Planning your raised bed build in winter

Check the weather, if you can see there’s going to be a good run of weather plan your build around this. WoodBlocX timber raised beds can be built on any surface including directly on top of soil or grass but if the weather has been particularly wet just standing and moving around on the ground can start to make it uneven and boggy so wait for a few days after a wet spell.

If you are building on grass or soil, you will need to consider levelling the ground, it is really important to start with a level base, we recommend using sub base, which is a crushed stone mix and builder's sand to get a sturdy level base. We also provide ground spikes which add extra stability to the base of the structure, these long steel poles and placed in the bottom layer of BlocX and, using a lump hammer, knock them into the ground.

If you need to protect the grass organise some ply sheets or planks which can be put over the turf to allow for higher than average footfall when building the structure, especially as the ground is a softer at this time of the year.

Order your soil, if you don’t already have some soil to fill your raised bed, work out how much you need using this simple raised bed measurement sum:  length(m) x width(m) x height(cm). If you are adding a drainage layer to the bottom subtract the height of the layer from the equation so you don’t over order. and contact your local suppliers and compare quotes.

Building your raised garden bed

When you receive your WoodBlocX raised bed kit you will also receive a set of instructions that are bespoke to the design that you choose. Add the ground protection if required (as outlined in our previous step) an follow the step-by-step instructions and you will have built your raised bed in no time at all.

Once built you are ready to fill with soil. WoodBlocX raised beds can be build all-year round and, unlike brick walls which need to be covered up to protect the joints from overnight cold and frost to protect the mortar joints, you WoodBlocX structure will be good to go. Plus you don't have to worry about the mortar joints cracking over time from weather damage.

For even more tips on how to make a raised at any time of year take a look at this blog or watch our step-by-step video here.

How to prepare a raised bed for winter

Luckily WoodBlocX raised beds are maintenance free, therefore you don't need think about treating the wood for extra protection ahead of the winter months as our water-based preservative is present in nearly 100% of the wood.

If you aren't growing anything in your raised bed throughout winter there are a few things you can do to prepare it for the better weather in the coming year.

• Remove any dead plants or debris that may be in the soil, this will help to prevent pests and diseases spreading into your raised bed
• Weed your raised bed throughly
• Sow any seeds or bulbs that can grow over winter, such as spring flowering bulbs
• Consider placing a protective mulch over the soil
• If you don't have a WoodBlocX raised bed, carry out any necessary maintenance needed

We hope this has given you all of the information you need on how to install a raised bed in winter. To get an instant price for a raised bed for your garden click here or if you would like something a little bit different and need to discuss your ideas with one of our designers click here to use our free design service.