raised bed gardening...? about building sides

676 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by craftymom, Apr 13, 2009

canuckgal

Discussion Starter · Apr 12, 2009

I am trying to get a raised bed/square foot garden going, but am trying to decide about the sides. I know treated wood is apparently a no no, railroad ties as well. Don't want the labor of bricks/concrete blocks, etc. Cedar is too expensive! I have heard of some people obtaining wood pallets and then staining them with something.

If one gets untreated wood, is there anything that you can paint on it that is safe?

Tina

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aliceincolo

· #2 · Apr 12, 2009

I know that a lot of folks really frown on using treated wood, but its so affordable and easy. I have used treated 12" x 2" boards for all of my raised beds and feel like the benefits out weigh the risk, cost, and labor of the other options.

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canuckgal

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 12, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliceincolo

Do you have any worries of chemicals however like arsenic???

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rach03

· #4 · Apr 12, 2009

What about the kits that are made from recycled plastic? It says they are eco friendly (probably because they are recycled) but I've been wondering if they are safe for the food you are growing in them.

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Quaniliaz

· #5 · Apr 12, 2009

You could check on the price for white oak. I guess it is probably expensive as well - but it is an option that would be weather-resistant, like cedar.

If you do end up using cinder blocks, you could paint them with that moss/yogurt mix, so the sides are pretty and covered in moss.

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craftymom

· #6 · Apr 13, 2009

I am actually using those concrete landscape blocks. I am slowly raising the level--not overnight, just as the years go buy and I add compost and stuff it is slowly raising. I could, of course, I'm just not

If I use untreated wood, I'll have to replace it every other year because of termites. I do not want to deal with that, and I don't want to use treated wood.

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