Should you cover raised beds in winter? Here are the benefits

Of all the questions about conservatories, there is one we’ve heard a lot this month:Do raised beds need to be covered in winter?

If you’ve studied how to winterize your garden, you’re probably familiar with the benefits of covering raised beds during the winter. There are many rumors that this is a great way to prepare the soil for winter. And It’s spring, but is the task important?

We turned to gardening experts to weigh in on the importance of covering raised beds in winter.

Should you cover raised beds in winter?

Raised beds can be used to grow a variety of vegetables and flowering plants. They’re also versatile: you can fill a raised bed with whatever soil it needs to grow, from traditional all-purpose compost to heather mix. You can even learn how to build a raised bed if you want to DIY the project.

But once the growing season is over, it can be difficult to know what to do with them.

This brings us back to the most important question: Should you cover raised beds in winter?

Wooden raised vegetable bed with cuff and chard at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023

(Image credit: Future PLC/Heather Young)

Well, learning how to prepare raised beds in winter is relatively easy, and gardening experts agree that covering raised beds in winter is one of the most important jobs to do in the garden in November and in the coming weeks.

“There are steps you can take to protect your plants from harsh weather and also ensure they perform well next year,” says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies. “Protecting frost is one of the most important parts of your winter gardening checklist.”

Raised beds in borders at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024

(Image credit: Future PLC/Heather Young)

Benefits of covering raised beds in winter

Whether your raised beds are empty or filled with winter vegetables and perennials, there are several ways to cover them for the winter. One of the most common methods is mulching, which provides a number of benefits.

“Mulching beds and borders insulates the soil, allows plant roots to retain heat and moisture, and provides protection from frost,” explains gardening expert and author Sarah Raven.

If you’re wondering how to protect your plants with mulch, you have several options at your disposal: well-rotted manure, compost, straw or bark are popular media.

What you will need

Jamieson Brothers Peat Free Multi-Mulch Bag 60L - Garden mulch, natural, eco-friendly, peat-free - ideal for beds, borders, raised beds, weed suppression and soil structure improvement

Jamieson Brothers Peat Free Multimulch

Gro-Sure 50L Farm Manure

Strulch Mineralized straw mulch

Strulch Mineralized straw mulch 100l

Chi Chi Dunford, master gardener at Sculpture by the Lakes, is also a big proponent of covering raised beds in the winter.

“Try not to leave the soil uncovered without plants or organic matter as mulch,” she warns.

You can even sow green manure in empty raised beds to provide protection from the elements and enrich the soil.

“It’s a good practice to grow hardy green manure plants or any winter-hardy plants in the winter,” says Chi Chi.

“When spring comes, you can cut the green manure and leave it on top of the soil to decompose a month or two before planting. The worms and microorganisms will turn it into wonderful humus and food for your plants.”

Chi Chi Dunford

Chi Chi Dunford is Head Gardener at Dorchester, an internationally accredited botanic garden. Chi Chi joined the team in 2022 and manages a quarter-acre portion of the park, growing fresh, seasonal produce that is used in the on-site cafe at Makers Yard Kitchen. Chi Chi received a bachelor’s degree in forestry and resource conservation from National Taiwan University. She also trained as a Biodynamic Gardener in 2008 and is currently completing her RHS Level 3 Diploma.

Seedlings grown on a metal vegetable bed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023

(Image credit: Future PLC/Heather Young)

If you missed your green manure planting window, don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to cover your raised beds for the winter.

“Simply cover your beds with cardboard to compact the soil and prevent weeds from growing,” says Chi Chi.

That’s right: Covering raised beds in the winter is also a great way to keep weeds at bay.

You can even use garden fleece to protect plants growing in winter. “Covering raised beds in winter with a layer of fleece can be beneficial, especially if you are growing winter lettuces,” says Morris Hankinson, founder of Hopes Groves Nursery.

Mulching also has an insulating effect on the soil. “Covering your beds with fleece or a cover will help the soil become a little warmer in the spring, which will ultimately extend the growing season,” adds Morris.

Pea seedlings growing under a plastic tunnel in the garden

(Image credit: Future PLC/House Gardening)

So, Should I cover raised beds in winter?

Well, it certainly has many benefits: fleece, cardboard, green manure and other mulches reduce soil erosion, protecting raised beds from the elements while enriching the soil for the next growing season.

In addition, any plants that remain in the beds over the winter can receive additional protection. A plus is insulating the soil for earlier planting in the spring.

So, yes, we believe that covering raised beds during the winter is the surest way to keep your plants and soil healthy next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you cover raised beds with plastic?

Plastic sheeting is another popular way to cover raised beds in winter, but does it work?

Well, it’s not the most eco-friendly option, but like other mulches, it will reduce weed growth and insulate and protect the soil. However, straw, bark and other organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure are, of course, much more environmentally friendly. There is also a risk of waterlogging if you do not close the plastic cover properly as heavy rainfall can accumulate under the tarp.

How to keep a raised bed warm?

If you’re hoping to insulate raised beds during the colder months, mulching is your best bet.

Compost, straw, garden fleece and cardboard are just some of the materials you can use to cover your raised beds. They will provide an insulating layer of protection from winter weather while reducing soil erosion.

How will you cover your garden beds this winter?

Should you cover raised beds in winter? Here are the benefits

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