Topic: Newbie - suitable wood for raised beds?

[Normie]

Hi,

Just got a new allotment, but far too wet to do anything useful on it, so am busy planning (although more realistically "dreaming").

Anyway, a neighbour is having an extension done and has about 1/2 a dozen old ceiling joists sat in a skip. Would these be OK for using to make raised beds or compost bins? I've read  that certain treated wood is not suitable as chemicals may leech into the soil.

Any comments would be very welcome.

Cheers,
Ian

[supersprout]

Hello Normie
Others will come in with their experience of edging beds, just a quick thought - you don't need to edge your beds. If your allotment is new, it might be an idea to mark out bed areas with string and stakes for a couple of growing seasons, so that you can make adjustments in the light of experience before you invest in something more permanent  :)
Good luck with your new plot! :)

[Normie]

Thanks for the reply. What you say makes perfect sense - should really get to know my plot before deciding where to place the beds.

I think there are 2 reason for me looking at raised beds so soon - 1) need to feel that I'm actually doing something with my plot (it's overgrown and needs clearing), but hampered by current weather. and 2) didn't want to miss the opportunity of getting some wood for free (plus it's only just up the road so no transport worries).

Think I''ll take a deep breath, put my wellies on and wonder over to the plot for some more dreaming...

Cheers,
Ian

[Curryandchips]

Welcome Ian, and yes grab those joists while you can, even if not used for raised beds ...

[cornykev]

Like Curry says grab the wood and any other goodies lurking in the skip you will probarly find a use for them later.  ;D ;D ;D

[ACE]

Pressure treated gravel boards are good and will last at least ten years. I have used them on paths next to lawn and the grass does not seem to suffer from leaching. If you ever come across old sleepers make sure they do not have loads of tar on them. The sleepers the sell for gardens are purpose made for the job.

[manicscousers]

we've used old pallets for the edges of our beds but I wouldn't let those pieces of wood go , you'll probably be looking for some soon   ;D ;D

[saddad]

Snap up any good timber asap... can always make a hot box or some frames...
 ;D

[okra]

The only trouble I found with raised beds is that they produce an ideal place for slugs and snails to congregate. Good luck with the new allotment

[kt.]

Grab the wood. Even if you dont use it for beds it WILL come in useful at a later date. You will regret it later
if you dont.

[ipt8]

Its creosoted wood that you should avoid, you know, railway sleepers, telegraph poles, that sort of thing. They were manufactured to last and were impregnated with large amounts of creosote that leaches out and is bad for plants and humans.

[Normie]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm off down the road in a minute to see what I can grab.

Cheers,
Ian