How to get started growing fruit and vegetables?

[Maddi]

The ground that i live on is best suited to ground planting fruit only. So I'm looking at building boxed garden beds. I hate the idea of a low garden bed due to back issues, however the funds aren't there to be be financially free for a full raised garden beds. So I'm looking at buying sleepers and I have assistance in their construction. My issue is with potting mix to be able to maximise on my produce. I belive that not all pitting mixes are created equally.  I want to be able to understand what I'm buying and why it's the better option.. I do have to watch my pennies as I'm on a pension these days. I hate the cost of buying fresh fruit n veg. I am interested in growing to feed myself and family as well as being able to produce and make fresh chop for my birds. So I'm interested in what I can do to grow and show off to family! I've just read an 8 stage guide to raised garden beds and keen to know more. Thanks

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Maddi. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating garden beds.

If you’re looking to build raised garden beds but are on a budget, you might want to consider something like Birdies Raised Garden Beds. For example, the Birdies 740mm Slate Grey 9 In 1 Modular Raised Garden Bed is a cost-effective option. The cost of just the sleepers needed to create a similar-sized bed, not including any assistance in construction, could end up being as much as the Birdies bed itself, which makes it a good value when considering both the material and the time savings.

When it comes to filling your garden beds, the type of potting mix you use will make a big difference in your plant growth. You’re right in thinking that not all potting mixes are created equally. For growing vegetables, it’s important to have good-quality potting mix, especially in the top part of your garden bed. Vegetables typically have roots that reach down to about 40cm, so using a quality potting mix in the top half of the bed will help ensure healthy growth. To keep costs down, though, you could use a more budget-friendly mix in the bottom half of the bed.

You might also want to buy potting mix in bulk, as it’s more cost-effective than buying individual bags. Depending on where you're located, Bunnings offers bulk potting mix delivery, so it might be worth chatting to our Special Order team at the store to arrange delivery straight to your door.

You should find this article helpful: How to fill a raised garden bed.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Maddi]

Thanks for your reply, I had a quick look at the raised garden bed you suggested, I like it..? Does it go rusty over time down the bottom? Glad to hear that I may be able to get potting mix delivered too! I've been saving heaps of fallen branches and dried leaves to help build up the garden beds too. I'm no expert but I'm in a position where I have no choice but to grow my own as I feed my birds fresh chop!! I've been told too that I should turn to seals for my poting mix?. Also do you have a link to a planting guide and companion planting for the SEQ region. I really want to get into this with all my heart!!! Wishing g you and your family  a great easter! Thanks for your advice!

[EricL]

Hello @Maddi 

The Birdies 740mm Slate Grey 9 In 1 Modular Raised Garden Bed will eventually deteriorate, but its going to take a very long time before it starts to give way. If taken care of properly, it should provide you many years of service. 

Here is a link to the Birdies Planting guide:  Plant in Autumn and enjoy year-round goodness - Birdies Garden Products

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[devonlong]

Hi Maddi - one word of warning, that is totally dependent on where you live. I had raised garden beds, but because we back onto a nature reserve - everything I planted got totally ravaged by wildlife. I would come out and find vegetables completely pulled out of the soil, with little Wallaby and possum droppings right next to to bed. I eventually moved to a Vegepod, because I was looking for something that was covered/netted off. If you're in a residential area probably a low risk but just something to be aware of.