nice path and in the winter they don't get as waterlogged. But whether they are edged or not would make little difference? It's still raised. They are called lazy beds

[MyWifesBrassicas]

I have raised beds and I also have a "growing patch" which is just an area that I either grow in rows, blocks or bung in where ever there's space.

The difference for me is that the raised beds have a nice path and in the winter they don't get as waterlogged. But whether they are edged or not would make little difference? It's still raised. They are called lazy beds

Lazy beds, that sounds like me

[Logunner]

I think that is the main reason that I've not attempted to edge my beds with wood (or anything else) is that I'm always changing things around. As well as potential cost and time

I’m using pallet collars as raised beds. Easy to add extra height and move around the plot as I make changes, so nothings permanent for me.

[MyWifesBrassicas]

I’m using pallet collars as raised beds. Easy to add extra height and move around the plot as I make changes, so nothings permanent for me.

sounds interesting, Do you make these yourself?

[Logunner]

sounds interesting, Do you make these yourself?

Bought from ebay for £4 a collar. Bit of shed paint and they will last many years.

[MyWifesBrassicas]

Bought from ebay for £4 a collar. Bit of shed paint and they will last many years.

I might use them for a hot bed.
Being hinge, do they store flat?
Do they corrode or rust?

[Logunner]

I might use them for a hot bed.
Being hinge, do they store flat?
Do they corrode or rust?

Store flat, the hinges are galvanized so rust resistant. They will last years

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...9385985033732/

[Snadger]

Lazy beds are fine. Edged beds can look pretty but can also cause problems when they become homes for woodlice and other creepy crawlies.


Tall raised beds can allow wheel chair gardeners ,along with disabled gardeners with back problems to enjoy there hobby.

Beds don't need to be rectangular and round, triangular and hexagons would work well.

How about hexagon or octagon beds arranged in a honeycomb formation.

Let your imagination run riot and do whatever works for you.

[veggiechicken]

How about an Aztec keyhole design or a spiral or a maze?
Don't follow the crowd, be different, make your neighbours wonder about you.

[Baldy]

"worry about you"