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taboule · March 20, 2018

WRT bed dimensions, I discovered this thread yesterday, and it addressed many of the questions I had in mind. Title was "raised bed question ... sort of"

http://tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=46945

Good read and re-read, so no need to duplicate here.

My next decision point on construction of said boxes is the material. I've used PT wood and landscape timbers in the past, for my previous garden. DW and I are now shying away from those materials and moving closer to more organic options. I'm leaning towards homebuilding lumber, 2x10, douglas fir. I’m concerned about longevity, since it will be in direct contact with the ground, on both one side and an edge. Cedar would be preferable, but likely too expensive, even if I can find it. Stone is harder to handle and also more expensive. I’ll need 700~900 linear feet.

Any thoughts on that? What can I expect out of DF before it starts to rot and require some repairs? I realize it wont last forever, how about 5-10 years? Would it help if I treat it with something “natural” like linseed oil?

March 20, 2018	#22
taboule Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: MA Posts: 903	WRT bed dimensions, I discovered this thread yesterday, and it addressed many of the questions I had in mind. Title was "raised bed question ... sort of" http://tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=46945 Good read and re-read, so no need to duplicate here. My next decision point on construction of said boxes is the material. I've used PT wood and landscape timbers in the past, for my previous garden. DW and I are now shying away from those materials and moving closer to more organic options. I'm leaning towards homebuilding lumber, 2x10, douglas fir. I’m concerned about longevity, since it will be in direct contact with the ground, on both one side and an edge. Cedar would be preferable, but likely too expensive, even if I can find it. Stone is harder to handle and also more expensive. I’ll need 700~900 linear feet. Any thoughts on that? What can I expect out of DF before it starts to rot and require some repairs? I realize it wont last forever, how about 5-10 years? Would it help if I treat it with something “natural” like linseed oil?