- Chemicals migrate into the wood and the potting soil
- Should you paint a raised bed at all?
- Which colors are best suited for painting the raised bed
Raised beds are often made of wood and are not only visually attractive, but also much cheaper and can be had with less effort than a stone raised bed. The disadvantage, however, is that the material is not particularly durable - even if you use the much more robust hardwoods, the bed will not last forever. However, good wood protection can increase the life of the bed.
A raised bed should not be painted with toxic paints
Chemicals migrate into the wood and the potting soil
Of course, many hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers quickly resort to wood-protective glaze, varnish or paint for this purpose. However, this approach needs to be carefully considered, because normal wood protection (such as for the terrace) is not enough in the case of a raised bed. Non-toxic agents should always be used here. The reason is very simple: the chemicals in the spread go into the wood and from there into the potting soil - with the result that the same toxins end up in the vegetables and eventually in your stomach and that of your family.
Should you paint a raised bed at all?
Basically, painting the raised bed is not necessary - if you have used hardwood to build it. Instead, the bed should be kept away from the damp soil, while rainwater should be able to dry quickly. However, regular treatment with wood-protective paints or glazes (66.50€) can help the raised bed retain its beautiful color for longer - and also last longer. Many woods tend to gray over the years, which can be prevented by a color treatment.
Never do without the foil
Many a hobby gardener comes up with the idea of omitting the protective film on the inside of the bed and simply painting the wood instead. However, this measure is not at all suitable for sensible protection against moisture and thus the rotting of the bed. If you want to paint, you can edit the outer border.
Which colors are best suited for painting the raised bed
You have many options here: Linseed oil and beeswax glaze are particularly suitable for natural and non-toxic wood protection. Apply both to the raised bed every year on a dry, sunny day in spring and allow the glaze to dry thoroughly. If necessary, repeat the treatment.
tips
If you would like to add color to your raised bed, it is best to use non-toxic and saliva-resistant toy paints, such as those sold for painting home-made children's toys.