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Re: Hello, I'm new - Raised bed questions

Dear Mary Ellen,


>I'm new to the list and I have some questions about raised beds. I
>know I do not want to use PT wood to enclose the bed, and I cannot
>really afford the plastic, or cinder block alternatives. So, I will
>just do the 45 degree slope and plant a ground cover on the slopes.

I work for an outdoor advertising co.  We have been replacing our wooden planks on the billboards with metal planks.  Guess who took the wood home?  Guess what I used the wood for?  The planks were 2x10 rough hewn soft (non-treated).  I nailed them together in a square 12"x12"x5'units.  These combined to a 4'x4' inside measurement.  There are places to obtain used lumber FREE.  Have you ever heard the term, dumpster diver?  Is there a housing developement near you?  Ask if there is any trash lumber you may have.  Or dive in the dumpster after they are gone for the day.

Another idea that is also free but quite a bit heavier is to find a concrete testing lab.  They put 1'x4"dia columns of concrete samples under pressure to certify the concrete meets specs for roads and other uses.  After they test them they trash them.  I have seen them stacked to form 3' high retaining walls.  I am sure they could be used for a Sqft garden.  And they will last longer than wood, even redwood.  Plus you might want to plant rock garden plants in the gaps between the samples.


>-What is the best ground cover to use? I love phlox, but I'm sure
>  regular grass sod would be cheaper.

I you use a grd cover how about creeping thyme?  It will attract beneficial insects, too.


>-Is it a pain keeping the cover out of the bed? I'm thinking of
>  using inexpensive plastic lawn edging at the top of the slope.
>-Does using the slope/ground cover method make the bed as permanent
>  as using timber?

I don't think so.  At least it will take more time keeping the grd cover out.
>
>So, has anyone out there done just what I am attempting?

No.
>
>
>
>Mary Ellen Broome

Love and light,

Dan Verbo (parent of Alex, 4/25/82-6/17/95, ependymoma)
Trooper, PA (Valley Forge)USA 6
VerboD@icdc.com

"We must be willing to get rid of
the life we've planned, so as to have the
life that is waiting for us."- Joseph Campbell

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