The classic compost raised bed always has an open bottom, which ensures that microorganisms and earthworms have access to the filling. In addition, excess water, for example after a downpour, can drain away unhindered. However, raised beds designed in this way are not always possible or desired. This is why a practical substructure can be integrated into many a raised bed type. There are a number of ways to do this.

The space under table raised beds can be used as storage space, for example

Substructure as shelf or storage space

Especially with table raised beds, where the plant tub is comparatively flat, a lot of additional space can be gained with a sensible substructure. This can be used, for example, to store garden tools or as extra storage space. To use the free space under the bed, you can attach shelves and either leave them open or close them with a door. Drawers are also wonderful, but are a bit more difficult to attach. How and with what you attach the substructure to the table bed depends primarily on your manual skills and the material of the bed. Wooden beds in particular are well suited for screwing on additional shelves. This becomes more difficult with beds made of plastic or even fleece, since the substructure itself should be able to stand completely free. Small shelves or cupboards, for example, which can simply be placed under the bed, are very suitable.

Substructure as an additional planting option

Of course, you can not only use such a substructure as a shelf. Additional shelves are also ideal for placing and planting plant pots or boxes on them. Naturally, the plants used for this should grow rather low; herbs such as parsley, chives or basil are ideal. If you want to add more plants to the substructure of the raised bed, make sure you choose a light to sunny location. Sufficient light should also arrive below the bed so that the plants feel comfortable there. To be on the safe side, choose plants that are already qualified for semi-shady to shady locations.

Stone bed substructure as a shelter for animals

Hedgehogs, lizards, slowworms, many insects and other garden animals are finding fewer and fewer retreats these days. It is therefore important, especially in gardens that are close to nature, that you build caves and other shelters in which the animals, which have become rare, feel comfortable. These can be accommodated with little effort, for example, in a stone raised bed, for example by installing perforated hardwood discs or installing a small retreat cave below the bed.

tips

Some of the options mentioned can also be realized in classic compost raised beds, for example in the form of a hedgehog cave or an entry path for ground bees.

Category:

Vegetable garden