While it is possible to grow a wide range of vegetables in raised beds, some are better suited to these containers than others.
Tall vegetable plants such as climbers should be avoided, as well as varieties that need support. As the soil is loose in raised beds, it will not support the growth of these plants.
According to RaisedBedGardener.com, potatoes are suitable for growing in these containers, but some potatoes growing close to the surface may be lost.
Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips and turnips are particularly suited to raised beds, although you should make sure the soil is deep enough for the roots.
Garlic, lettuce, onions, beetroot, cauliflower, french beans, parsnip, radish and swede are all ideal plants for these growing conditions.
Feeding your vegetables
Two types of fertiliser are particularly well suited to raised beds. Long lasting organic fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone or bonemeal can be used – this is readily available from garden centres.
You should apply the fertiliser by sprinkling two or three handfuls over the soil surface per square metre or yard before working it into the surface using a trowel. The best times of year to do this are late February and again in mid-July.
A general purpose fertiliser, available in liquid and granules, can also be used to feed your plants. The liquid version is better suited to raised beds as granules can sometimes be distributed unevenly, causing harm to plants.
Pest control
One of the main benefits of growing vegetables in raised beds is that they make pest control relatively easy.
A protective, lightweight horticultural fleece can easily be set up to protect your plants by draping it over posts driven into each corner of the bed. If you're growing plants in containers, you can also use horticultural fleece at certain times of the year to protect them.