After months of rain, frost and neglect, raised beds can be left looking a little worse for wear by early spring.
A little preparation now can make all the difference in the months ahead, helping to improve soil quality, boost plant growth and give new crops the best possible start.
“By the end of March and early April, you should be preparing your raised beds for the growing season ahead by tidying them up after the winter,” says Nick Wood, horticulturist at GardeningExpress.co.uk.
Here are the key jobs to focus on this month.
1. Clear and tidy your beds
Winter can leave behind a build-up of debris, from fallen leaves to dead plant material. Start by clearing this away to create a clean surface for the season ahead.
“Start by removing any debris and then aerate the soil to relieve compaction caused by a wet winter,” Nick advises.
2. Refresh and improve the soil
Once your beds are clear, it’s time to give the soil a boost.
“If you’re growing plants that enjoy lots of nutrients then mix in a rich compost and well-rotted manure, or a general fertiliser, to prepare the soil for sowing new seeds,” says Nick.
He also recommends introducing beneficial microbes to support healthier soil and stronger plant growth.
“It’s important to remember that not all plants like many nutrients, so consider which soil amendments are appropriate for what you’re sowing.”
3. Mulch at the right time
Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature – but timing is key.
“Mid to late March is the ideal time to mulch because the ground has warmed up a little,” Nick explains. “Make sure there’s no frost left in the ground and aim to apply mulch before weeds begin to come through.”
Different materials suit different plants:
- Well-rotted compost is a reliable all-round option
- Bark or woodchips work well for perennials
- Straw is ideal for vegetables
- Leaf mould helps increase biological activity in the soil
“To retain heat and protect raised beds from late frosts, they can also benefit from bubble wrap around the sides, to help keep the heat in,” he adds.
4. Start sowing the right crops
As temperatures begin to rise, late March and early April marks the start of the sowing season.
“Mid to late March is a great time to start sowing, as the soil has begun to warm up and the weather conditions are becoming less harsh,” says Nick.
Raised beds come into their own at this time of year, thanks to their improved drainage.
“Start by sowing root vegetables, hardy herbs, and leafy greens. Once the warm days become more consistent, move on to summer crops like tomatoes and peppers.”
5. Avoid common early-season mistakes
Getting the timing right is one of the biggest challenges in early spring.
“The most common mistake is not finding the right balance between preparing the raised beds and sowing seeds at the right time,” Nick explains.
Sowing too early can expose crops to frost damage, while working soil that’s too wet can harm its structure.
“If you can, hold off planting until the days become a bit warmer and less rainy and you’ll have a better chance with your raised beds,” he advises.
“Check your soil temperature with a thermometer to make sure you’re not planting when it’s too cold. The air might feel milder than the ground, which can ruin crops that need slightly higher temperatures to do well.”
Short on time? Do this one thing
If you only have time for one job, make it count.
“Topping up your raised beds with some rich compost and mixing it into the top layer is a great, quick way to give them a boost in early spring,” says Nick.
“This will help to replenish nutrients, while the mixing process naturally aerates the soil and reduces compaction.”
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