In message , The Medway Handyman
writes
On 22/05/2012 22:03, John Rumm wrote:
On 22/05/2012 20:18, The Medway Handyman wrote:

SWMBO wants some raised beds made, railway sleepers or similar.

While on the subject...

Design issues:

What is the optimal depth? Ideal size?

I looked at some ready made kits, and they all seemed quite shallow -
some as little as 6". Many made from very skimpy timber as well.

I was thinking 18" to 24" high.

Depth, depends in part on what you might want to plant in it. Annual
flowers, or undemanding veg a foot would be ok ) guess. but deeper
would be better. Also aesthetic etc. considerations. If it's on a patio
area being high enough (and with a wide enough top) to sit on can be
nice.

For working the bed, about 2 feet wide if access only from one side, 4
feet if from both sides.




If one does a section of 3x3" post in each corner, would it be worth
extending this above the top a bit? - either to make something nice to
tie strings to for support etc (thinking vegetable use here)...

Mine are going to be either side of a pergola, so I'm having posts anyway.

could be useful. Tho not that many veg needing horizontal strings for
support. But there is also things like being able to cover with netting
to keep birds or butterflies off things etc.

It also occurred to me that they could be - on occasion - topped by
perspex 'lids' in timber frames to act as mini greenhouses (can't think
of the name).

cold frame
--
Chris French