Wood, stone, metal or rather plastic? There are many different materials that can be used to build a raised bed. Some of them are very durable, while others need to be protected from damaging external influences. With a well thought-out construction, however, you increase the life expectancy of a raised bed considerably.
A solid base protects the raised bed from voracious intruders
Always protect wood from moisture
Wood, for example, is extremely sensitive to moisture and quickly begins to rot as soon as it gets wet. However, chemical wood protection for prevention is not a good idea, especially for a vegetable raised bed - the toxins contained in it would be transferred to the crops and their fruits and thus be eaten by you. On the other hand, it is better to resort to these measures:
- Always cover the inside of a wooden raised bed with bubble wrap or partial foil.
- Build the raised bed walls at a slight angle and overlap the slats.
- This allows rainwater to run off faster - and snails don't get into the bed either.
- Do not place the raised bed directly on the ground - the wood will soak up moisture from the ground.
- It is better to place the corner posts or edges on paving stones or similar.
- Alternatively, you can concrete the corner posts in.
- The top edges should also be slightly beveled to allow rainwater to run off.
Choosing the right type of wood
Choosing the right type of wood can also significantly increase the lifespan of the raised bed. Hardwoods such as oak, Douglas fir, larch, etc. are extremely robust and also have the useful property of only absorbing little moisture from the environment.
Stone Raised Beds: Dry Wall or Mortar Wall?
Raised beds made of stone are basically made of a very robust and durable material. Nevertheless, careful construction is required here so that you can really enjoy your mini garden for a long time. For example, stone walls can be erected in dry construction (i.e. without connecting mortar) or in the form of a mortared wall. Especially with the latter, it is important that you leave no gaps in the mortar or in the stones used: moisture can penetrate here, which can freeze during the cold season and gradually destroy the stone.
tips
No raised bed, no matter how sturdily constructed, will last long if the subsoil is not right. A good, solid foundation is the foundation of any long-lasting raised bed. For wooden raised beds, solid, level (and if necessary with gravel) subsoil is usually sufficient - stone raised beds, on the other hand, often require a concrete foundation.