David Beckham's organic vegetable garden is thriving – it's all because of this expert-approved technique for controlling weeds

Planting, growing, and taking care of a vegetable garden is no easy feat. It requires close attention to sunlight, soil, competition between plants, time of year and more. However, like with most things, world-famous soccer player David Beckham makes it look simple. He took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of working in his organic vegetable garden with his 12-year-old daughter, Harper.

In the picture, David and Harper pose in front of two raised beds filled to the brim with fresh, tasty-looking greenery. Behind them, we see another bed full of sprouting veggies and a large soil plot, seemingly ready to be planted. In the background, a white picket fence keeps out deer and adds a finished look to the garden. 

To what do they owe their success in the vegetable garden? We consulted with Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at H&G to find out. Mostly, she told us, it boils down to David Beckham's use of raised beds. 'David Beckham’s organic vegetable garden looks to be in fantastic shape, with chard, kale, cabbages, lettuce, and chicory all thriving,' said Rachel. She continued, 'We can see David has chosen to grow vegetables in raised beds, which may account in part for his successful crops.'

Rachel Bull

Rachel is a gardening writer, flower grower and floral designer. Her journalism career began 15 years ago on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger. She then trained and worked as a floral designer and stylist in London for six years, and has created floral installations at iconic London venues including Kew Gardens, the Barbican and Peckham's Asylum Chapel

But what are the benefits of raised garden beds? Rachel told us:  'There are many advantages to planting in raised beds rather than directly into the ground. The compost in raised beds will have better drainage and be less compacted. The soil will stay warmer for longer, too, which extends the growing season. Raised beds are also a good way to control weeds, and can prevent slugs from destroying younger crops.'

Just because David Beckham is one of the best soccer players of all time doesn't mean he doesn't have know-how when it comes to gardening. Read up on what you can grow in raised beds as the perfect starting place.