Table beds are special forms of raised beds that can be built and used free-standing or leaning against a wall. Many designs are possible, from a round, free-standing bed on a central column to a square, leaning bed on four legs.
What is a raised bed table?
A table raised bed is a special form of raised bed and stands on legs or a frame. It is available in various materials such as wood, metal or plastic and is particularly suitable for the balcony. Table beds are simply filled with a mixture of potting soil and compost.
The classic, square table bed with legs
The typical table and stand raised beds stand on four, rarely six, legs or on a frame. Here the actual plant box is usually only between 25 and 35 centimeters high, so it offers less space for soil and roots than a raised bed. For this reason, table beds are not suitable for the classic raised bed filling, as there is not enough space for composting. Instead, these beds are simply filled with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Table raised beds often have a shelf near the foot that stabilizes the construction and can serve as a storage area for work utensils.
Which materials are best for a table bed?
Table raised beds can be made from different materials. These raised beds are particularly often made of wood, metal or plastic - the latter two in particular are suitable for the balcony due to their lower weight. These materials are also more weather-resistant. Of the commonly used types of wood, robinia, often referred to as “acacia,” is considered to be particularly durable. Larch, Douglas fir and pine are also very robust, while the inexpensive spruce is classified as not very durable. The special features include raised beds with large plant bags made of felt (€29.00 on Amazon) or plastic fleece.
Free-standing, round table beds
A free-standing, round table bed is an interesting eye-catcher in the garden. Round planting tables that are easily accessible from all sides are particularly practical, for example on a flat, paved area. Such a table bed is easy to build yourself and consists of a stable central column and a polygonal or round table top with a high, surrounding edge. It is important that the supporting center column is anchored to the stand so that it cannot tip over. To do this, you can dig a shaft ring about 30 centimeters deep into the ground and fill it with coarse gravel or gravel. The table must not tip under any circumstances, not even if someone sits on its edge or supports themselves there.
Tip
Free-standing table beds with a central column can be easily drained if the table top slopes towards the middle.