It’s spring now and many of you are thinking ‘I would love to have a garden now’. For you who have already got one, and wish to expand or make your wooden box raised beds last longer, this article is for you too.
Georgia clay (for those of you who live in the Southeast) is a bit like concrete. It takes about 7 years of hard work to take this kind of soil and make it loose and fertile enough to really grow food, and tons of organic matter and other amendments so it is soft enough for roots to grow in it. For this reason my clients (for my consulting business designing environments for self-reliance and greater yield) often ask me how can I grow anything in this soil? I tell them what I have found to be true, don’t try plowing or tilling, put your beds above the clay and be able to grow that season and not have to wait. Besides, once you put good soil and plants in a raised bed eventually the clay underneath it softens and roots can finally penetrate there too.
But wood boxes with untreated lumber don’t last but about 3 to 5 years before the bugs eat the wood. And you never want to use untreated lumber to make your growing beds because regardless of what the lumber people will tell you, it’s toxic and that goes into your food. So, what do you use for making your beds? My best choice is using double celled cinder blocks because I plant my pollinator attracting flowers in them along side of my other crops and use the space also for herbs. And if you paint them pretty colors with exterior grade paint they are also pretty (mine are painted grass green). They last forever so its a good investment.
But they are more expensive and heavy to lift. The next best kind of raised bed are the metal oval shaped ones that are taller and hold more soil. These are great if you don’t like bending over so much to garden. But are more expensive yet. And filling them with soil can also take more time and if you purchase your soil, more expensive.
Next best would be covering the inside of your regular 2×12 lumber non-treated on the inward facing side with 3.5 mil plastic available at Home Depot in large sheets which can be cut to size and either stapled on or held in place with strips of 1×1 nailed over the plastic to keep the lumber from rotting. This extends the life of the bed considerably. I’ve never actually timed the life of this solution but I imagine much longer than 3 to 5 years.
The next solution is comprised of a controlled burning of the surface of the lumber. This keeps the bugs from eating the wood, repels fungi which break down the wood, and which is much cheaper, long lasting, and non-toxic in nature, easier to do. And it’s proven to work, an ancient Japanese method. I like this one a lot and have seen it in action on “My Self Reliance” Youtube channel. with a fellow Permaculturist, Shawn James who does this to all his wood, including the logs for his log home, his raised beds, and other applications.
He does this either by making a fire and placing the wood over the coals till they are the right color, and moving them along till all the surfaces are blackened, or using a propane torch under pressure which is faster and more controlled.
Every gardener tells me they never seem to have enough garden space, and this method can be installed quickly, filled with soil using “Lasagna Gardening” method which in Permaculture we call “Sheet Mulching” (google it, interesting and easy to do).
When you create your own beds and know they are toxin free and can last a long time, it’s worth it to drum up the effort to have a garden over Georgia Clay. So, I hope this technique makes it easier and longer lasting for you and that you can get busy and make that little garden in your yard (or even on your patio on concrete rather than clay) so you can grow those delicious gourmet varieties of the vegetables in those wonderful seed catalogues that com in the mail. Or make use of the handy already started little plants at the nursery or hardware store.
Here is the information:
Raised Bed burning wood to preserve
Why and How to Burn Wood Frames for Your Raised Garden Beds: Exploring the Shou Sugi Ban Method
In the quest for durability and aesthetic appeal in garden design, one ancient Japanese technique stands out: Shou Sugi Ban. This method, originally used for preserving wood by charring it, offers a unique solution for raised garden bed frames. Not only does it enhance the wood’s resistance to weathering, pests, and rot, but it also provides a striking visual contrast in your garden. In this article, we delve into the why and how of applying the Shou Sugi Ban method to your raised garden beds, complete with a safety disclaimer to ensure you undertake this project securely.
Burning wood for making raised beds:
Why Use the Shou Sugi Ban Method?
1. Durability: The charring process significantly increases the wood’s longevity, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications like raised garden beds.
2. Pest Resistance:Charred wood is less appealing to pests such as termites and carpenter ants, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
3. Rot Resistance: The burning process removes surface cellulose, creating a barrier against moisture — a primary cause of wood rot.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Shou Sugi Ban-treated wood has a unique, deep black finish that can turn silver-gray over time, adding a distinctive look to your garden.
How to Burn Wood Frames Using the Shou Sugi Ban Method
Materials Needed:
- Cedar, redwood, or any other suitable wood for raised beds
- Propane torch
- Wire brush
- Sandpaper (fine-grit)
- Natural oil (optional, for finishing)
- Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, respiratory mask)
- Fire extinguisher on hand or bucket of water.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Preparation: Choose a well-ventilated, outdoor area away from flammable materials. Wear safety gear to protect against heat, flying debris, and fumes.
- Torching the Wood: Using a propane torch, evenly apply flame to the surface of the wood, moving the torch back and forth to avoid burning too deeply. Aim for a consistent char across the entire surface.
- Brushing: Once the wood has cooled, use a wire brush to remove loose char and ash, revealing the grain. This step enhances the wood’s texture and prepares it for finishing.
- Sanding: Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges, being careful not to remove too much of the charred layer.
- Applying Oil: (Optional) For additional protection and to bring out the wood’s natural beauty, apply a coat of natural oil. Linseed or tung oil are excellent choices. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
- Assembly: Construct your raised garden bed frames as desired, using the treated wood.
Burned wood for raised beds.
Safety Disclaimer
While the Shou Sugi Ban method can be safely applied at home, it involves open flames and significant heat, presenting potential hazards. Always prioritize safety by working in a well-ventilated area, wearing protective gear, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave the torch unattended while it is lit, and ensure all flames are fully extinguished after completing your project. It is also recommended to consult or hire professionals if you’re unfamiliar with using a propane torch.
By integrating the Shou Sugi Ban method into your raised garden bed construction, you not only enhance the durability and aesthetics of your garden but also engage with a sustainable practice that minimizes the need for chemical treatments and frequent replacements. With the right precautions and steps, you can achieve stunning, long-lasting wood frames that will serve as a testament to both your gardening and craftsmanship skills.
For those who would like to learn more about gardening, Permaculture Design, my consulting practice or the internship we have here at Hillside Gardens in Auburn, Ga., PM me on Faceboook at Georgia Dirks or email at didirks@comcast.net We cover a wide range of subjects in the areas of organic gardening, herbal and plant medicine, applied environmental sciences, and how to make nature work for you.
The Garden Lady of Georgia 