What kind of wood to use in an organic raised-bed garden?

[poleidopy]

We plan on making several raised-bed gardens this year, but I'm not sure what kind of wood to use. I don't want it to rot really fast & have to be replaced every year, nor do I want it chemically-treated. So what are my options? What have you used successfully?

[Green_Woman]

Cedar and redwood are what I'm seeing recommended everywhere.

[verbena]

Sweet Chestnut (often just marketed as chestnut) and Oak are both woods that are very slow to rot

[DebB]

You might like to check out John Kohler, growingyourgreens (http://www.youtube.com/user/growingyourgreens) on YouTube. He mentions in a couple of his videos what kind of wood he uses in his raised beds and I believe some type of soy based sealer.

I enjoy his videos and have learned a lot from them. He also films as 'okraw' when he does appliance demos and recipes. He's real good about replying to questions or comments on YouTube also. *Ü*

[Stina]

We used free plywood. Was it a really horrible thing to do? Or just less than ideal?

[Green_Woman]

I use recycled lumber whenever possible so even though Cedar and Redwood are recommended, I doubt that's what I'll be using. ;)

I might even go with bricks, since they just DON'T rot. :D

[Revvell]

As I posted in a few threads now: http://revvellations.com/weekly/category/gardening/.

[Green_Woman]

Revvell, I remember seeing those but I just don't like the look as much as I like the wood. Which is purely selfish and aesthetic, but.... I LOVE the wood bins and I get grumpy with bricks. :(

He has been trying to convince me to use bricks because they're easier to move and don't rot... but.... oh man.... :(

I want a fluffy pretty yard. I'm so froo-froo now. Oh dear....

[Green_Woman]

You know, something cute like this. (http://www.raisedbedgardenkit.com/cat-raised-bed-garden-kit.cfm)

Although, woe is me, after learning more about what chemicals are used to treat commercial lumber (even the second hand variety), I think.... bricks might be.... the way to go.


*cries*

[Revvell]

You know, something cute like this. (http://www.raisedbedgardenkit.com/cat-raised-bed-garden-kit.cfm)

That is cute but wood is not fluffy and froo free either, so there! ;)

Consider this: IF you use cinderblocks, plant herbs and/or flowers around the outside OR, something like strawberries in the holes and have them drape their lil selves over the sides so you don't see the blocks. You can also paint and decorate the outsides. :)




Although, woe is me, after learning more about what chemicals are used to treat commercial lumber (even the second hand variety), I think.... bricks might be.... the way to go.


*cries*I just picked up $35 worth of gardening books. Guess what I'm doing this afternoon?

Also know this, cinder blocks are acidic. I read/heard it takes 3-6 months of being out in the sun/air before they lose that lovely tendency so there are certain plants which don't do well in the holes.

This will be my second year using them so mine are now nice and unacidicy. :D