I'm planning to create a small garden this summer and need to decide on the best material for raised garden beds. Should I go with wood, galvanized steel, powder-coated steel, non-woven fabric bags, or totes? I'm looking for some guidance since I want to get started soon!
3 Answers
If you can't get cedar, try untreated pine or fir and use a method called shou sugi ban—it's a Japanese technique that involves burning the wood. This helps it resist rot without chemicals getting into your soil. Remember, with other container types, plastic is common unless you're willing to invest in burlap containers.
I've got powder-coated steel raised beds and they’ve held up well. I also use heavy felt potato bags. Just a tip—here in the Pacific Northwest, even cedar doesn't last when buried in the wet soil, so consider that when choosing materials.
Cedar wood is awesome if you can find it. I had to stick with plain pine 2x6 boards and stacked them up four high using 4x4s for support. They'll last quite a while—around 10 years! Just a heads up, getting the dirt in can be a workout; if I ever do it again, I’d rent a small loader instead of shoveling everything in.