loft bed
The loft bed becomes taller due to the stacking of rich materials on different levels. Those who want to use raised beds to grow vegetables need to plan five floors. "For raised beds that are primarily used for herbs and/or ornamentals, the scheme is simplified,"
In this case, only three different layers are needed.
overhead bedspread
A loft bed can also easily be turned into a cooling frame—for example, an old window can be used as a cover.
Advantages of a loft bed
Raised beds not only look beautiful, but they also provide perfect conditions for plants in small gardens. Through the different layers, herbs, flowers or vegetables are optimally supplied with nutrients. Whether you choose a decorative bed or a functional bed depends entirely on your taste.
One of the advantages of a loft bed is that it is much easier to work on your back than using a "regular" bed on the ground. "You don't have to bend your knees to stand up and work comfortably," says BAYERN1 plant expert Karin Greiner. Another advantage is that you can reach the raised bed from all directions and spot potential problems or infestation faster.
The decay of the layered material generates heat, while the different layers provide the plants with particularly high levels of nutrients. "As a result, I get three times as much harvest from raised beds as I do from regular beds," says plant expert Greiner. But the high nutrient density also ensures that you can grow plants at a higher density than normal beds.
fill the loft bed
Layers need to be placed on the raised bed from bottom to top:
Vole Mesh: The mesh protects soil and plants from rodents and other intruders.
Rough cutting: such as branches and shrub waste, about 25-30 cm high. They provide good ventilation and prevent standing water.
Sawdust: Chopped material about 15 to 20 cm high, such as twigs, finely chopped hedge trimmings and chopped shrub residue. This layer forms a kind of barrier that prevents the upper layer from slipping through.
Rotting manure or coarse compost: The layer height is about 20-30 cm, which can provide sufficient decay heat and nutrients.
Rotten compost: This layer, about 10 cm high, is sufficient and provides plenty of nutrients.
Soil/Plant Substrate: You can fill this layer to the top. It is the top layer, used for planting.
raise the bed in winter
At the latest, when the last cabbages are cleared out of the raised bed in late winter, it will come to your attention: the fill level of the bed has drooped and the surface has sunk 10 to 20 cm due to the rotting process of the lower layers. If you haven't already Harvest your raised bed in the fall and refill it with soil, then the start of spring is a good time to do so.
Refill the loft bed
To refill a raised bed, start by pushing away the top layer of finely divided soil. Then shovel in compost or seasoned horse manure (just check a nearby stable), spread it out, and push the potting soil back on top until smooth. If you don't have your own compost, you can buy it at a garden center; or, more simply, buy a composted soil mix and pour it directly on your raised beds.
Tip: If you mulch year-round, i.e. cover the soil with plant material (grass clippings, leaves, vegetable residues, etc.), new humus will form and reduce bagging effectiveness.
