How deep should raised bed be?

[sweetcorn]

I've just put in a 1m x 3m linkaboard raised bed, and have put loads of compost and manure in, but it's still about 4-5cm below the top of the boards. Should I fill it right to the top? I know the soil settles ...

Which brings me on to my next question:

When can I start planting in it!!??? I'm so excited I want to get going straight away, especially since we've been in the process of moving and I haven't had any veggie beds for nearly a year!!!!

[dwrudd]

Hi Sweetcorn,

I would perhaps pu a little more compost in, but don't fill to the brim. If you do, water will run off instead of soaking in.

I grow most of my stuf in permanent raised beds as our garden is on very solid ground and I have started to plant already. My seedlings are all looking like they want to go outside but the nightime temperatures are a little too cold just yet. It would be a shame to ruin so much hard work by being too impatient.

I would certainly be planting seeds though, you don't need a greenhouse, get a couple of seed trays on asunny window sill and by the time the seedlings are ready, it will be time to go.

What are you planning to plant in it or are you like me, you want some of everything

Darren

[Alice]

Hello Sweetcorn, my raised beds are 18" deep but I think you can manage with 8".
I've got lots of stuff in there and growing well
strawberries, carrots, purple top milan, spring onions, mixed leaves, radish, peas, broad beans, pak choi, and my brassicas are well grown and about ready for planting out. So I think you will safe enough to be starting now on reasonably hardy plants.

[sweetcorn]

I want to plant EVERYTHING!! But obviously, I must control myself. I want to plant lettuce, spring onions, beetroot, spinach, rocket, carrots, beans, sweetcorn, tomatoes etc, etc, etc,!! Everything really except perhaps potatoes (in a pot) and things that sit around for a long time like onions, cabbage (maybe one or two!)

The bed is one board deep (12cm) and filled to within about 4-5cm of the top.

I had worried that I might have to leave the raised bed to 'settle' before I planted?????