For a start these beds need layers (6)

I believe the answer is:

strata

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'layers' is the definition.
(stratum is a kind of layer)

'for a start these beds need' is the wordplay.
'a start' anagrams to 'STRATA'.
However, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for strata that I've seen before include "Parallel layers" , "Tiers of thicknesses" , "Layers or thicknesses of earth" , "Geological layers" , "Geological levels" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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