No question: In spring and summer there is a particularly large amount of work to be done in the garden - and therefore also in the raised bed. However, that does not mean that you can put your feet up from autumn. Instead, the raised bed can be planted with winter-hardy vegetables until well into autumn. Autumn is also the right time to create or fill up a raised bed.
In autumn, the raised bed is cleaned and refilled
Create and fill up the raised bed
If you want to create a classic layered compost raised bed, this is best done in autumn. The reason for this is simple: due to the rotting process, such a freshly laid bed quickly collapses, which, if it has already been planted, has a negative impact on the expected harvest. On the other hand, if you plant it in autumn, the rotting process will take place over the winter months - and you only need to fill the bed with fresh potting soil before planting in spring.
Plant fall and winter vegetables
The raised bed can also be planted with frost-tolerant vegetables in autumn. From July or August put late broccoli varieties, kale, endive, spinach, lamb's lettuce and radicchio in the bed areas that become free. In summer, these can still be sown directly into the bed, but growing young plants is better. You can also plant some of these in September or October, but in many cases the harvest will not take place until spring. With a cold frame or greenhouse attachment or a simple foil tunnel (€11.46) you can also ensure pleasant growth temperatures and protect the young plants from any late frosts. Clear the winter bed by February at the latest, since then the preparation for the new season begins.
Clear and winterize
Of course, you can also clear the raised bed completely in autumn and make it winter-proof for the cold season. If the bed is completely unplanted, cover it with semi-mature compost, leaves and/or straw to protect against moisture and nutrient loss. If, on the other hand, the bed is occupied by perennial, frost-hardy plants, cover them with leaves and/or brushwood. On the other hand, plants that are not sufficiently winter-hardy - including, for example, many Mediterranean herbs or artichokes - should be dug up and overwintered in a cool and frost-free place.
tips
If you are just laying out the raised bed, you can use the raised bed as a composter for finely cut garden and kitchen waste throughout the autumn and winter. Then fill in fresh potting soil in the spring.