What a dream to always pick fresh herbs straight from your own garden! Building a raised herb bed is not rocket science, but a project that brings a bit of natural magic into our everyday lives with love and a little craftsmanship. This green wonder finds its place even on the smallest balcony or most modest terrace. And the best time to get your hands dirty? The beginning of spring! April and May are already beckoning us, so let's get started!
Wood speaks the language of nature and is perfect for our project. But before we start digging in the earth, let's be inspired by the simplicity of a sandbox. Our future raised herb bed is like a rectangular hug for delicate plants, protecting them and encouraging them to grow in all their glory.
For those without a garden – don’t worry! Your raised bed is just waiting to find a new home indoors. Your little green friends from the Mediterranean long for sun, while the local beauties prefer the shade. But together, in a bed that captures both sun and shade, they thrive in harmony.
Now it's getting practical! For your DIY raised herb bed you need:
- 4 stabile Kanthölzer
- Boards with hearts
- Screws or nails that hold everything together
- Wood protection so that your work of art lasts longer
- And maybe 4 wheels to move your bed to where it feels most comfortable.
The perfect bed resembles a table and measures an impressive 75 to 80 centimeters in height. Pull out your tape measure and determine the width and length, as if you were creating a tailor-made suit for your herbs. Don't be afraid to ask the experts at the hardware store for help - they can saw the wood to size for you. A side tip: impregnated wood is like a knight in shining armor against the nasty snails!
So, dear hobby gardeners, grab a hammer and nails and let's build a little miracle in which basil, thyme and parsley find a fairytale home. Ready, set… garden magic!
Step 1: Lay the foundation
First of all, it's about creating a solid foundation. Find a level surface on which your raised bed will stand. If you have chosen casters to keep the bed mobile, attach them securely to the four corners of the squared timbers. Make sure that everything is stable, as the bed will become quite heavy later due to the soil and plants.
Step 2: Build the frame
Now it's time to get down to business: building the frame. Connect the boards together to form a rectangular frame using screws or nails. Make sure all corners are square and sides are parallel to each other. This ensures that your raised bed can later defy gravity and safely house the herbs.
Step 3: Apply protection
Once the frame has been created, it is recommended to give the wood a protective coat of paint. Use environmentally friendly wood protection to protect the material from moisture, rot and vermin. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4: Interior construction
Now it's time for the interior work. To do this, you should first spread a layer of gravel or stones on the bottom of the raised bed. This ensures good water drainage and prevents waterlogging. Then there is a layer of garden tiles or another water-permeable material that holds the soil but allows water to pass through.
Step 5: Fill in soil
Now all that's missing is the earth. Use high-quality garden soil or special herb soil that is nutrient-rich and helps your herbs grow. Fill the soil into the raised bed, making sure it is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Plant herbs
Now comes the best part: planting your herbs. Think about where each plant should go, depending on how much sun and water it needs. Place the herbs carefully in the soil and gently press the soil around them.
Step 7: Enjoy care
Water your freshly planted herbs evenly. In the next few weeks, the most important thing will be to water regularly and make sure that no pests or diseases attack the tender plants.
Voilà, your raised herb bed is ready! Now you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and always pick fresh herbs directly from your own little green paradise.
*You can find the complete instructions for building your own raised herb bedhere
