(And why now is the perfect time to plan for spring)
This week, I finally ticked off a big garden project: we added four new raised veggie beds to our kitchen garden—and I’m thrilled with the result.
With the seasons shifting, frost creeping in, and the planning for spring already underway, these beds couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Even better? They were the easiest things I’ve ever assembled—no power tools, no stress.
Just unpack, screw together, position, and start filling.
If you’re looking for something similar, you can find the beds I used.
🧑🌾 Why Add More Beds Now?
Late autumn into winter might seem like an odd time to expand—but it’s actually ideal.
Brassicas (like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage) thrive in cool weather, but they’re also fussy about space and soil health. More beds = better separation, healthier crops, and stronger yields heading into spring.
Plus, the extra space lets me stagger planting, rotate crops properly, and avoid overloading my current garden layout.
🌱 What I’ve Planted (So Far)
Here’s how I’ve filled my four new beds:
🛏️ Bed 1 & 2 – The Allium + Brassica Beds
These two have:
- Garlic
- Onions
- A variety of cabbages
- Plus a herb in the centre of each (think thyme, oregano or chives depending on the companions)
By grouping garlic and onions together with brassicas, I’m taking advantage of natural pest deterrents (onions are brilliant for repelling cabbage moths).
🛏️ Bed 3 & 4 – The Rotation Beds
These are my “non-allium” beds so I can rotate in:
- Peas this winter (to fix nitrogen in the soil)
- Beans in spring/summer (once the frost passes)
For now, they’re housing: - Brussels sprouts
- Asian greens like bok choy and mizuna
- A central herb (coriander or parsley) in each to support flavour and diversity
They get the most sun, making them ideal for leafy greens and climbing legumes.
🌿 Why I Always Add a Herb to Each Bed
It’s my secret weapon for:
- Attracting beneficial insects
- Deterring pests
- Breaking up the planting visually
- And (let’s be honest) making every harvest look a bit more lush and intentional
I’ve popped a different herb in the centre of each bed to support the surrounding crops and add a touch of perennial beauty.
❄️ Winter Prep = Spring Success
By setting these up now, I’ve given the soil time to settle, the compost to integrate, and the winter crops to root in. Come spring, I’ll have:
✔️ Beds ready for beans and tomatoes
✔️ Early brassicas well-established
✔️ A head start on the season when most people are just starting to prep
It’s a quiet form of planning—but a powerful one.
Thinking of Expanding?
Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Look for tool-free, easy-to-assemble beds if you want quick results
- Choose materials that will last through wet winters and hot summers
- Plan your rotation now so you don’t end up planting brassicas in the same bed two years in a row
- Add herbs to each bed for pest control and beauty
And most of all—start small. Even one new bed can change the way you grow.