Wood vs Metal garden boxes - Ask Extension
Hello, I live in Duluth here and I'm going to invest in 2 or 3 garden boxes this year for flowers.
Do you recommend any particular brands of garde...
Knowledgebase
Wood vs Metal garden boxes #864595
Asked April 15, 2024, 1:11 PM EDT
Hello, I live in Duluth here and I'm going to invest in 2 or 3 garden boxes this year for flowers.
Do you recommend any particular brands of garden boxes, and do you recommend a metal box, or a wood box? Or does it matter?
I'm thinking metal cuz we can get an enormous amount of snow, and I can just envision a wood box getting wrecked or taking alot of damage. But, I don't know. I see a mix of box wood and metal in my neighborhood here.
Thanks
St. Louis County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
I have raised beds and would never go back. Better drainage, fewer weeds, less bending.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/raised-bed-gardens
https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-construct-a-raised-bed-in-the-garden
The material is a matter of preference except that you should not use old, creosote railway ties.
The easiest way to do this is to purchase kits. There are many venders--the U of Minn is not allowed to endorse particular products.
If you do not use a kit, then you must pay attention to retaining straps at the waist of elongated rectangles--soil will press the walls apart.
I use cedar, they are 6 years old. What ever you use, the bottom must freely drain. I hope this helps.
I have raised beds and would never go back. Better drainage, fewer weeds, less bending.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/raised-bed-gardens
https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-construct-a-raised-bed-in-the-garden
The material is a matter of preference except that you should not use old, creosote railway ties.
The easiest way to do this is to purchase kits. There are many venders--the U of Minn is not allowed to endorse particular products.
If you do not use a kit, then you must pay attention to retaining straps at the waist of elongated rectangles--soil will press the walls apart.
I use cedar, they are 6 years old. What ever you use, the bottom must freely drain. I hope this helps.
