How Do You Preserve Wood In Raised Garden Beds?
Raised garden beds are particularly effective in areas with poor soil conditions and drainage issues. They allow gardeners to plant early and avoid freezes. Many raised beds can help to eliminate attacks from burrowing creatures like moles and protect the garden from slugs and other insects. When making a raised garden bed from wood, you should purchase pretreated planks or preserve the wood to avoid rotting. Many eco-sensitive gardeners prefer not to use chemically treated wood and find other, more natural ways to preserve their borders and beds. Melt 1 oz. of paraffin wax in a double boiler. Add in a gallon of turpentine and 1-1/2 cups of linseed oil, mixing it together. This preservative was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Products Laboratory. Dip small pieces of wood in the mixture and hold for three minutes. Double or triple the formula for longer pieces of wood and brush on the mixture. Move the wood around from top to bottom every year to p
