There are many materials that can be used to create raised beds, but cedar raised garden beds have several advantages over other materials. Another is that cedar raised beds are made from a natural material which helps them blend in with the landscape better than concrete blocks or bricks. You can buy pre-made raised beds or if you are a little crafty, create your own. DIY Raised Garden using cedar. If you are interested in raised beds, read on to find out why a cedar raised bed garden might be the right choice for you.
Is cedar good for raised beds?
There are many materials that can be used to create a raised bed and they can often be recycled or reuse raised garden beds But cedar raised beds raise the aesthetic bar a bit higher than pallets, cinder blocks, or straw bales.
Not only is cedar an aesthetically pleasing choice for raised beds, it also contains natural oils and tannins that naturally resist rot. This means that the beds will last longer than other woods unless pressure treated.
(Image source: Welcomia / Getty Images)
How long can cedar trees last?
So exactly how long will cedar wood last in raised beds? It depends on whether or not the wood has been treated. Untreated cedar wood can last for more than 10 years, while other types of untreated wood will decompose within three to five years.
For comparison, pressure treated wood can last 10-40 years, depending on the type of wood. However, chemicals are often used in the treatment process, which means there is a chance those chemicals could leach into the soil.
Best Cedars for Raised Beds
While cedar is naturally resistant to decay, not all parts of the tree have the same level of protection. Make sure you are using the best parts of the cedar before starting your raised bed project. The heartwood is more resistant to decay than the sapwood.
That said, if you calculate your raised garden bed ideas will go well with cedar, you may be surprised to find that you have a choice. There are two main options when deciding which cedar to provide for your DIY raised bed – Eastern red cedar or West Coast cedar:
- Eastern Red Cedar (Virginia juniper) is highly resistant to decay, but the wood is quite dense and therefore difficult to work. This cedar is also grown commercially and can be difficult and expensive to source.
- West Coast Cedar (Thuja folds) is much easier to find and use. However, it is prone to cracking if you try to use wood screws without drilling first.
Another disadvantage of using West Coast cedar is the lack of Sustainability It does. Also, since it is native to the west coast, if you want to use it on the east coast, the cost will skyrocket due to shipping costs. It is also less prone to rot than Eastern Red.
(Image source: Kristen Prahl / Getty Images)
Building a Cedar Raised Bed – Getting Started
Cedar can be expensive. To save money, find a lumber yard that has discounted decking. This will be cedar that may have holes or cracks, but will still be adequate for your raised bed and can save you a lot of money. Try these tips:
- Once your cedar is cut and ready to assemble, don’t forget to pre-drill holes (guide holes) before screwing the pieces together. If you forget, the wood may split.
- Use metal brackets to hold the pieces together. If you are installing a lid, use 4x4s instead of 2x2s for the corner brackets.
- Place a straight line at the bed position weed control fabric before installing the raised cedar bed on top.
- You should also line the bed floor with cardboard, then fill in with higher bedding material.
Is cedar right for your raised bed project?
As we’ve explained, cedar is one of the most beautiful woods to use for DIY raised bed projects. Its natural oils and tannins are great for durability. However, it is still prone to weathering if exposed to extreme temperatures – so depending on where you live, this could be an issue.
You also need to consider how much space you have in your garden. Depending on the size of your raised bed, cedar may be a step too far. For situations where cedar cannot be easily accommodated, you may want to try a custom metal raised bed option. You can purchase modules Vego Garden raised bed gardening kit Durable, flexible, long lasting and adaptable to the shape and size of your garden.
4-in-1 Modular Metal Raised Garden Bed Kit 17 Inches Tall – $129.95
This set from Vego Garden can be assembled to the size and shape that perfectly fits your space. It’s ideal for small, narrow yards or situations where you can’t find something natural but still want an attractive and durable option.
This article introduces products available from third-party vendors on Gardening Guide Store.
