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DoubleDogFarm
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Customer is always right?

About 3 years ago, I built eight ( 8 ) raised beds all out of cedar for the neighbor. She started out growing vegetables and a few flowers. Now the boxes are almost all flowers.

Today, I'm finishing up ( 6 ) six new raised boxes for her. To save on cost, she decided that treated boxes capped with cedar would be fine. The cedar cap will blend the new, somewhat, with the old.

Boxes are 4ft wide and 10ft long. Personally, I think they are to wide and treated wood is wrong.

The customer is always right. :roll:
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/1%20Metal%20and%20Wood%20Garden%20Art/JacobsonBoxes002.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/1%20Metal%20and%20Wood%20Garden%20Art/JacobsonBoxes003.jpg[/img]

Eric
Last edited by DoubleDogFarm on Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Kisal
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If she can sit/stand at the edge of the bed and reach the center to weed and take care of the plants, then IMO, the width is fine.
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SPierce
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Aww man! I wish you were closer to me to be able to make me a few raised beds along the way!

Seriously though, whether you like what she's asking for or no, they look lovely!
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rainbowgardener
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Yeah, I think 4' wide is pretty traditional, as that is about as wide as it can be for most people and still be able to reach the center without stepping in it.

But very narrow aisles between them. I like to be able to get a wheelbarrow between mine.
DoubleDogFarm
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Rainbow,
This is my gravel driveway. I just clustered them for the photo. I delivered them this evening and they will be placed tomorrow or next few days. I believe there will be enough room for a wheel barrow / garden cart.

I guess I'm a little spoiled, I like 3ft wide beds.

More pictures after they are installed.
Eric
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Kisal
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They really are attractive, Eric. You did nice work. :)
DoubleDogFarm
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Thank You :)

Eric
denny27
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I am just curious on how many years you can expect to get out of the ones you make out of all cedar.
DoubleDogFarm
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denny27,

That's a good question, but I don't have a answer for you. The neighbor thinks the first eight boxes was 4 summers ago not 3. :? They still look pretty good.
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/1%20Metal%20and%20Wood%20Garden%20Art/JacobsonBoxes004.jpg[/img]

Treated lumber I believe is advertised at 20 years ground contact.

New boxes in place, but not leveled.
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/1%20Metal%20and%20Wood%20Garden%20Art/JacobsonBoxes007.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/1%20Metal%20and%20Wood%20Garden%20Art/JacobsonBoxes005.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/1%20Metal%20and%20Wood%20Garden%20Art/JacobsonBoxes008.jpg[/img]

Eric
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stella1751
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Those are really attractive, Eric. I agree with SPierce; I wish I had you as a neighbor!
garden5
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Wow, you do great work, Eric!

I think, depending on the person, 4 ft. is fine. I mean, like RBG said, it all depends on your reach.

As long as you can comfortably get to the center of the bed without stepping it, it should be fine.

Now, as far as the treated lumber goes, I know that with the old compound used to treat the lumber (Chromated Copper Arsenate), the chromium and arsenic could be uptaken by the plants if I remember correctly.

It's now treated with ACQ, (there may be other treatments as well). I'm not sure how that affects the plants.

Personally, I wouldn't want to use it...but that's just me.
DoubleDogFarm
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Again, thanks!

Garden5, They say it's now safe, but I still try to avoid it. I was thinking, if she wanted to grow vegetables, she should grow them in the all cedar boxes. Fill the new ones with flowers. :wink:

Eric
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applestar
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Sorry, just got here. Looks great and I 3rd or 4th wishing you for a neighbor. :wink:
DoubleDogFarm
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:oops: :oops:

Just wanted let everyone know that half of the Island is for sale.

I'm sure they would love to talk to you.
https://sanjuanislands.com/SearchSJI.shtml

Eric
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farmerlon
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DoubleDogFarm wrote:... They say it's now safe, but I still try to avoid it. ...
Yeah, but just look at how many chemicals, once considered safe, were later taken off the market or restricted.
The raised beeds look beautiful. But, for my own peace of mind, I have to agree with you that I would not use the treated lumber for garden beds.


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