How to line your WoodBlocX raised bed (2024)

FAQs

How to line your WoodBlocX raised bed? ›

High-quality plastic damp proof membranes offer the best type of protection for your raised bed. This type of liner will ensure your structure stays in great condition. WoodBlocX raised beds are built to last for 15 years when lined but can last much longer if they are well looked after.

For lining, use landscape fabric found at garden supply stores or cloth fabric from clothing. Avoid non-porous plastic, as it can retain too much water and discourage beneficial insects and worms.

As a final reminder, avoid lining your garden beds with plastic. Doing so prevents drainage and could drown your plants' roots with too much water. If you have a weed and pest problem, consider installing a combination of metal mesh and fabric or hardware cloth and cardboard to address both issues simultaneously.

Although raised beds are usually constructed on free-draining soil, we recommend lining the bottom of your bed with a generous drainage layer of hardcore, stones or coarse gravel.

Plastic sheeting is the best material for lining a planter with. Pond liners work well for lining the bottom of planters as they are robust and can easily be shaped into the perfect size to fit the dimensions of your planter. Pond liners are also thick enough to reduce any evaporation of water from the soil.

Plastic sheeting works well to protect the wood. For a cheaper alternative, you could use an empty compost bag, just cut it open and staple the bag to the inside of the box.

Carrots, beets, and radishes are some of the root vegetables that will really benefit from the improved soil. Spinach, chard, arugula, kale, and lettuce are some leafy greens to plant in raised beds. These quick-growing greens can be planted together or interplanted with other vegetables.

The cons of raised beds

The main downside of raised beds is the work and expense of creating them in the first place. You don't have to use borders (soil can be raked into raised beds each season), but if you do, you'll have to acquire the wood, blocks, or stone.

If you use wood to make raised beds it should be treated to make it last longer than untreated wood, but to further extend its life, it's a good idea to line the sides and any buttresses with plastic. This could be a bespoke damp proof membrane or old compost bags, cut to size.

Why put cardboard in raised beds? ›

One of the most important benefits of cardboard is its effective ability to suppress and kill weeds. It acts as a physical barrier to block out pernicious weeds. Usually, 2 – 3 layers of cardboard will suffice, though you may want layers in more weed-prone areas.

Cardboard or newspaper: Cardboard is a great option if you are on a budget. You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to deter pests and weeds.

Liners can help prevent burrowing pests such as voles, moles, gophers, groundhogs and groundhogs. The padding suppresses weeds that may grow from the ground under a raised bed, but this is only necessary if your bed is under 6 inches.

Line the Inside

You then need to line the planter with a plastic sheet. Staple the plastic to the planter's sides and poke a few holes into the bottom to let the water drain. The liner shouldn't go over the rim of the box but should be close to the top to line it properly.

Cardboard or newspaper: Cardboard is a great option if you are on a budget. You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to deter pests and weeds.

Using an eco-friendly wood treatment is a great way to increase your confidence that your raised beds will last a long time. I recommend at the very least coating your lumber in linseed oil or beeswax to preserve them for the long haul.