On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 19:20:24 +0000 (UTC), "Graham Harrison"
wrote:

~Considering creating raised beds for vegetables. Not too sure about using
~wood because of the various chemicals that might be embedded so I'm
~considering things like
~http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalo...roducts_id=749
~(there's a bigger version too). I've also come across
~http://www.hdra.org.uk/todo_now/faqs_topic.php?id=126.
~
~Anybody care to comment on (a) whether I'm being silly in rejecting wood (b)
~any other "systems" like the ones above?
~
~
If you want to create a bed of a respectable size, then both these
options will cost an absolute fortune. Also both will be quite high in
energy use in their manufacture, so aren't terribly green even if the
plastic is recycled carrier bags or something.

I'm using old wood to make raised beds at the allotment, though they
aren't very neat. I figure they've had any chemical coatings washed
out over the years so should be fine, together with the recycling
aspect and their being wood.

Failing that, go to your nearest local (small) timber yard and have a
chat. They will know what things have been pressure-treated with, and
will also probably be happy to cut pieces to the exact sizes you need
for your beds. My local one did just that for my netting frames, and
would have delivered too.


--
jane

Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone,
you may still exist but you have ceased to live.
Mark Twain

Please remove onmaps from replies, thanks!