Content
- When a foundation for the raised bed is necessary
- The ground must always be firm and level
- Protection against voles and Co.
- Concrete foundation for stone raised beds
- Tips
The more stable the substrate the more durable the raised bed
When a foundation for the raised bed is necessary
Not every raised bed needs a concrete foundation - as a rule, a solid and even surface is sufficient. However, if the raised bed is to be bricked (regardless of whether it is a dry or mortared wall), a solid concrete foundation is essential for safety reasons.
The ground must always be firm and level
The substrate must provide a raised bed - whether it is made of wood, metal or stone - sufficient stability, but should still be sufficiently permeable - this serves to prevent waterlogging in the bed. Especially in newly created gardens, where often fresh topsoil was poured, the substrate must first be compacted. This can be done by a Rüttelstampfer from the hardware store or by hand. If the soil has grown, you can create a plain by excavating a shallow pit. Make sure that no thick tree roots are pulled over this area - these endanger the stability. In case of doubt (and if the roots can not be removed) it is better to select a different location.
Protection against voles and Co.
Of course, the raised bed will not be placed on the bare ground. Here annoying rodents such as voles can work in the raised bed, causing considerable damage there. To prevent this, you should lay rabbit or chicken wire between the floor and the raised bed. Cover the wire with a thin layer of grit or sand and if necessary lay a weed fleece over it - this is especially useful when the floor is covered with stubborn root weeds. Instead of the fine-meshed wire you can also lay perforated bricks, whereby between the bricks no larger gaps may arise.
Concrete foundation for stone raised beds
A raised bed becomes more stable, of course, if you set it up on a concrete foundation. Especially for heavy raised beds made of stone, such a substrate is useful for securing the solidification. But wood high beds can be stabilized by means of a point foundation. Only the cornerstones are in a concrete foundation. However, if your raised bed needs a proper foundation, you will need to otherwise drain the excess water from the raised bed - in this case, the planks should have sufficient drainage facilities, otherwise the plants will suffer from the accumulated water. Such drainage possibilities arise, for example, through holes in the stone wall (this can be accomplished very well in dry stone walls!) Or an artificially created drainage, such as through outwardly derived drainage pipes.
Tips
A layer of pebbles, applied between the floor and the raised bed box, not only protects against rodents and weeds, but also serves as drainage.