Content
- The raised bed depends on the right construction
- Always protect wood from moisture
- The choice of the right kind of wood
- Stone raised beds: drywall or mortared wall?
- Tips
A solid surface protects the raised bed from voracious invaders
The raised bed depends on the right construction
Wood, stone, metal or maybe plastic? For the construction of a raised bed many different materials come into question. Some of them are very durable, others must be protected from harmful external influences. However, with a well thought-out design, you can increase the life expectancy of a raised bed considerably.
Always protect wood from moisture
Wood, for example, is extremely sensitive to moisture and starts to rot quickly as soon as moisture has set in it. A chemical wood preservation for prevention, however, is not a good idea for a vegetable raised bed - the toxins contained therein would be transferred to the crops and their fruits and thus be eaten by you. It is better to use these measures:
The choice of the right kind of wood
Choosing the right kind of wood can increase the lifespan of the raised bed considerably. Hardwoods such as oak, Douglas fir, larch, etc. are extremely robust and also have the useful property of absorbing only little moisture from the environment.
Stone raised beds: drywall or mortared wall?
Baskets made of stone are basically made of a very robust and durable material. Nevertheless, it requires a careful construction, so you will really enjoy your mini garden for a long time. For example, stone walls can be constructed in dry construction (ie without connecting mortar) or in the form of a mortared wall. Especially with the latter, it is important that you leave no gaps in the mortar and in the stones used: Here moisture can penetrate, which can freeze during the cold season and thus gradually destroy the stone.
Tips
No sturdy raised bed will last long if the ground is not right. A good solid foundation is the foundation of any long-lasting raised bed. For raised wood squares, solid, even (and possibly gravel-filled) substrates are generally sufficient - stone raised beds often require a concrete foundation.