Vegetable patch setup in Exeter
Professional vegetable patch setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60/hr minimum, then £50/hr
Typical Duration
Half day to full day
Location
Exeter, Devon
Vegetable patch setup - raised beds built properly, ground leveled, soil prepared. Whether you're a lockdown grower or serious about self-sufficiency, I'll get your veg patch ready to plant and productive.
From Lawn To Productive Veg Patch
You've watched Monty Don, bought the seeds, and that patch of lawn is about to become dinner. But building raised beds, shifting soil, and getting it right is more work than it looked on TV.
💡 Pro tip: Start smaller than you think - two well-maintained beds produce more than four neglected ones. You can always expand next year.
Why Proper Setup Matters
Here's the thing: bad setup = disappointing crops. Wonky beds, poor drainage, wrong soil mix - you'll be fighting problems all season.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Level beds, good drainage | Waterlogged or dry patches |
| Quality soil mix for veg | Builder's rubble or clay |
| Sturdy beds lasting years | Wonky timber collapsing first year |
| Productive from season one | Struggling plants, poor yields |
What I Can Build
🔧 Typical Veg Patch Setup
| Element | What I Do |
|---|---|
| Raised beds | Timber frames built level and sturdy (various sizes) |
| Ground prep | Clear, level, membrane if needed to suppress weeds |
| Soil filling | Mix of topsoil, compost, manure in right proportions |
| Paths | Bark chip, gravel, or membrane between beds |
| Extras | Support frames, water butts, compost bins positioned |
📦 Common Configurations
- Starter patch: 2-3 beds (4ft x 8ft each) with bark paths
- Serious growing: 4-6 beds with rotation plan and support frames
- Courtyard veg: Smaller beds (4ft x 4ft) in limited space
- Allotment style: Large plot with multiple bed types and structures
Pricing
This is an hourly job because every setup is different:
| What You Pay |
|---|
| £60 first hour (minimum) |
| £50 per hour after |
| Materials separate (I can supply or you buy) |
Typical costs for common setups:
- 2 beds (4x8ft) with soil: ~£500-700 total (materials + 6-8 hours labour)
- 4 beds with paths: ~£900-1200 total (materials + full day labour)
- Renovation of existing: ~£300-500 (materials + half day)
I'll quote based on your specific requirements, space, and what you want to grow.
Perfect If You're...
✅ Lockdown grower - serious about self-sufficiency, need proper setup
✅ Heavy work - shifting soil, building beds is too much physically
✅ Want it done right - proper levels, drainage, sturdy construction
✅ Limited time - I can get it done in a day, you start planting
Why Choose Us for Vegetable patch setup in Exeter?
Proper raised beds built to last
Soil and drainage sorted right first time
Heavy work handled professionally
Ready to plant and start growing
What to Expect
Step 1: Planning & Quote
We discuss your space, what you want to grow, your experience level. I'll suggest bed sizes, layout, and quote for materials plus time.
Step 2: Build & Fill
Ground cleared and leveled, beds constructed solid and level, filled with appropriate soil mix, paths laid if wanted.
Step 3: Ready To Grow
Beds filled, labeled if you want, basic planting plan discussed. You're ready to start sowing or planting out.
🔧 DIY Tips
Building your own veg patch? Here's what you need to know:
🔧 Essential materials
- Timber: scaffold boards, railway sleepers, or purpose-made bed kits
- Corner posts or stakes (to hold timber together)
- Weed membrane (optional but helpful)
- Topsoil, compost, well-rotted manure mix
- Bark chips or gravel for paths
📐 Bed dimensions that work
- 4ft x 8ft (1.2m x 2.4m) - classic size, reachable from sides
- Height: 12-18 inches (30-45cm) is ideal for most veg
- Paths: Minimum 18 inches (45cm) between beds for wheelbarrow access
- Orientation: Long axis north-south if possible (equal sun on both sides)
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Making beds too wide (can't reach middle without stepping on soil)
- Not leveling ground first (beds wonky, water pools)
- Using treated timber near food crops (some treatments leach chemicals)
- Skimping on soil depth (veg needs good root depth)
- No weed barrier under beds (grass grows up through)
💡 Pro tricks:
- Lasagne method: Layer cardboard, compost, manure, topsoil - cheaper than buying all topsoil
- Scaffold boards: Cheap, strong, last 10+ years if looked after
- Fill gradually: Fill beds halfway, plant, top up next season (saves on soil costs)
- Succession planting: Don't sow everything at once - stagger for continuous harvest
🌱 Devon-specific considerations
- Our clay soil needs raised beds for drainage
- Lots of rain = slugs love it here (add grit around bases)
- Coast locations get salt spray (choose tolerant varieties)
- Mild winters = can grow winter veg almost year-round
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🥕 Not a gardener: I build the structure and setup, but I'm not a vegetable growing expert. For planting advice, crop rotation, varieties for Devon, talk to local allotment folks or RHS resources.
Materials advice: I can suggest what works for Devon conditions, but won't tell you which tomato varieties to grow - that's above my pay grade!
Exeter area: Used to working in small terraced gardens where space is tight. I'm good at maximising growing space in limited areas.
Ongoing help: I don't do seasonal veg patch maintenance, but I can come back to add more beds, repair/replace rotten timber, or modify your setup as you learn what works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does vegetable patch setup actually involve?
I'll build raised beds to your required size, level the ground properly, fill with appropriate soil mix, add paths between beds if needed, and leave you with a ready-to-plant veg patch. I can also help with crop rotation planning, companion planting layout, or setting up watering systems if wanted.
Can you work with existing beds that need renovating?
Yes - lots of people have old veg patches that need rebuilding. I can replace rotten timber, re-level beds, refresh soil, add better drainage, or completely redesign the layout. Often cheaper than starting from scratch if the location is good.
Do you supply the materials or do I need to buy them?
Either way works. I can source and supply everything (timber, soil, compost, membrane), or work with materials you've already bought. If you're buying, I'll advise on quantities and what works best for Devon conditions.
What's the best size and setup for beginners?
Most people start with 2-3 raised beds, each about 4ft x 8ft (1.2m x 2.4m). That's enough to grow decent veg without being overwhelming. I'll suggest layout based on your available space, sun exposure, and how much time you realistically have for growing.
Can you help with ongoing maintenance?
Not really my thing - I'm better at the building and setup side. But I can recommend local gardeners who specialise in veg growing if you want ongoing help. Or point you to good local resources for learning.
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