If you buy a ready-made kit, the size of your raised bed is automatically specified by the manufacturer. However, if you want to build it yourself, the question arises as to the optimal "How high should a raised bed be?". Basically, the height and size of such a bed is up to you - after all, it's not just about practical issues, but also visual ones. After all, the construction must fit harmoniously into the garden. Nevertheless, there are some guidelines that can be used to calculate the optimal, back-friendly height.
How high a raised bed should be depends on the height of the gardener
Height determines the height of the raised bed
The most important measure for calculating the bed height is your height. Most finished raised beds are between 90 and 100 centimeters high, making them ideal for people who are between 160 and 180 centimeters tall. The recommended height of the bed for people 160 centimeters tall is 85 to 90 centimeters, for people 170 centimeters tall 90 to 95 centimeters and so on. The second important measurement is your individual arm length. As a rule, provided you keep your back straight, you can only reach about 60 to 70 centimeters. As a result, a raised bed that can be reached from both sides should only be between 120 and 140 centimeters wide. If, on the other hand, the bed is leaning against a building or similar, it should not be deeper than 75 centimeters, including the edge, for easier processing.
Raised beds with a seat edge can be lower
Some people prefer to work on their raised bed while sitting. In this case, you should try out which height suits you best. However, a height of at least 50 centimeters should be given, otherwise you will find it difficult to get up. A wide, level edge for comfortable sitting is also an important prerequisite for pleasant work. Incidentally, such a half-height bed is also highly recommended for children who can work on it while standing.
Pay attention to the choice of planting
However, not only body size and arm length decide on the optimal raised bed height - but also the planned type of planting. Raised beds with a normal or half-height are primarily suitable for low-growing crops. On the other hand, it is better to cultivate tall plants such as stake tomatoes in a raised bed of a maximum height of 50 centimeters - better still lower. When choosing a raised bed and planting, pay attention to the probable growth height of the latter, otherwise you will have to use the ladder to harvest later.
How long should the bed be?
The ideal length of the bed depends on the construction of the frame (and its stability), but also on your need for growing space. However, before you have to make long walks around a long bed, it is better to set up several short beds. In addition, a width-to-length ratio of 1:2 to 1:4 looks much more harmonious and therefore more appealing.
tips
Don't forget accessibility when planning the raised bed: a path around 80 centimeters wide around the bed is comfortable and allows you to use a wheelbarrow.