The Benefits Of Cedar Lumber For Your Raised Garden Beds
by Clayton James
Raised garden beds can be constructed out of many different materials, from wood to PVC and more. If you've decided that you want to plant your garden in raised beds, the next step for you is to decide what type of beds you're going to build. Cedar is one of the best types of wood to build your raised beds out of for many reasons. Here's a look at what you need to know about why cedar is such a great option for your garden's raised beds.
Natural Beauty
When compared to traditional lumber beds, cedar lumber is a far more attractive option. If the appearance of your garden beds and the overall look of your landscaping is important, cedar lumber is an ideal choice.
The tannins present in cedar lumber create a rich red color, and the knots and surface cracking that can develop on cedar lumber will make each bed a one-of-a-kind feature in your yard. In addition, cedar lumber ages far better than other options. As cedar ages, the wood turns to a silver color that looks elegant. If you prefer, you can sand and oil the lumber to restore the vibrant red color that cedar is known for.
Durable Investment
When it comes to garden beds, there are a lot of factors you need to consider for durability. First, remember that soil is heavy. Filling your raised beds adds a lot of weight. Traditional hardwoods are strong enough to withstand this weight, but they are not as attractive and are also vulnerable to weather damage and other hazards. They are also heavier than many other options, making them difficult to move.
Composite raised beds aren't going to be strong enough to support the soil. The composite material is likely to bow and suffer fatigue from the weight. Cedar, while considered softwood lumber, is an ideal option for raised beds because the low density of the wood makes the lumber lighter in weight. At the same time, that low density allows for a balanced moisture content that preserves the lifespan of the wood and helps it to hold up against the weight of the soil inside the beds.
Pest Resistance
One of the biggest challenges for a fruitful garden is protecting your garden from pest infestations. While you can't eliminate every pest by choosing cedar lumber for your raised beds, you can reduce your pest problems significantly.
The natural oils in cedar wood protect it from pests in two different ways. First, the oils in cedar repel many insects. Additionally, those oils protect cedar from decay, which makes the wood far less vulnerable to those pests that are attracted by decaying, weakened wood.
Talk with a cedar lumber supplier today about the materials that you need for your garden beds this spring, like Liese Lumber Co Inc .
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About Me
Getting into the agricultural business can be a profitable one, but you need the right tools and equipment put into place in order to ensure your success. There is no reason to create your business by hand when so many awesome options are available on the market to help you. Whether it comes to watering your plots or keeping pests at bay, there is machinery and accessories available to get the job done with less manpower, electricity, and money. On this blog you'll learn about the best pesticides, fertilizers, and weeders to use on your farm. You'll also gain some insight into the best machinery to use depending on your specific type of agricultural endeavor. And once in awhile you may even gain some insight into the best times of year to grow particular types of crops.