i want to build some raised beds. i have room for 12 6x3 beds. but, i do not have a lot of money to spend on this and i will need to buy dirt. i dont need to build them all this year but would like to do as many as possible. i looked up pressure treated wood and dont feel comfortable using it. how about pine? will that last at least like 5 years? any other ideas? also how about grass between the beds it is in my yard. thanks
Pine won't hold up, cedar will but it's very expensive, and any treated woods are bad because of chemicals they may give off. Many people use cement blocks, stacked two high, in a brick/subway tile pattern to give them strength. You'll need compost along with soil and other amendments to create a good quality bed. It's quite expensive to start, so do some research on the blocks and the cost of soil and amendments so you are sure it won't cost more than you can afford. Or start with smaller beds and work up over time.
build the beds either 4x4 or 4x8. you will save on lumber costs. 5 years will be about tops for pine. try to find some free horse manure. remember, free is good. make sure a water source is nearby. i have had raised bed for over 20 years. i had grass between my beds also. i laid down weed blocking fabric before i built anything., then the raised beds, then mulch. never had a grass problem.
Pine and other sturdy inexpensive woods will last a fairly long time. However every other year you should power wash the wood to make sure the beds look good. If your looking to save money on dirt, dig out the grass and dirt from the area your putting the raised bed, and then mix it with an organic soil mixture like miracle grow. This way you wont have to buy huge bags of soil.
from experience check out (by phone) the fencing contractors 1 X 6 X 6 cedar boards - you might find someone who will Give them away free to cheap - if you haul them away P.S. pressure treated lumber can't go in the dump landfill - bad chemicals - ? ? ? but I don't believe that - used - have leached out any problems I live in mountains - gopher problems - I placed my (used 2 X 10 X 6's deck boards) (the box was 6X3) on the cleared ground and dug out apx 10 deep - I used ? hardware cloth to line the pit - gophers can't get in - ? weed barrier OK I took the time to fill the planter - mixing the compost and the soil back into the box I used my rototiller and a hoe every so often on the walkways just to skim off weeds also I used old tires to keep my potato's in very soft soil - (just two) at harvest pry up the tires and rake out the tatters I also had access to lots of saw dust to spread out on the walk ways Good Luck and remember use your imagination
