Hi
I’ve spent so long digging my lawn to make raised beds. I’ve used second hand pallet collars but I’ve not lined them. I’ve only just read that on the Internet I guess I have to empty them all and refill? Is lining the way to go?
Also it said about putting matting on the bottom to allow worms and moisture to pass through but not weeds. Any idea what kind of matting? I have some but I don’t think worms can pass through it. I did dig down a way before starting the beds. I’ve used 2 collars per bed. Thank you in advance.
To line or not to line raised beds
Moderators: KG Steve, Chantal, Tigger, peter
- peter
- KG Regular
- Posts: 5850
- Joined: Fri Nov 25, 2005 1:54 pm
- Location: Near Stansted airport
- Has thanked: 18 times
- Been thanked: 49 times
- Contact:
Not sure what you mean by pallet collars?
Do not put off thanking people when they have helped you, as they may not be there to thank later.
I support http://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/
I support http://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/
- Compo
- KG Regular
- Posts: 1422
- Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2006 8:58 pm
- Location: Somerset
- Been thanked: 7 times
I never line them. The bottom allows free passage between the ground and the infilled earth - a natural connection. As for lining the sides. I wouldnt as what that will do is trap moisture between the timber and the liner. I treat the timber with what ever wood treatment I have to hand.
If I am not on the plot, I am not happy.........
-
- KG Regular
- Posts: 2133
- Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2017 10:12 am
- Location: Angus by the sea
- Has thanked: 391 times
- Been thanked: 247 times
I have put a weed membrane at the bottom of my beds with the idea of restricting invasive roots, I didn't bother lining the sides. The theory that it will help slow down the wood rotting doesn't stand up as the top and outside are exposed. A plant friendly wood treatment would work, those collars are not that thick, so they won't last forever, whatever you do, I used railway sleepers for mine.
Been gardening for over 65 years and still learning.
-
- KG Regular
- Posts: 1869
- Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2008 4:03 pm
- Location: Butts Meadow, Berkhamsted
- Been thanked: 2 times
If it was me, I would put down a double layer of cardboard and put the collar on top of it. Make sure the cardboard cover is absolutely complete and extends beyond the containing collar.
I have a bit of a down on non-compostable weed-suppressing membranes at the moment as I am clearing some which have been overwhelmed by weeds after a couple of years of neglect.
Bindweed above, below and through this fabric. Couch grass does just the same.
I have a bit of a down on non-compostable weed-suppressing membranes at the moment as I am clearing some which have been overwhelmed by weeds after a couple of years of neglect.
Bindweed above, below and through this fabric. Couch grass does just the same.
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.