Raised beds - Lined or Non-lined

[newmannewy]

hmm Raised beds - should i line the inside of the raised beds with polythene to help prevent rot ? Or should I leave them bare wood ?

anybody have any experience in building and preserving raised beds..

The wood is non-treated - Or alternatively is there any natural/organic/non-toxic wood preserve material I can coat the wood in ?

regards
newy

[ginger ninger]

I've just finished/made one out of reclaimed house bricks, so I've no need to line it out. But my neighbour made one out of round fence post's, she lined it out with old compost bags so as to keep the cost down. Ask around your friends for there used bags, it's much better than them going to land fill.

[oldie]

There is a non-toxic wood treatment called Croma. I think it is quite expensive and I can't remember where I saw it.

[ginger ninger]

There is a non-toxic wood treatment called Croma. I think it is quite expensive and I can't remember where I saw it.

How much...for how much ...*Ginger faint's*

The Organic Gardening Catalogue

[T8Ter]

It's about £7 for 250ml GN

[newmannewy]

Thanks folks,

seems its cheaper here: Croma Non-Toxic Wood Preservative - Wooden Compost Bins - Compost Bins & Composting - The Recycle Works Ltd
But i checked out the fact sheet here:
http://www.recycleworks.co.uk/PDF_fi...eservative.pdf

Is it really that safe ?.. If its an irritant ??

Section 3: Hazards Identification: Health Effects:
Skin contact: Irritating to skin.
Eye contact: Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Inhalation : May cause irritation to respiratory system if mists or spray are inhaled.
Ingestion : Low volatile product.

Section 4. First Aid Measures:
Skin contact: Wash off immediately with soap and water.
Eye contact: Irrigate with plenty of clean water and seek medical attention.
Inhalation: Take plenty of fresh air.
Ingestion: Take plenty of water. DO NOT cause vomiting.
Other: Immediately take off all contaminated clothing.

Personal Protection Equipment:
Hand Protection: P.V.C. Oil/Chemical resistant gloves are recommended.
Eye Protection: Goggles.
Skin & Body Protection: Lightweight protective clothing – chemical resistant apron.

[chris]

One thing to consider is lining the beds will give somehwere for slugs to hide.. i was going to then decided against it.

my local timber merchant sold me some 2" thick wood, prob around 6" high, 12' long - treated, so wont rot within 15 years.

[newmannewy]

Hi chris,

If its treated its probably got arsnic in it, which will unfortunatly leak into your soil ... Im just reading about an age old recepie of Linseed Oil..

Anybody had any experience with linseed oil ?

I stumbled accross a company natural linseed oil ecologically green paint which makes paint based on linseed oil.. Expensive - but looks promissing. An interesting read too his site. I've asked the guy a couple of questions.. we shall see.

[oldie]

I believe that arsenic is no longer used in treated wood. You had better read this as well:- Linseed Oil Information and Use. Scroll down the page and it will tell you that boiled Linseed oil also has arsenic in it promotes mildew and is not UV resistant!

[newmannewy]

I believe that arsenic is no longer used in treated wood. You had better read this as well:- Linseed Oil Information and Use. Scroll down the page and it will tell you that boiled Linseed oil also has arsenic in it promotes mildew and is not UV resistant!

Ill have a read.. If its "treated" its toxic.. Modern treatments involve tanalised wood.. which i believe contains arsnic too.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Sorry but new tanalised wood does not use arsenic its been banned a long time.

Colin

[bearded bloke]

Sorry but new tanalised wood does not use arsenic its been banned a long time.

Colin

This I believe to be correct,I am fairly certain that it was the reason that "tanalised" colouring was changed to green from the more descriptive brown (tan) as it was when I was a lad

[Two_Sheds]

Our raised beds are lined with old compost bags, stapled on. Like what Ginge said

[Sylvan]

Ooh, posh! Our old compost bags are just attached with drawing pins.

[Snadger]

I have never bothered lining raised beds.

What are your reasons for wanting to do so? If its to protect the wood, is that not what paint,varnish or water based wood treatment products are for? You will still get a build up of moisture where the liner is against the wood, so what's the point?

As has been mentioned, all you are doing is creating a home for slugs, snails, woodlice and all manner of undesirables.