Which location is suitable for raised beds? Which plants also feel comfortable in a shady raised bed? We clarify how you can achieve maximum sunlight duration and find the right raised bed location.

The location of the raised bed is decisive for the choice of plants and the duration of sunlight

Raised beds have many advantages for hobby gardeners and plants. In addition to being able to work in a way that is easy on the back, the raised bed heats up faster and stores more moisture than conventional planters. When building the raised bed, however, the question of the right location first arises.

Raised bed location: What makes a good location?

Basically, many locations are suitable for building a raised bed. A raised bed is largely independent of the soil below, which is why it can also be set up on waterlogged locations, for example. However, since the plants are more exposed on the raised bed, a wind-protected location is an advantage. You can set up a raised bed on the balcony, on the terrace, in the garden or even in the greenhouse. The orientation of the raised bed is crucial here. It should be placed in such a way that the sunlight is used optimally, i.e. perpendicular to the path of the sun. The shorter broadsides are positioned north-south to achieve long exposure times.

Tip: In addition to the choice of location, the filling with organic materials and different soils also determines the success of the cultivation. In our special article you will learn everything about the different raised bed layers and their function.

Set up a raised bed in the shade or in the sun?

The position in the sun or in the shade depends entirely on which plants you want to grow in the raised bed. Basically, if possible, it should be exposed to the sun for at least a few hours a day.

The raised bed location for herbs can often be (semi-)shady in particular

Raised bed in the shade or semi-shade

If your raised bed is in the shade, the choice of plants is limited to a few that will still grow sufficiently in such locations and also produce yields. Various crops are adapted to life with little sunlightcustomized. Among them are also vegetable species for the (penum) shade, which also reach maturity there. In addition to vegetables, numerous herbs can also be grown in the shade or semi-shade. Shade-tolerant plants include:

  • Lead (Lactuca sativa): Sow and harvest from spring until autumn.
  • Spinach (Spinacia oleracea): Sow between March and October, harvest possible until next spring.
  • Peas (Pisum sativum): Sow from March, harvest from May to July.
  • Chard (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris): Sow in March/April, harvest between May and October.
  • Beetroot (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris): Sow in March/April, harvest from September.
  • Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis): Sow from March/April, harvest between June and October.
  • Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum): Perennial, leaves harvest from March to April.
  • Cress (Lepidium sativum): Sow and harvest from spring until autumn.
  • Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Perennial, harvest of the leaves from March to April.
  • Calamint (Calamintha nepeta): Perennial, the leaves can be harvested between spring and late autumn.
Many vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, prefer a raised bed in the sun

Raised bed in the sun

If the raised bed is in the sun, the choice of plants is almost unlimited. In the following we would like to give you a small overview of sun-loving species. Numerous other vegetables and herbs grow in sunny locations. In midsummer, however, more frequent watering and mulching is required to provide sufficient water for the crops.

  • Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): Cultivation indoors from March, harvest possible from July to October depending on the variety.
  • Aubergine (Solanum melongena): Cultivation indoors from February, harvest from August to October.
  • Chili (Capsicum): Cultivation indoors from February, harvest August to October.
  • Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): Cultivation indoors from April, harvest from June to October.
  • Melon (Citrullus lanatus & Cucumis melo): Cultivation indoors from March, harvest from August.
  • Pumpkin (Cucurbita): Cultivation in April / no-till mid-May, harvest from September to October.
  • Leek (Allium porrum): Almost all year round with summer, autumn and winter leeks.
  • Garlic (Allium sativum): autumn and spring planting,Harvest July to October.
  • Carrots (Daucus carota): Sow from March to August, harvest June to October.
  • Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Sow or plant from mid-May, harvest possible until October.

Have you found the ideal location for your raised bed? After filling, the planting of the raised bed begins. We give tips on creating a planting plan, mixed crops and green manure.

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Gardening Tips