Gardening is good for body and mind, and the right bed makes it possible for almost everyone. Whether you use a wheelchair, have trouble bending or kneeling, or are setting up a garden for a parent or client, a few simple choices make a big difference.
Height
Our beds come in two heights: 830mm and 415mm.
- 830mm is about kitchen bench height. It suits people who garden standing up, or sitting on a high stool, without bending.
- Seated gardeners and wheelchair users often find a working height a little lower than that easier to reach into. An 830mm bed still works well for many people, especially when it's narrow. If you're unsure, an occupational therapist can suggest the right height for you.
- 415mm beds suit gardeners who are happy to sit on the edge of the bed or a low stool.
Width matters more than you think
Most people can comfortably reach about 500 to 600mm into a bed from a seated position. That means:
- If you can get to both sides, keep the bed under about 1200mm wide.
- If you can only reach from one side, choose a narrow bed. A 600mm wide slimline bed lets you reach the whole bed from one side.
- Round beds work well too, as you can reach the middle from all the way around. A round bed up to about 1100mm across is easy to reach.
Paths and space around the bed
- Allow at least 1000mm of clear path around beds for a wheelchair or walking frame, and more space to turn.
- Choose a firm, flat surface like pavers or compacted crushed rock. Loose gravel and grass are hard work for wheels.
- Place beds close to the house and a tap so there's less carrying.
Safe to lean on
Every bed has a smooth, rolled top edge, so you can rest your arms on it while you work. The steel won't splinter or rot.
Make watering easy
Carrying watering cans is hard work. A drip line on a tap timer, or a wicking bed that only needs filling once a week, keeps things simple.
NDIS, aged care and community groups
We supply beds to schools, community gardens, retirement villages and care homes. If you're an NDIS participant, talk to your planner or occupational therapist about whether a raised bed fits your plan. We're happy to provide a formal quote for any paperwork. Get in touch, or start with Find My Bed.