I'm planing on brick or stone, but cinder block would work too. And the bit
about the lumber is true so far as I know. Besides, the lumber will decay
eventually, no matter what it's treated w/, or crack if it freezes when wet,
etc.......
Murri

"Patskywriter" wrote in message
...
First things first, build yourself a nice compost bin.

thanks, murri! believe it or not, i actually have TWO compost bins, even
though
i don't have a backyard garden yet! I also bought rain barrels for all our
gutters (5 in total). you can save a FORTUNE when you water your plants
with
rainwater.

a friend of mine told me that cinder blocks would be better for the raised
beds
that i'll be growing fruits and veggies in. pressure-treated wood leaches
harmful preservatives into the soil; conversely, cinder blocks leach a bit
of
lime into the soil, which is fine by me. because i'm driving a dinky lil
plymouth, i'll buy a few cinder blocks every time i'm in the vicinity of
lowe's
or home depot. by spring i should have enough for all my beds.

pat