One of the most important things to consider when building a raised garden bed is the wood you use. You want to choose materials that are durable, rot resistant and sustainable. These woods should be safe for you, your family and the plants you grow. Choosing good quality wood can make your garden last decades.
Cedar is considered to be the best choice for raised garden beds. This type of wood is naturally resistant to insects and rot, and it also looks good. It is affordable and easy to work with. Redwood is a more expensive choice, but it is also very durable and long-lasting.
Pine and spruce are less expensive alternatives. However, both of these types of wood are susceptible to pests and are not as durable as cedar. If you are planning on raising a vegetable garden, you should use wood that is naturally rot resistant.
If you’re not sure about what kind of wood you should use, you can check with a local lumber yard. They should have a variety of options. The most popular are cedar and redwood. Buying locally sourced wood is usually the best choice.
Using recycled composite plastic lumber is another option. This material is made from recycled wood and can come in a variety of colors. Composite material is a great way to recycle while creating a sturdy garden bed.
Another popular choice is yew. This type of tree has unique shapes and is often referred to as an evergreen. Although it’s less common, yew is a very durable and sturdy choice. Yew also holds up well in outdoor use.
There are a number of other kinds of wood that can be used in your raised bed garden. Some of these include juniper, douglas fir, and cypress. Each of these woods has its own benefits. For example, juniper wood helps fertilize your garden by releasing natural oils into the soil. Various kinds of juniper can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Other good choices include black walnut and locust. Black walnut is a very dense and attractive type of wood. Locust is also very dense. Like pine, it is a good choice for raised garden beds. Both of these types of wood have a high tannin content, which makes them more durable.
When choosing your materials, consider the amount of water your raised bed will receive. Wood can be treated to make it resistant to rot. In order to protect your vegetables, make sure the treatment is a safe and non-toxic one. A heavy-duty plastic liner or sealant can also be used to protect your garden from excess water.
Before buying a raised bed, you’ll need to find an area where the bed can be built. You should start by clearing away the ground where you plan to build the bed. To mark the ends of the bed, you can use a square or two screws in each corner. Next, you can place the blocks underneath the frame.