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Square Foot Gardening

new bed building material

18 years ago

My husband and I just discovered an alterantive material for building our beds. 1"x6"x16' rough cut fencing boards! We found them locally when we were building a gate. They cost only $7. They are pressure treated, which we don't mind (we line with black plastic)- so they will last forever!

We have decided to put off building new beds this year because our entire yard is under construction right now. We need to invest our time and money in other more pressing areas right now (the septic system was failed this winter and we have been jumping over, under, and thru hoops trying to get that taken care of). But next year I have a vision..

at least 2 new beds, 24"x4'x16'...

yeah!

happy planting,

bluejean in ohio

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Comments (5)

justaguy2
18 years ago
Sounds like a plan, just make sure to use cross beams or some other method to keep the sides from bowing out over time. 16' long with 1 by lumber will definitely bow out if it's longer than 5-6 ft without reinforcement.
bluejean
Original Author
18 years ago
we planned on using 4x4's for supports in the corners and along the length, then using the same 1x6's as a seat along the top. Sure makes weeding easier!
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justaguy2
18 years ago
Sounds like a very good plan to me!
johnirwin
18 years ago
I built my fist square foot garden using the 1"x6"x6ft fencing boards. For the lining I used the compost and soil bags.

Here is a link that might be useful: my first SFG Garden
jmaellis
18 years ago
I made my beds out of fencing boards also. It's worked for me.

Here is a link that might be useful: My SFG Blog

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