Lining raised beds

[rary]

Just to follow on from the discussion about the merits of raised beds. What would you recommend, if the beds are made with wood should you line the boards with poly. etc. or not?

[roitelet]

Polythene will break down but a good soaking in linseed oil will help to preserve the wood.

[Scarlet]

My beds are made out of scaffolding planks......think I've had them in for about 5years.Some of them are rotten already, I think I'd line them next time with polythene sheeting.

[Kristen]

I have Damp Proof Membrane on the inside of mine. My beds are not raised by much - I excavated the paths and put the spoil on the beds, so called "lazy raised beds", but after several years I resented the space wasted where I could not plant on the sloping shoulders, and in my vanity I wanted them to look smarter so I boarded them, but its only a few inches (rather than a taller structure to remove the need to bend etc.) As such by boards, particularly with the DPM, are not really in contact with the soil - there is even a small gap at the bottom of the boards. No idea how long the boards will last, and it will be quite a big job to replace them (I have a large plot).

Not a brilliant photo, but hopefully it shows the rails and the DPM lining the inside



I wonder if concrete kerb stones would be a solution, if & when I have to replace the boards. No idea where I would fall over enough of those, going begging, but I have acquired all sorts of stuff off eBay and the like, over the years, to never say never any more!

[Bill HH]

I dont use anything, my boards are all treated decking. I think treating with a plastic lining will just hold water between the plastic and the wood and actualy accelerate rotting. Rain will seep in between the wood and the liner and slugs too. I dont use old decking which apparently had toxic treatment. If they last 5 years i wont complain.

[Snadger]

I dont use anything, my boards are all treated decking. I think treating with a plastic lining will just hold water between the plastic and the wood and actualy accelerate rotting. Rain will seep in between the wood and the liner and slugs too. I dont use old decking which apparently had toxic treatment. If they last 5 years i wont complain.

I agree Bill, just a slug and wood lice hotel methinks!

[Snadger]

PS My best raised beds are constructed from pantiles (No........not panties!)

[veggiechicken]

C'mon Snadge, show us your pantiles - you know you want to

[Snadger]

C'mon Snadge, show us your pantiles - you know you want to

If you insist!

[Scarlet]

I used some roofing tiles and they split

[Snadger]

I used some roofing tiles and they split

Nothing but the best for me thoThese are Marley Tiles made in the NE

2nd winter coming up, so hopefully I haven't spoken too soon!

[veggiechicken]

If you insist![ATTACH=CONFIG]50888[/ATTACH]

You don't need much encouragement. You'll be showing us your flashing next

[Snadger]

You don't need much encouragement. You'll be showing us your flashing next

I was going to show you my fishnets but remembered this is a family forum!

[veggiechicken]

Saw those last year
Any ladders yet?

[Mikey]

I've done both, lined and unlined and lined wins hands down I'm afraid.

Make sure you use UV resistant plastic or it will disintegrate around the top after a year or 2.

I've used a variety of different timber before and I prefer to use 6X1 rough sawn, and over lap the plastic on the top and cap the edge with a piece of roofing batten. 5 years in and regular external staining and these have been fine. I took one apart in the spring to move it and the inside of the timber was as good as the day I put it in.

By using smaller boards you can continue to raise it if you want and the ones near the floor which will eventually rot can be replaced without being detrimental to the rest of the timbers.

Raised beds can be a nightmare on an allotment mind as they have such light soil they make wonderful homes for fury creatures who eat your produce from below!!!