What is the best type of wood (or treated wood) for raised beds. - Ask Extension
I am turning my existing garden into a fruit tree garden and I need to add raised beds to my yard. I'm planning to start with the Home Depot 7.5 in. ...
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What is the best type of wood (or treated wood) for raised beds. #865363
Asked April 21, 2024, 10:07 PM EDT
I am turning my existing garden into a fruit tree garden and I need to add raised beds to my yard. I'm planning to start with the Home Depot 7.5 in. x 7.5 in. x 5.5 in. Tan Brown Concrete Planter Wall Block (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oldcastle-7-5-in-x-7-5-in-x-5-5-in-Tan-Brown-Concrete-Planter-Wall-Block-16202336/206501693) and the lumber possibilities (2"x 6") to insert are overwhelming. I would like a sustainable solution, but I want something that will have some longevity and strength. Do you have a recommendation?
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Mickele -
Thank you for contacting us with your questions. I have included the link to Garden Notes #713 which should answer your questions about constructing a raised bed. The information about materials starts on page 5.
GN713 Block Veg Garden (colostate.edu)
The material mentions that untreated lumber will last for several years, except in high salt areas. We recommend a soil test to determine whether your soil has high salt. Soil testing is available through CSU Spur. Information regarding how to take a sample and submit that sample can be found at:
https://agsci.colostate.edu/soiltestinglab/
We hope this helps. Please contact us again if you have any other questions.
Best-
CSU Extension Master Gardener
Thank you for contacting us with your questions. I have included the link to Garden Notes #713 which should answer your questions about constructing a raised bed. The information about materials starts on page 5.
GN713 Block Veg Garden (colostate.edu)
The material mentions that untreated lumber will last for several years, except in high salt areas. We recommend a soil test to determine whether your soil has high salt. Soil testing is available through CSU Spur. Information regarding how to take a sample and submit that sample can be found at:
https://agsci.colostate.edu/soiltestinglab/
We hope this helps. Please contact us again if you have any other questions.
Best-
CSU Extension Master Gardener
