Advice for a newbie: Wood for raised beds?

[mapcr77]

Hello everyone,

After taking our first plot a few weeks ago and finally gotten rid of the miles of overgrown carpet that covered it, plus weeds, brambles, etc. we're finally starting to plan the whole layout of the plot.

However, a big question springs to mind, where can we get enough wood for building raised beds? I have no clue on where could we get it (I don't want to buy it), we're in the East Midlands, any ideas? Thanks!!

[bubblewrap]

Hello everyone,

After taking our first plot a few weeks ago and finally gotten rid of the miles of overgrown carpet that covered it, plus weeds, brambles, etc. we're finally starting to plan the whole layout of the plot.

However, a big question springs to mind, where can we get enough wood for building raised beds? I have no clue on where could we get it (I don't want to buy it), we're in the East Midlands, any ideas? Thanks!!

You could try a local builder to see if they are replacing any scaffolding planks.

[rustylady]

Check out local skips - there's often lots of wood being dumped. Best of all are builders' "deals" - the boards that are used on scaffolding. Also try your local Freecycle internet site.

[Snadger]

..............Or just lay out the bed positions with strings, dig the beds, just walk on the paths and hey presto you have raised beds! If you then want to surround the beds with boards you can do it as and when you can source materials.
Thats what I've done and I've found the beds don't really need retaining sides.
I have sourced some planks, bricks and breeze blocks but only because I garden on a bit of a slope and intend shallow terracing the beds.
I had perfectly good crops last year just by heavy mulching the beds and planting through it!