Raised beds

6 years ago

I plan on building some raised beds before next spring and was wondering what to use for the siding 2 x 12's is when I'm looking at I don't know what else I could possibly use possibly more durable

Comments (4)

AmyinOwasso/zone 6b
6 years ago
We've used 2x12s. My husband adds a 2x2 at the bottom. The premise being that will rot first, and he can replace the 2x2 and continue to use the 2x12. Can't tell you if this will work we've only got 3 this way. If you live where there are voles, line the bottom with hardware cloth.
Nancy RW (zone 7)
6 years ago
We used cement blocks. They work fine for us. Our reasons for choosing them were $$, durability, and ease of construction. If we'd had any extra lumber around, we would have used it; we liked the look of galvanized metal with wood frames, but again, the cement blocks were cheaper and easier. We stacked the blocks two layers high (about 16" high). Check all the options out online--there are all kinds!
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Nancy: I saw your post in the container forum, but didn't comment because I thought your main question was about root veggies, which I don't grow. I would jump at the chance to own those raised beds if I could afford the price. They sound wonderful. I think you could probably grow any annual vegetable you want if the potting mix was fast draining and the beds have adequate drainage. It will be more like a container than the average raised bed, which wicks to the ground. You will probably want to avoid using real soil or more than 10-15 percent amendments like composted manure. I would choose a mix that is primarily made up of pine or fir bark. This post was edited by Ohiofem on Tue, Feb 26, 13 at 9:22
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Nancy the fact that the soil compacts should be notice that it is not appropriate to use as a container mix. It will NOT be well drained enough for use as a container mix. Every time I see your post as a "raised raised bed" I cringe, as you have a raised container with no connection to the ground, which is required to be a raised bed. It is not just semantics, but a different gardening strategy. Al
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I had in-ground garden beds (made from trex) that were invaded by tree roots. I dug out the beds and sifted the soil to get rid of the roots. I then put down cinder blocks, 9 in a 4'x4' garden bed, with their top surface level with the top of the in-ground beds. I then put down two layers of 1/2" cement backerboard which is supported by the top of the cinder blocks and perimeter of the in-ground garden bed. I drilled drain holes about every 12" in the cement backerboard. Now I have a 16" air gap between the new bottom of the garden bed and the old bottom of the in-ground garden bed. I build a raised garden bed perimeter and set it on top of the cement backerboard. I'm hoping the tree roots won't reach up through that airgap into the new garden bed. We'll see... Don't use the Hardie cement backerboard that has grooves to help you break it to size. I tried that first and it broke at some of those grooves. Dug out beds and used thicker double layer of cement backerboard.
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Moving to OK - to raise beds, or not to raise beds?
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Comments (9)
You don't say what you plan to grow. Perhaps vegetables in rasied beds? Generally, I would ease myself into the new environment by having a reasonably sized garden at first with some soil ammendment. This would allow you to do some gardening while getting to know the local gardening community and the local methods. I am a frugal gardener and the thought of spending hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars on raised beds and soil ammendments does not fit with my idea of gardening. I have some raised beds but those were made from salvaged lumber. Doing a little at a time is not a bad idea. It seems that in our "make over age" everything has to be done at once to look picture perfect. I do all my gardening with hand tools which includes a garden fork, a shovel and a crow bar. A little at a time gets the job done and saves my back.
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stockergal
6 years ago
I am thinking about adding a few new raised beds and I think I will try galvanized stock tanks. I am looking at 2 rounds 4'diam x 2'high and 2 round ends (oval) that will be 2'x2'x5'. You can paint them if you don't like the galvanized look. I have a large round that I put all kinds of plants in but it is in part shade the new round ones will be in full sun. I am hoping these new ones will help with my back.
okcst1300
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks

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Raised beds

Comments (4)

AmyinOwasso/zone 6b

Nancy RW (zone 7)

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stockergal

okcst1300
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Raised beds

Comments (4)

AmyinOwasso/zone 6b

Nancy RW (zone 7)

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stockergal

okcst1300Original Author

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okcst1300
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