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Raised beds

Hi Tammy.
On the Whiskey barrels, Wash them out and then let them sit in full sun for
a day or two,
most of the whiskey smell will go away.  My parents did this years ago for
their
strawberries.
You will have to make up your own mind about Pressure treated wood, I just
put in
raised beds this years and used PT landscape timbers.  I read the FDA
disclosure
at the lumber yard, and while the FDA has messed up in the past they tend
to be
over protective.  But the choice is yours.
Strand Board.  Makes great interier sheething BUT.  Is very weak to a load
presented perpendicular to the surface.  Also strand board tends to self
destruct in
the presence of moisture if you deceide to use it you will need to
reinforce along
it's entire surface.  Perhaps a 2x4 every foot.  It will still sag but
should last a few
seasons.  You could seal it, but you mentioned concerns about chemicals,
you could
line it with Plastic, but make sure to punch holes through the plastic and
wood at
regular intervals for drainage.
Good luck.

----------
From: Tammy Reichert <packrat@mcn.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list SQFT <SQFT@UMSLVMA.UMSL.EDU>
Subject: Raised beds
Date: Friday, June 06, 1997 9:49 PM

Hi all!

I'm doing my first raised bed and have some questions.  It's going to be
raised to waist level, therefore I need to find something for the bottom.

I've checked the listserv for the last year or so and everyone says don't
get pressure treated plywood.  I'm a novice when it comes to lumber.  Isn't
plywood glued together layer by layer and will this glue bleed into the
soil somehow?

I've already purchased the redwood for the sides, but am still undecided on
how to deal with the bottom.  The lumber salesman suggested strand board
for a more inexpensive option and coating that with a fiberglass kit to
make it waterproof.  Does anyone know if a fiberglass surface would be safe
and not bleed any dangerous chemicals into the soil?

I am also wondering if the edges of the plywood should be sealed somehow so
that the soil doesn't seep out or is that defeating the purpose of having
good drainage? If not, what material is safe to use?

Last question.  I'm also going to do strawberries in half-cut whiskey
barrels.  The sturdiest ones I've located HAVE been used for something as
far my nose is concerned.  Has anyone run into any pitfalls with these
types of containers?

As I'm reading over this, I feel like a total alarmist :)  I appreciate any
pointers the seasoned gardeners out there can give me.  Thanks so much!

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