Raised garden beds are more than just a stylish trend in modern gardening—they’re a game changer. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned green thumb, raised beds offer a simple yet highly efficient way to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers in almost any outdoor space.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to plant in a raised bed through the seasons, how to match plant types to bed depth, beginner-friendly crops, and how to elevate your gardening with Aosom UK’s top-rated planters. Let’s get growing!
Choosing the Right Bed for the Right Plants
Depth and size play a crucial role in what you can grow successfully. Here’s a helpful breakdown:
| Plant Type | Recommended Bed Depth | Notes |
| Lettuce, spinach | 15–20 cm | Shallow roots |
| Carrots, onions | 30 cm | Room to expand underground |
| Tomatoes, courgettes | 40–60 cm | Deep roots, need strong support |
Recommended Products
1. Outsunny Steel Raised Beds for Garden – Set of 2
These dark grey steel beds offer a modern look with strong structure and an open bottom for proper drainage. Each 30cm deep planter is ideal for medium-root vegetables like carrots or beetroot. The flat-edge safety design makes them easy to handle, and their modular build lets you space them creatively.
2. Outsunny 60 x 120cm Raised Garden Bed with Wooden Base
This raised bed with a transparent polycarbonate cover is perfect for year-round gardening. Its slanted roof prevents rain build-up, while internal vents regulate temperature—making it a strong choice for cold-weather crops or urban gardeners wanting a tidy, weather-resistant unit.
Spring Favourites: What to Plant Now
Spring is the perfect time to start your raised bed with cool-season crops. Choose fast-growers that thrive in rich, moist soil:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Peas
- Carrots
Companion Planting Tips
Combine crops for better results:
Carrots + Onions – Onions repel carrot flies
Lettuce + Radish – Radishes break up the soil for lettuce roots
Summer Staples: Heat-Loving Plants That Thrive
As temperatures rise, switch to sun-hungry crops. Raised beds warm faster and drain better, making them ideal for:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Courgettes
- Peppers
- French Beans
Product Spotlight: Supportive Planters for Summer Plants
Outsunny 2 Pcs Raised Bed with Trellis
This 2-in-1 wooden raised bed includes a trellis—perfect for supporting climbing beans, cucumbers, or decorative sweet peas. The built-in drainage holes prevent water-logging, while its painted finish offers durability and classic garden charm.
Fall Harvest: Plant Now, Eat Later
Don’t stop gardening after summer! Use your raised bed for:
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Beets
- Garlic
Add row covers or cold frames (like Aosom’s polycarbonate model) to extend your growing season deep into autumn.
Winter Options: Yes, You Can Grow All Year
Hardy crops like spinach, chard, winter lettuce, and turnips can survive UK winters—especially in well-insulated raised beds.
| Winter Crop | Hardiness | Tip |
| Spinach | Very Hardy | Mulch with straw |
| Garlic | Hardy | Plant in autumn, harvest in spring |
| Kale | Very Hardy | Use fleece for extra warmth |
Why Raised Beds Are the Gardener’s Secret Weapon
Raised garden beds simplify growing by creating ideal conditions right from the start. Here’s why many UK gardeners swear by them:
Key Benefits of Raised Bed Gardening
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Space Efficiency | Perfect for patios, balconies, or small gardens |
| Soil Control | Customise soil quality and drainage |
| Ease of Access | No digging, no bending—ideal for all ages |
| Better Yields | Plants thrive with fewer weeds and better soil warmth |
Raised beds allow you to extend the growing season, reduce soil compaction, and create a neater, more beautiful garden space.
What to Grow Based on Your Climate Zone
Here’s a general reference for UK gardeners by USDA equivalent zones:
| Zone | Common in… | Best Crops |
| Zone 7 | South England | Tomatoes, aubergines, basil |
| Zone 6 | Midlands, East Anglia | Carrots, beans, salad greens |
| Zone 5 | North UK, Scotland | Kale, peas, chard |
Beginner-Friendly Picks for Low-Maintenance Success
If you’re just getting started, begin with these easy winners:
- Salad Mixes
- Bush Beans
- Spring Onions
- Thyme & Chives
- Marigolds (pest deterrents)
Pair them with compact planters like the:
Outsunny Set of 2 Round Metal Beds
These 30cm high round beds fit perfectly on patios and balconies, and offer great drainage for herbs and greens. Their waved edge and rugged steel construction bring a rustic yet modern look to any space.
Raised Bed Soil 101: What You Need to Know
The right soil mix is crucial. Use this proven blend:
| Component | Ratio |
| Topsoil | 40% |
| Compost | 40% |
| Perlite or Sand | 20% |
Tip: Refresh compost every season, and mulch to retain moisture.
Use organic compost and avoid synthetic fertilisers if you’re aiming for sustainable, eco-friendly growing.
Companion Planting for Better Growth & Fewer Pests
Companion planting is a clever and natural way to maximise your harvest while reducing pests and the need for chemical fertilisers. The idea is to pair plants that benefit each other when grown together.
Classic Combinations to Try
| Companion Pair | Benefit |
| Tomatoes + Basil | Basil improves flavour and repels whiteflies |
| Carrots + Onions | Onions deter carrot root fly |
| Beans + Marigolds | Marigolds keep aphids away |
| Lettuce + Radishes | Radishes loosen soil, helping lettuce root deeper |
Raised beds make it easy to manage small companion plots. If you’re planting multiple types together, ensure each has enough depth and sun access.
Garden Design Inspiration for Every Yard Size
Whether you’re working with a large garden or a compact urban patio, raised beds can be adapted beautifully to fit the space. And let’s face it—half the fun is making it look stunning!
Layout Ideas
- Corner beds for awkward garden edges
- Modular units to build up or out as needed
- Tiered beds to add depth and grow root vs. vine crops vertically
Aosom Style Picks
Outsunny 3-Tier Wooden Garden Bed Planter Box
This pinewood tiered planter box is ideal for sorting plants by root depth or sun exposure. Its rustic charm fits beautifully into cottage gardens, balconies, or patios. The three levels also make it a great choice for showing off cascading herbs or seasonal flowers.
Outsunny Vertical Garden with Wheels
A five-tier vertical unit with drainage holes and rolling wheels for mobility. Grow herbs, strawberries, or salad mixes on your patio or balcony without taking up floor space. It’s perfect for urban gardeners looking for function and flair.
Eco-Friendly Gardening in Raised Beds
More and more UK gardeners are leaning toward sustainability—and raised beds make it easier than ever to follow eco-conscious practices.
Tips for Greener Gardening
- Use non-GMO seeds and organic compost
- Install biodegradable liners or coconut coir mats
- Avoid synthetic fertilisers and pesticides
- Collect rainwater to reduce hose usage
Eco-Conscious Aosom Picks
Outsunny Wooden Raised Bed with Shelves and Tabletop
Made from durable fir wood, this raised bed includes side shelves and a tabletop for potting and tool storage. It’s not only practical but built from sustainable materials that blend seamlessly into green garden goals.
Budget vs. Premium Raised Bed Options
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. Whether you’re a budget-conscious DIYer or prefer ready-made convenience, Aosom has a raised bed solution for you.
| Option | Pros | Best For |
| DIY Wood Beds | Low cost, custom sizes | Experienced gardeners |
| Pre-Made Aosom Kits | Ready to assemble, weatherproof, stylish | Beginners, busy gardeners |
| Premium Polycarbonate | Year-round use, pest protection | Urban gardens, all-season crops |
All Aosom raised bed kits include easy assembly instructions and are designed to be durable in the unpredictable UK climate.
Final Tips: Get the Most from Your Raised Bed All Year
To make sure your garden bed works hard from January to December, follow these expert tips:
- Plan by Season: Rotate crops every few months to keep soil healthy and productive.
- Mulch Smartly: Organic mulch retains moisture and keeps weeds at bay.
- Keep it Organised: Label crops and track what works each year.
- Use Row Covers or Cold Frames: Extend growing periods into chilly months.
- Regular Feeding: Add slow-release organic fertiliser every 4–6 weeks.
- Drainage Checks: Ensure no water pools at the base to prevent root rot.
- Mix Heights: Grow low-lying herbs alongside taller staked tomatoes to maximise light.
Whether you’re starting your first garden or expanding into new growing seasons, raised beds give you flexibility, control, and beautiful results. With Aosom UK’s selection of raised garden beds, planters, and accessories, you can create the garden you’ve always dreamed of—no matter how much space or experience you have.
FAQs
1. Can I use old wood or recycled materials to build my own raised bed?
You can, but ensure materials are untreated and free from chemicals. Alternatively, Aosom offers affordable pre-made wooden raised beds that are rot-resistant and designed for outdoor use, saving you time and ensuring safety.
2. Why aren’t my plants growing well even though I used fresh compost?
While compost is rich in nutrients, growth issues may stem from imbalanced soil structure. Raised beds require more than just compost. A tried-and-tested mix includes 40% compost, 40% topsoil, and 20% perlite or coarse sand. This blend supports drainage, aeration, and root development. Also, check for soil pH, and ensure your planter drains properly—especially important in deeper Aosom beds. Overwatering can compact soil and restrict oxygen to roots, so be sure to strike a healthy balance.
3. How do I rotate crops in my small raised garden?
Crop rotation helps maintain soil health and prevent disease build-up. In smaller raised beds, rotate crops seasonally: start with leafy greens in spring, switch to fruiting plants in summer (like tomatoes or peppers), and follow with root vegetables in autumn. If you’re growing multiple crop types at once, use Aosom’s modular or sectional planter designs to designate zones—making rotation simple and organised from one year to the next.
4. Can I grow fruit in a raised bed?
Of course! Many soft fruits do very well in raised beds. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and dwarf varieties of fruit trees like apples and cherries thrive with good drainage and nutrient-rich soil.