Raised beds for vegetables - The best tips for a bountiful harvest

Hochbeet Praxistipps
Raised beds for vegetables - The best tips for a bountiful harvest


The most important points in brief

  • A raised bed makes growing vegetables easier, saves your back, and effectively protects against pests, while its layered construction ensures it remains particularly nutrient-rich. 
  • Various vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots benefit from the optimal conditions of a raised bed – crop rotation, planting distance, and soil composition are crucial for a bountiful harvest. 
  • The Monterosso raised bed made of Corten steel by ELEO combines durability with an attractive design and offers gardening enthusiasts a robust foundation for sustainable vegetable cultivation.

 

A raised bed is a wonderful way to grow fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs directly in your own garden. It offers numerous advantages over a regular garden bed: It saves your back, extends the harvest season, and protects the plants from soil pests.

In this guide, you will learn what you need to consider when growing vegetables such as carrots, leeks, tomatoes, and cucumbers in a raised bed, which herbs are particularly well-suited, and how to ideally combine the plants.


Plant Selection: The Best Vegetables for Raised Beds

Not every vegetable is equally well-suited for raised beds. There are several reasons for this:

  1. Space Requirements for Vegetables in Raised Beds

    Some vegetables, such as pumpkins, zucchini, or large cabbage varieties (e.g., white cabbage), grow very large and quickly take up space and light from other plants. In the limited planting space of a raised bed, this can become a problem – especially when combining several crops.
    Tip: Plant space-intensive plants individually or at the edge where they can "hang over," or better yet, plant them directly in the garden soil.

  2. Root Depth in Raised Beds for Vegetables

    Raised beds are usually between 70 and 100 cm high – this is sufficient for many types of vegetables, but not all. Deep-rooted species such as parsnips or salsify require very deep soil and often do not grow optimally in a raised bed.
    Tip: A raised bed is ideal for shallow- to medium-rooted plants such as lettuce, radishes, or spinach. Anyone who still wants to grow deep-rooted plants should choose a particularly high raised bed or grow these plants elsewhere. Nutrient Requirements in Raised Beds for Vegetables Due to its layered construction, a raised bed is particularly nutrient-rich in the first few years. This is perfect for heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, or celery. Light feeders like peas or herbs, on the other hand, require fewer nutrients – in newly established raised beds, this can lead to excessive growth with low yield. Tip: Plant mostly heavy feeders in the first year, medium feeders in the second year, and light feeders in the third year – after which the raised bed can be fertilized and the planting process can begin again (crop rotation principle). The soil must be completely replaced by the seventh year at the latest.

For these reasons, you should carefully consider in advance which types of vegetables you definitely want to plant in your raised bed and create a corresponding planting plan. Particularly well-suited are:

Vegetable Variety Tips & Information
Tomatoes in a Raised Bed
(Heavy Feeders)		 They love warmth and well-draining soil – both of which tomatoes find in a raised bed. Don't forget plant supports!
Peppers in a raised bed
(heavy feeders)		 Pepper plants need warmth and therefore thrive particularly well in the loose, warm soil of a raised bed. Tip: Choose a sheltered, sunny spot.
Cucumbers in a raised bed
(heavy feeders)		 Cucumbers need plenty of water and nutrients – a raised bed offers ideal conditions for cucumbers. Tip: Plan for a trellis or other support, water regularly.
Leeks in a raised bed
(heavy feeder)		 Leeks thrive in nutrient-rich, loose soil. Their higher position in a raised bed ensures optimal aeration and reduces the risk of rot.
Broccoli in a raised bed
(heavy feeder)		 Broccoli needs cool, moist soil and grows best in well-aerated soil. The raised bed offers ideal temperature regulation to promote healthy growth. Potatoes in a raised bed (medium to heavy feeders) They benefit from the loose soil and good heat retention in the raised bed. Tip: Choose early potatoes and hill them regularly. Kohlrabi in a raised bed (medium to heavy feeders) Grows quickly but requires consistent moisture. The raised bed makes maintenance easier and protects against slugs and snails. Tip: Don't plant too close together.
Spinach in a raised bed
(Medium feeder)		 Thrives well in cooler temperatures, loves loose soil and consistent moisture. Tip: Perfect as a pre-crop.
Fennel in a raised bed
(Medium feeder)		 Fennel loves deep, loose soil and a consistent water supply – easily controlled in a raised bed.
Carrots in a raised bed
(Medium to light feeder)		 They also need loose, deep soil – the layered structure in a raised bed prevents waterlogging and promotes straight roots. Tip: Use fine-textured, stone-free soil.
Peas in a raised bed
(Medium to light feeders)		 Peas have deep roots and need loose soil – easily achievable in a raised bed. Tip: Plan for a trellis or other support; do not combine with heavy feeders.
Radishes in a raised bed
(Light feeders)		 Undemanding and fast-growing – ideal for early or late raised bed harvests. Tip: Sow regularly for a continuous harvest.
Leaf lettuce in a raised bed
(light feeder)		 Leaf lettuce is ideal for raised beds because it grows quickly and can be harvested repeatedly.
Onions in a raised bed
(light feeder)		 Space-saving and robust. The loose soil in a raised bed promotes even growth and good bulb formation.


To ensure your raised bed vegetable garden is successful all year round, we've created a handy seasonal calendar for you. This shows you at a glance when you can sow, plant, and harvest which types of vegetables.

Jetzt Saisonkalender herunterladen

Metal Vegetable Raised Beds

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Manarola corten steel raised bed with privacy screen
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Monterosso metal raised garden bed with privacy screen
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Manarola metal raised garden bed with privacy screen
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Monterosso corten steel raised garden bed with privacy screen
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Freshly harvested carrots with soil in a hand
Carrots are among the favorite vegetables for raised beds. Image source: pixabay.com, Markus Spiske



A Raised Bed for Vegetables: The Right Combination is Crucial

A raised bed not only offers ideal growing conditions for many types of vegetables – it is also perfectly suited for so-called companion planting. This involves deliberately combining plants that support each other's growth, keep pests away from one another, and optimally utilize the nutrient content of the soil. Carrots and leeks, for example, are a tried-and-tested duo: While leeks keep the carrot fly away, carrots protect against the onion fly. Kohlrabi, peas, and spinach also complement each other well – they don't compete intensely for space or nutrients and promote healthy growth. Peppers in a raised bed can be combined well with onions or carrots, but should not be planted directly next to peas or fennel. Tomatoes and cucumbers should also not be planted next to each other in a raised bed – they have different requirements for moisture and air circulation and are susceptible to similar diseases. Potatoes and tomatoes should also not be planted together due to the increased risk of disease.


Planting a Herb Raised Bed

Fresh herbs are the perfect finishing touch for healthy and delicious dishes. How convenient to simply walk to your own raised herb bed to harvest basil, parsley, and other herbs! However, if you want to use your raised bed exclusively for herbs, there are a few things to keep in mind: Herbs require less nutrient-rich soil than vegetables or other plants. Mediterranean herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil thrive in nutrient-poor soil that can even contain sand. To be on the safe side, you can buy special herb potting mix at a hardware store or garden center.

Rosemary and thyme in a raised bed
Herbs like rosemary, thyme, coriander, and mint grow well in raised beds. However, avoid waterlogging. Image source: Pixabay, Stefan Schweihofer



Which herbs grow well together in a raised bed?

Herb Goes well with Does not go well with
Basil Rosemary, Chives, Parsley Lemon Balm
Parsley Basil, Coriander, chives Lovage (Maggi herb)
Rosemary Basil, thyme, savory Tarragon
Thyme Rosemary, coriander, tarragon Marjoram
Lemon
-melissa		 Tarragon, Sage, Chives Basil

Caring for Vegetables in Raised Beds: Watering, Fertilizing & Preventing Diseases

To ensure your vegetables and herbs thrive in your raised bed, you should follow a few care instructions. Here we have summarized some important tips for you:

  • Watering: Raised beds dry out faster than ground-level beds. Consistent watering is therefore particularly important – especially on hot, windy days. A mulch layer of grass clippings or straw can help retain moisture in the soil. Fertilizing: Over time, the nutrient content of raised bed soil decreases. Regular re-fertilization with compost or organic fertilizer is therefore advisable. After about five to seven years, the soil should be completely renewed to ensure long-term plant health. Pest control: Even though raised beds are less susceptible to slugs and other pests, some protection is still a good idea. Natural remedies such as copper tape, coffee grounds, or certain herbs (e.g., chamomile, savory) keep unwanted guests away – completely without chemical additives. For more information on natural pest control, read our blog article Corten steel as slug protection Diseases: A well-maintained raised bed helps prevent many plant diseases. Nevertheless, fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot can occur – especially in warm, humid weather or with overly dense planting. Ensure sufficient spacing between plants, good ventilation, and water directly onto the soil, not the leaves. Remove diseased plant parts promptly to prevent the spread of disease. If necessary, organic plant strengtheners from garden centers can provide additional support.

Conclusion: Fresh vegetables from a raised bed – easy with the right planning

A raised bed brings structure and order to your garden and also gives you the opportunity to easily grow your own vegetables and fresh herbs – right outside your door. Whether it's aromatic tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or fragrant thyme: gardening in a raised bed is easier, the harvest is more abundant, and gardening is significantly easier on your back.

With the right knowledge about location, plant combinations, and care, growing your own food becomes child's play.

Want to get started right away? In our online shop, you'll find high-quality raised beds made of Corten steel and powder-coated metal – sturdy, weatherproof, and with a modern design. Take a look around and discover the perfect model for your garden:

Hochbeete entdecken

Inhalt

  1. Pflanzenauswahl: Die besten Gemüsesorten fürs Hochbeet
  2. Praktischer Saisonkalender
  3. Ein Hochbeet für Gemüse: Die richtige Kombination ist entscheidend
  4. Ein Kräuterhochbeet bepflanzen
  5. Welche Kräuter vertragen sich im Hochbeet?
  6. Gemüse im Hochbeet pflegen: Gießen, Düngen & Krankheiten vermeiden
  7. Fazit: Frisches Gemüse aus dem Hochbeet – mit der richtigen Planung ganz einfach

Tip:Would you like to learn more about individual vegetables? Then you might also be interested in our blog articles “Planting Potatoes in Raised Beds” and “The 5 Most Common Diseases of Cucumber Plants”.

Would you like to learn more general information about how to properly set up and plant a raised bed? Then please also read our blog article "Planting a raised bed - this is how it's done right!", which includes tips on filling a raised bed and creating a planting plan.
Annett Zahn
by Annett Zahn Annett Zahn

Plants and herbs are my passion. From a young age, I was able to build up a wealth of knowledge in this area, which my garden constantly benefits from.

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