My garden is comprised mainly of wooden raised beds, but I have one spot left to build another one. I have a pile of landscape timbers that I will be using to make a new 3-tier raised bed. While it may be winter, work can still be done in the garden.

Q: What wood should you use for a raised bed?
Untreated wood, cedar, redwood, and even newly treated lumber can be used for raised beds.

Q: Can you make an untreated wood-raised bed last longer?
Using linseed oil or tung oil can enhance the appearance of the wood and provide some protection against the elements.

Q: Is treated wood safe for a raised bed?
Newly treated wood IS safe for use in a raised bed. However, older treated wood may have been treated with chemicals like arsenic that can leach into the soil and affect plants and your health. Never use railroad ties or telephone polls for a raised bed because they were likely treated with creosote.

Q: How wide should a raised bed be?
The ideal width is 3 to 4 feet. This allows easy access to plants from either side without stepping into the bed, minimizing soil compaction.

Q: How long should a raised bed be?
While there's no strict rule on the length of a raised bed, consider practicality. If you can't easily step over to the other side of the raised bed, how far do you want to walk to get around?

Q: How tall should a raised bed be?
A height of 12 to 18 inches is common for a raised bed. But if your soil is good, there is nothing wrong with a short border and essentially growing in the ground. Taller beds are good for individuals with mobility issues.

Q: How can you cheaply fill a raised bed?
Use a mix of garden soil, compost, and well-rotted manure for a nutrient-rich blend to fill your raised bed. If you are filling several raised beds, find a local nursery that can deliver a dump truck of soil--it is much cheaper than buying it by the bag. Additionally, consider using locally sourced materials like composted leaves or grass clippings if you have to fill tall raised beds.

Q: Will plants grow in woodchips and leaves?
Wood chips and leaves, especially those that are not fully decomposed, contain lots of carbon, which microbes in the soil need for decomposition. During the decomposition process, microbes use nitrogen as an energy source. If there is insufficient nitrogen in the soil, microbes may temporarily take nitrogen from the surrounding soil, making it less available to plants. Eventually, it will be re-released.

Q: How deep are the roots of tomato plants?
Tomato plant roots can extend 2 to 3 feet deep, but most of the root zone is in the first foot of the soil.