Lesson 1
Selecting Materials and Site
Choose the right location and materials to ensure your bed is durable and gets enough sun.
Site Selection
Place the bed where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight. Ensure it is level. If the site is sloped, you must level the frame or the soil will wash out one side.
Material Choices
Use untreated timber, such as cedar or larch, which naturally resists rot. Avoid railway sleepers treated with creosote, as these can leach toxins into your soil. If using pine, use non-toxic wood preserver.
Dimensions
Keep the width to 1.2 metres maximum. This allows you to reach the centre from either side without stepping into the bed and compacting the soil. A height of 30 cm is usually sufficient for most vegetables, though 45 cm is better if you have poor quality subsoil underneath. Aim for a simple rectangle for your first project.