понедельник, 28 декабря 2015 г.

Best Wood to use for Raised Garden Beds - Empress of Dirt

Best Wood to use for Raised Garden Beds - Empress of Dirt
Best Wood to use for Raised Garden Beds - Empress of Dirt

What is the best wood to use for raised garden beds and which ones can be harmful? Find out here!
What is the best wood to use for raised garden beds and which ones can be harmful? Find out here!

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There’s plenty of obstacles to creating a great garden. Slopes cause erosion. Bad soil is expensive to amend. Tree roots prohibit digging. Plus knee and back problems can make it difficult to get in the garden (or get back up!).


Raised beds can solve all of these problems and more. Wood is a popular choice for building plant boxes because it’s fairly inexpensive, readily available, and lasts quite a few years. But you do have to choose carefully to avoid contaminating the soil and find a eco-friendly source.


When you choose wood for a raised bed, make sure it is safe (contains no contaminents) that could affect the health of the soil or any plants you grow in it.
I built this pond in a raised bed by the front porch in my old garden. There’s info on how to make your own here:

What I use in my garden



What is the best wood for raised garden beds?


Locally-sourced, FSC-certified, untreated wood.


Keep in mind that wood selections vary greatly by region. I admit the suggestions (below) are quite idealistic, but why not do what’s best for the health of your garden and the environment if you can?


Local & Sustainable


  • The best choice (and often the lowest cost) is locally-sourced wood, coming from sustainably-managed tree farms (as opposed to decimating old-growth forest by clear-cutting).

FSC Certified


  • If you can, use wood with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. The FSC is an international, not for-profit organization that promotes the responsible management of forests.

Safe


  • Do not use pressure-treated wood or old railway ties. The chemical preservatives can migrate into both the soil and plants.There are some newer pressure-treated woods that are allegedly far superior (less hazardous) than traditional pressure-treated wood. If you want to use this stuff, be sure to do your home work first so you’re certain it’s safe for your garden. What goes in your soil goes in the water, plants, and wildlife, so it’s important to be careful.

Durable


  • How long any wood lasts will depend entirely on the type of wood and local conditions.My raised beds are made from 1″ untreated pine and last approximately 10 years. But I also live somewhere where the rain is moderate and the drainage is very good.
    If your raised beds will be exposed to a lot of moisture, wood like pine may only last a few years.
  • Other naturally rot-resistant woods (listed below) will last even longer.

Types of Wood

Here’s a few popular ones:


  • Naturally rot-resistant, long-lasting
    Cedar, yew, redwood, juniper (has a very rustic look)
  • Dense woods
    Black walnut, white oak, locust wood
  • Other Options
    Spruce, pine, Douglas fir

Avoid


  • Recycled or reclaimed wood if you do not know the origin or wood that has been stained or painted.
  • Pressure-treated wood. ACQ lumber is a better alternative.

Wood Alternatives for Building Raised Beds


As with any building materials, you must do your own research to make sure the choices you make are safe, eco-friendly, sustainable, and right for your situation.


These are ideas to explore, not recommendations.


  • Cinderblocks or bricks – can get quite hot in the sun. Do your research first: these materials may negatively affect soil quality.
  • Rocks
  • Concrete
  • Galvanized culvert or stock tank – may heat the soil too much.
  • Steel – not sure if this is food safe.
  • ACQ lumber – water-based alternative to pressure-treated lumber.
  • Felled logs
  • Old doors – cut lengthwise – be cautious with any paints or stains.
  • Shutters – be cautious with any paints or stains.

Avoid


  • Railway ties – creosote-soaked ones are not safe.
  • Tires – I know this is fairly popular but I am not convinced it is a soil-safe idea.
  • Paints, stains, finishes – you don’t want them leeching into the soil. And watch out for old, lead-based paints.

Good luck with your raised beds! Now go grow something wonderful.


Original article and pictures take http://empressofdirt.net/best-wood-raised-beds/ site


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