Cedar Complete Raised Garden Bed Kit - 8' x 8' x 20" (2024)

FAQs

How long will cedar last as a garden bed? ›

Most raised beds are constructed from lumber. Pine and other framing lumber will last about 4 to 5 years, while more expensive cedar will hang together for 8 to 10 years. Don't use redwood, which is an endangered species.

Cedar lumber is often used in constructing raised beds. It offers a natural resistance to rot and insects. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is very rot resistant and will last for years even when in contact with soil. However, the wood is very dense and can be hard to work with.

Many experienced gardeners recommend lining raised beds for these reasons: It provides insulation for the soil and helps control temperature fluctuations. It helps with soil retention. It separates weeds from seeds.

Cedar planter boxes actually improve the health of the plants you put in them. Since this wood is thermal coefficient, it stays cool even on the hottest of days. It insulates the roots of your plants, allowing them to keep absorbing water to feed the rest of the plant.

The type of wood used for raised beds makes a difference. Redwood and cedar are more expensive but resist decay, so they last longer. Pine and fir will break down more quickly but are available at a fraction of the cost.

Keep beds at least 6 feet from pavement and south-facing walls, which intensify summer heat. HOW LONG DO BEDS LAST? That depends on what they're made of. Beds built with western red cedar can last 10 to 15 years; galvanized steel, 20 years; masonry or plastic composites, indefinitely.

For a 4x8-foot raised bed with a 6” height, using Mel's Mix: about 5 cubic feet each of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite is needed. It usually takes about two to three bags of purchased fertile mix (1.5 cubic feet each) to cover the bed surface to a depth of 2 inches.

An older type of wood preservative called Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) contained arsenic, copper, and chromium. CCA-treated wood is no longer available for residential use as of 2004. Avoid using older types of wood treatments such as CCA, creosote, and Penta-treated lumber.

Option #1 – No Treatment or Stain

Oils naturally occurring in cedar help the wood resist rot and deter pests like termites. This helps cedar last longer than other woods when exposed to the elements. If left untreated, you'll notice a few changes to your garden box.

Make sure to do this before you fill the beds with soil and follow the layer of hardware cloth with some landscape fabric for weed control. This way, you'll get all the protection these barriers can provide without sacrificing good drainage or the organic nature of your kitchen garden.

Why put cardboard in raised beds? ›

It acts as a physical barrier to block out pernicious weeds. Usually, 2 – 3 layers of cardboard will suffice, though you may want layers in more weed-prone areas. The damp environment created by the cardboard is conducive to earthworms and other beneficial soil microorganisms.

How to Choose a Raised Garden Box. Once you have your companion planting guide mapped out, it's recommended to plant in natural cedar because the wood isn't treated with chemicals and is naturally rot-resistant.

The safest wood to use for vegetable container gardens is cedar. It resists rot and lasts a long time, but it is pricey. You can safely use other kinds of untreated hardwood to build raised beds, but your project will rot and warp in a few years, depending on the wood.

Cedar posts that are installed in a dry, well-drained area and are thick enough to resist warping can last for up to 25 years without rotting, while those installed in a damp environment may only last for 5-10 years before showing signs of rot.

Untreated cedar can last 25 to 30 years without wood infusions or surface treatments, unlike many other types of decking material. However, this doesn't mean that a cedar deck requires zero maintenance.

The heartwood is resistant to decay, making it especially desirable for service in contact with the ground. How long will it last? Cedar's natural resistance will give it a life expectancy of 15-20 years.