Termites, Mulch, Heavy Clay Soil, Raised beds

17 years ago

Ok here is the problem I have. I have HEAVY CLAY SOIL. I mean it took me a while to dig out I think less then a meter by less then a meter square foot by about 2ft deep using like 30 bags of soil (triple mix), peat moss, left over potting soil, etc.

I also live in an area that we studied for termites and I already had a home inspection and termites were present. The Orkin company has done the termite treatments and so far I'm in (I think) my 3rd year on thier pass inspection.

Now that I've said termites in the last paragraph it is real concern of mine. I never thought I had them before and had suspicions previous neighbours and street residents brought them in many years ago as I always smell/see wood burning chimneys so it is possible thier wood may have had termites and they spread out.

I would like to make a raised bed in my backyard. I am looking to errect a greenhouse as well. I have a designated approx 8.5 ft x 7 meters for my growing area. The greenhouse will be in the middle. I have a 6' x 8' greenhouse. That 1/2 ft clearence is my distance fromt he fence which I plan on mulching the side weeds down or may just lay down half slabs of patio.

I was thinking of using the cheapest untreated wood at Home Depot as I plan on using my raised beds for food production but then the termite thing hit me so I took a step back. The garden will be at the back of backyard and my backyard is approx. 9-9.5 meters on the diagonal.

I would also like to mulch my front ornemental garden as the weeds are starting to take over but the flower bed is just over 1 ft from my foundation and my concerns for termites arise again. I was thinking of using rubber mulch but it is about I think 2 times the cost of red cedar primium mulch if I recall right.

So my question to all of you experts and experienced green thumbs is what mulch is termite resistant? Also ahy material thoughts for the raised bed that is once again termite resistant?

Keep in mind the current economical conditions so money is tight but I still want it to look good while producing food at the same time.

Thank you in advance for the help. Sorry for the really long post asI wanted to explain as much as possible so people can help me out better.

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Comments (3)

pixiegrrl
Original Author
17 years ago
Forgot to mention I was thinking of having everything started this week if possible. It's practically June right now (well one more day to June).

I figured I'd go the raised bed route as the physical efforts to convert clay to usable soil to a depth of ~3ft is very expensive and back breaking. Not to mention locating the utility lines as well. Also relocating or getting rid of the clay soil as well.

When we did our front garden we ended up removing about something like 2-3 cu ft of clay soil while about 1cu ft has been used to grade the backyard already but another 2cu ft. is still on the sied of the house mounded up.
miss_take
16 years ago
I'm interested (I realize it's old) if you ever came to any conclusions on this? I found this thread via a search, so, yeah...

Or, perhaps someone else has some advise?
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TwoMonths
15 years ago
yes, what did you decide. I am where the sand blows up from Palm Springs into the higher levels of the desert. We have deep sand and crud for dirt. Takes a lot of compost for any reason. I am using containers (old trunk bottoms, plastic and chip board, deep wire trays) and putting up on top of legs (saw horses, old bath bench, old bench made with headboards and other table legs). I am lining it all with newspaper (and maybe also material), I also have some old drawers that I am gona do something with. I want to get up so I can use good dirt and be away from these pesky gophers and where the dogs will not dig. I also have a large bookcase that I will reinforce and add table legs to put in somethings. Still working this out bot in the yard and on paper. I plan on using some recycle type water in a big barrel to be able to water efficiently. I say recycle water cause if the grandkids play in a big tub or pool...I will use that water to water the garden. Thinking about setting up an outside shower and capture that water, lol. Who knows what will work annd what I will do. But I am gona try it this year. I am also going to try a potato tower.