Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Raised beds extend the season and reduce problems related to
excess water.
Material Choices
The frames of raised beds are in constant contact with damp
earth and can be subject to rotting. Ordinary lumber will last
two or three years before replacement is needed. This can be
delayed by carefully painting all exposed surfaces of the
frames with a water-based exterior latex paint and allowing
them to dry thoroughly before putting them to use. Do not use
oil-based paints or paints containing antimildew ingredients
or else you'll poison the soil in your beds. Because of the
weight of the soil, boards used should be at least 1.5 inches
thick to avoid bowing, and opposite sides of long runs should
be tied together every eight feet or so. The biggest benefits of
lumber lie in its easy availability and easy workability.
Ordinary concrete blocks are inexpensive and easy to use.
They are readily available, durable, and heavy enough to hold
the soil in a raised bed without need for mortar. They can be
picked up and moved around to relocate or expand beds, and
they can be reused almost indefinitely. The only downside is
their weight—45 pounds for each. That means that in spite of
their compact size, only 22 at a time can be hauled in a pickup
