Raised beds have become one of the most popular garden features in Hampshire — useful for vegetables, herbs, cut flowers or ornamental planting. They solve specific problems like poor drainage and shallow soil, and they bring a structured, tidy appearance to any garden area.
Choosing Your Materials
Raised bed sides can be constructed from several materials, each with different aesthetics and lifespans.
- Railway sleepers: most popular, natural look, 15–25 year lifespan
- Sawn hardwood: attractive, more refined look, expensive
- Brick or block: permanent, any height, suits formal designs
- Cor-ten steel: contemporary look, extremely durable
- Pressure-treated softwood: affordable, 10–15 year lifespan
Sizing and Positioning
Make raised beds no wider than 1.2m (so you can reach the centre from both sides without stepping in). Height of 300–450mm is ideal for most plants; vegetables prefer at least 400mm. Position in the sunniest part of the garden for vegetables; shade-tolerant planting suits shadier positions.
Filling Your Raised Bed
Fill with a mix of quality topsoil (60%), well-rotted compost or manure (30%) and sharp grit (10%) for excellent drainage and fertility. This growing medium is far better than garden soil alone and will support productive planting for three to four years before needing refreshing.
A&T Landscapes builds raised beds as part of garden projects across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 to discuss your project.