How to Build a Raised Bed Garden This Spring
Build your first raised bed this spring. Choose materials, pick the right size, fill with great soil, and start planting — a step-by-step guide.
Late March is the perfect moment to build a raised bed. The soil is warming up, garden centres are stocked with seedlings, and you still have time to get cool-season crops into the ground before summer heat arrives. Whether you have a large back garden or a small courtyard, a single raised bed can transform your growing season.
In this guide, you'll learn how to choose materials, pick the right dimensions, fill your bed with a healthy soil mix, and plant your first crops — all with a European climate in mind.
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather these materials and tools:
- Timber, stone, or metal edging — untreated larch, Douglas fir, or galvanised steel are popular choices in Europe
- Weed membrane or cardboard — to suppress grass underneath
- Soil mix — a blend of topsoil, compost, and well-rotted manure (roughly 60/30/10)
- Spirit level and measuring tape
- Screws or corner brackets (for timber beds)
- A rake and watering can
Skip Treated Timber
Avoid pressure-treated wood if you plan to grow edibles. Untreated European softwoods like larch naturally resist rot for 10–15 years, making them a safe and durable choice.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Location
Pick a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid placing your bed under large trees or next to north-facing walls. If possible, orient the long side east-to-west so plants receive even light throughout the day.
A flat surface is ideal. If your garden slopes, you may need to level the ground before building, or stack the downhill side slightly higher.
Step 2: Decide on Dimensions
The most important rule: keep the width under 120 cm (about 4 feet). This lets you comfortably reach the centre from either side without stepping onto the soil. If your bed is against a wall or fence, limit the width to 90 cm so you can reach across from one side.
For length, 200–300 cm works well for most gardens. Depth matters too — aim for at least 30 cm for salads, herbs, and strawberries, or 45 cm if you plan to grow root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
| Dimension | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 90–120 cm | Reachable from both sides |
| Length | 200–300 cm | Manageable for one person |
| Depth | 30–45 cm | Deep enough for most vegetables |
Step 3: Prepare the Ground
Clear the area of any existing grass or weeds. Lay down a sheet of cardboard or weed membrane directly on the ground — this smothers remaining weeds while still allowing drainage and earthworms to move through.
If your garden soil is heavy clay, consider loosening the top 10–15 cm with a fork before placing the bed frame. This improves drainage significantly.
Step 4: Build the Frame
For a simple timber bed, cut four boards to your chosen dimensions. Stand them on edge to form a rectangle, then secure the corners with screws or metal angle brackets. Use a spirit level to check the frame is even — an uneven bed leads to waterlogging on one side.
Place the frame on top of your prepared ground. Press it gently into position and check the level again.
Step 5: Fill with the Right Soil Mix
This is the step that makes or breaks your raised bed. A good mix for European conditions:
- 60% quality topsoil — buy from a local landscape supplier rather than bagged products
- 30% garden compost — homemade or from your local recycling centre
- 10% well-rotted manure or worm castings — adds slow-release nutrients
Fill the bed to about 5 cm below the rim. The soil will settle over the first few weeks, so top it up with compost later.
Save Money on Soil
A cubic metre of bulk topsoil delivered from a landscape supplier costs a fraction of bagged soil from a garden centre. For a standard 120 × 240 × 40 cm bed, you'll need roughly 1.15 cubic metres of mix.
Step 6: Plant Your First Crops
In late March across most of Europe (Cfb and Dfb climate zones), you can start planting cool-season crops right away:
- Direct sow: radishes, spinach, lettuce, peas, and broad beans
- Transplant seedlings: cabbage, broccoli, and kale (started indoors in February)
- Herbs: parsley, chives, and coriander handle light frost well
Check our complete March sowing calendar for a detailed week-by-week guide tailored to your climate zone.
Tips for Better Results
- Mulch after planting — a 5 cm layer of straw or bark chips retains moisture and keeps weeds down
- Water deeply but less often — raised beds drain faster than ground-level beds, so water thoroughly when the top 3 cm of soil feels dry
- Rotate crops each year — don't plant the same family in the same spot two years running to prevent soil-borne diseases
- Plan your layout before planting — companion planting can boost yields and reduce pests naturally
Plan Your Bed Layout
Use Plantory's garden planner to map out your raised bed before planting. Drag and drop vegetables into position, check spacing requirements, and see which companion combinations work best.
Common Questions
How long does a raised bed last?
A well-built timber bed from untreated larch or Douglas fir lasts 10–15 years in European climates. Galvanised steel beds can last 20+ years. Stone or brick beds are essentially permanent.
Do I need to line the inside of the bed?
Lining the inside with landscaping fabric can extend timber life by reducing direct soil contact. Never use impermeable plastic — it blocks drainage and creates waterlogged conditions.
Can I build a raised bed on concrete or paving?
Yes, but increase the depth to at least 45 cm and ensure drainage holes or gaps at the base. Beds on hard surfaces dry out faster, so you may need to water more frequently.
Next Steps
A single raised bed can produce a surprising amount of food. Start with one this spring, and expand your setup next season as you gain confidence. Understanding your local climate zone will help you choose the right planting times and varieties for your region.
Ready to plan your raised bed layout? Plantory helps you design, space, and schedule your plantings so nothing gets forgotten.