How to easily make and correctly arrange beds in a greenhouse

Basic placement methods

It's difficult to give a definitive answer to the question of the most effective greenhouse bed arrangement, as experienced gardeners consider their crop plans, budget, and the specifics of the greenhouse design. Raised greenhouse beds are built in any region; they allow for particularly high yields thanks to warmth and organic matter.

Mittlider's location

A renowned agronomist spent a long time observing plants and conducting numerous experiments until he finally came to a very interesting conclusion: to ensure all plants receive ample light and are not shaded, the beds should be no more than 45 cm wide. Meanwhile, aisles are made almost twice as wide – 90 cm.

Plantings are carried out in the direction from north to south. Maximum solar energy, plenty of air, and healthy vegetables, delighting you with a bountiful harvest. Important: with this method, there's no need to loosen the soil beneath the crops.

Taking into account the cardinal directions

One of the most important considerations when arranging garden beds is their orientation to the cardinal directions. It's essential to provide optimal lighting for crops. The most popular orientation is north-south. It's used for beds with the following crops:

• strawberry;
• radish and its Chinese counterpart – daikon;
• dill, parsley, spinach;
• salad and spicy greens;
• carrots and beets;
• seedling.

The greenhouse beds should be arranged quite differently if you're planting tall vegetables that require trellises and support. For ideal development and fruiting, an east-west orientation is essential. This orientation will ensure all plants receive sufficient sunlight and are evenly illuminated throughout the day, minimizing potential shading. An east-west orientation is necessary for:

• cucumbers;
• potatoes;
• tomatoes;
• cabbage;
• legumes.

If the greenhouse has already been built and there is no way to influence the choice and location relative to the cardinal directions, it is important to arrange the beds so that sunlight reaches them evenly during the first half of the day, since plant yields are significantly reduced with light in the afternoon and closer to sunset.

Low-growing varieties can be positioned from west to east.

Video: How to Make Greenhouse Beds

This video will show you how to make your own beds in a greenhouse.

Rules for forming beds

And now, finally, you have a new, fully equipped greenhouse. How do you create greenhouse beds to maximize your yield? There are a number of secrets for effectively creating beds:

1. Make the passages wide – at least 60 cm.
2. Select the width taking into account the crop.
3. Do not make the edge beds for the greenhouse wider than 50 cm.
4. Use sides made of modern material – polycarbonate.
5. Add fertile soil and organic matter.

Height to width ratio

The layout of the beds is primarily influenced by the width of the greenhouse itself, as well as its height. For ease of plant care and even lighting, it's best to create beds up to 90 cm wide. For narrow greenhouses, 40 and 50 cm are acceptable. A convenient option is three beds, each 45 cm wide—two along the wall and one in the center.

As for height, 20 cm is considered the standard. This is ideal for regions with moderate and warm climates. For cooler areas, raised beds in a greenhouse are better.

Materials for the frame

Properly arranging greenhouse beds is crucial for achieving good harvests. They require special fencing to maintain their shape and prevent the fertile soil from leaking out. So, what materials are best to use?

For the frame, experts recommend using convenient options made of plastic or galvanized iron. Building beds in a polycarbonate greenhouse is a cost-effective, modern solution. Moreover, ready-made materials are always available for purchase at a gardening or hardware store.

What other materials can be used for sideboards:

• Aluminum. A special polymer composition gives the aluminum sides strength and durability. The device is resistant to humidity and sweltering heat;
• Slate. Convenient and easy to use, always in stock. The downside is increased fragility and brittleness;
• Metal roofing. Recycled or used roofing tiles are used. One minor drawback is the sharp edges, which can make maintenance difficult.
• Brick. A popular and simple method is to make brick edges. To prevent water leakage through cracks in the masonry, experts recommend laying a roofing felt base. The downside is that it begins to crumble after 3-5 years, taking up valuable space.
• Old boards. A cheap and easy way to install sideboards yourself. It's quick and easy. Constant moisture can cause mold or rot. Preventatively, treat the boards with an antifungal agent. To extend their lifespan, use a reliable solution: roofing felt.
• Polycarbonate plastic. Durable and reliable, with a service life of over 10 years. Borders are 30 cm high and 1–10 m long. Polycarbonate greenhouse beds are one of the most cost-effective and practical options. Some of the main advantages: they are resistant to fungi, environmentally friendly, and resistant to heat and humidity.
• Glass bottles. They also heat the soil.

Vertical placement

Using a smart vertical layout helps save space and yield 2-3 times more. An important point: regularly monitor the soil moisture, as the soil dries out quickly. What are the different vertical layout options?

• Vertical planting. Pots, gutters, pipes, felt pockets, and bottles are used;
• Shelves. For planting, prepare shelves with sides: the upper ones are for seedlings, the lower and middle ones are for onions, radishes, and lettuce;
• Flowerpots. A win-win option for trailing or ornamental crops such as strawberries, beans, and legumes.

To achieve high yields, you need to approach your garden bed design wisely. Whether you choose heated, vertical, or mid-slider beds, always consider the specific needs of the crops you're growing and your greenhouse.