Deer Proof Cedar Complete Raised Garden Bed Kit - 8' x 8' x 20" (2024)

FAQs

How long will cedar last for a raised garden bed? ›

Most raised beds are constructed from lumber. Pine and other framing lumber will last about 4 to 5 years, while more expensive cedar will hang together for 8 to 10 years. Don't use redwood, which is an endangered species.

Conversely, lower-cost woods like Douglas Fir contain no chemicals (assuming the wood has not been treated), but are not as rot-resistant as other softwoods, making them more susceptible to faster decay. There are better lumber choices for garden boxes, including Redwood and Cedar.

Physical barriers are perhaps the most effective method you can use to keep deer at bay. These includes fences and covers, such as plastic netting, chicken wire, or floating row covers that you place over plants so deer can't reach them.

The type of wood used for raised beds makes a difference. Redwood and cedar are more expensive but resist decay, so they last longer. Pine and fir will break down more quickly but are available at a fraction of the cost.

An older type of wood preservative called Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) contained arsenic, copper, and chromium. CCA-treated wood is no longer available for residential use as of 2004. Avoid using older types of wood treatments such as CCA, creosote, and Penta-treated lumber.

Adding a liner to a raised garden bed is crucial for preventing fluctuations in temperature. The soil in a raised or elevated garden bed will lose or gain heat much more quickly than the soil in the ground.

Stone Is the Most Durable Raised Bed Material

Stone is also food-safe and can often be locally sourced.

He stated in a bulletin titled, Treated Wood in Raised Bed Gardening, “Scientific evidence and data have shown that using pressure treated wood for raised bed or box gardening is safe to adults and children in terms of the plants grown and used in these containers.” He further explains, “All chemicals in consumer ...

It has a high level of tannins that increases its durability and helps repel rot and prevent termite infestations. Raised beds made of redwood can last a decade or more and are rumored to last a bit longer than cedar, especially when heart redwood is used.

Mint: Like lavender, mint has a powerful natural scent that overwhelms other smells. It isn't that deer don't like the smell; it's because if there's mint present, they can't smell anything else. They will usually avoid any area that has a high concentration of mint.

Does Irish Spring soap repel deer? ›

It may seem silly, but sprinkling soap is a tried and true method of deterring deer from entering and destroying your garden. Cut Irish Spring Original soap into cubes, and place the pieces into the ground around newly growing plants.

Application Method: Spread used coffee grounds around the base of your hostas, forming a layer of mulch. This can help deter pests like deer and contribute to the soil's nutrient content.

Cedar is often considered the golden standard for building raised beds, and it's my favorite option. It's naturally resistant to rot and pests thanks to its natural tannins. (Pine, by the way, has a lower level of these tannins, so it's not naturally protected from rot and pests.)

A 12-inch raised bed is a great minimum height for growing lots of delicious plants in the kitchen garden. If you want to grow larger vining plants like tomatoes, squash, or zucchini—plants that sprawl and tend to draw a lot of nutrients from the soil as they grow—you might move closer to an 18-inch raised bed.

Herbs like basil, cilantro, and other low leafy greens like lettuce will grow and grow with just 6 inches of soil. A 1-foot raised bed is more than enough to accommodate a salad garden box plan. Carrots, radishes and peppers thrive with 12 inches or more.

Metal raised garden beds are made from materials such as galvanized steel or corrugated metal. These are strong and durable materials that can last for years, and they are great for those looking for a long-lasting option for their garden.

Cedar deteriorates quicker than treated wood, even with the added maintenance. As such it's not always the best choice. Cedar typically does not last as long as treated wood, lasting around 18 - 21 years with regular maintenance while treated wood lasts 20 - 23 years.

As the use of cedar continued to expand, people began to realize its potential as a planter material. Cedar's natural oils make it resistant to many pests and insects that can damage plants. It's also resistant to rot, which means it can withstand the elements without deteriorating quickly.

Note that staining your raised beds won't provide much extra protection in the long term. Staining is more for the aesthetic nature of the wood by adding that rich color and enhancing the visual interest of the wood grain. It's best to follow the stain with a natural wood sealer product.