My wife and I are planning to build a garden bed, and from what I've found, cedar seems to be the best choice. However, at Lowe's, an employee advised her against it, saying cedar is fast-growing and won't last beyond a season. He suggested we use pressure-treated lumber and even wrap it in plastic. That advice seems off to me, but I'm not an expert in gardening. We live in the Philadelphia area, so I'm curious if the climate plays a role in this, and whether I should look for a local lumberyard instead. What do you all think? Is the Lowe's advice legit or just some typical big-box nonsense?
3 Answers
Wrapping pressure-treated lumber in plastic? That's a big no-no! Cedar is a fantastic option that can easily last over 10 years if you choose good quality boards from a local lumberyard. Lowe's employees aren't usually the best source of expert advice, so definitely consider finding a reputable lumber supplier instead.
I totally agree. The guy at Lowe’s probably doesn’t have much experience with gardening materials. Cedar works great for garden beds and is preferable for its longevity. Try searching for a local lumberyard for better options and advice—they often have good products at lower prices too!
Cedar can perform well, but keep in mind that its durability can depend on how thick the lumber is. For a garden bed, thicker boards like 2x4 or even 4x4 can give you over 15 years of use, especially in the humid Philly weather. And using cement blocks as a base is a solid idea too; they help with temperature control for your plants' roots!
Exactly! There's also the concern with pressure-treated lumber potentially leaching chemicals if you're growing food. So sticking with cedar or finding safe alternatives is wise.
That's right! And don't forget that if you find old guardrail posts, they can also make for great raised beds. Just make sure to line them to protect your plants from potential chemicals!