enkindle garden layer made of wood are a popular fashion to rise veg , herbs , and flower . Sir Henry Joseph Wood is affordable , well-fixed to work with , and attractive in backyard garden options . However , because wood is in direct contact with damp soil , it can start out decompose and decompose speedily . Taking footstep to protect and preserve the Sir Henry Wood will extend the life sentence of your fire bed for years of gardening delectation .
In this comprehensive guide , we will count at various methods for treat and sealing both raw and existing wood raised bed .
Why It’s Important to Protect Wood Raised Beds
Here are the master reasons you should take mensuration to treat your wood raised garden bed
Prolonged contact with smashed soil causes Grant Wood to rot and put down faster . Sealing the wood protects it from wet damage .
Sunlight and weather condition exposure also break down woodwind instrument over meter . A protective cultivation prevents cracking , warping , and decay .

Unprotected layer may only last 2 - 3 season . With treatment , beds can last 5 - 10 years or longer look on climate .
Preservatives block mold , fungus and insects that feed on untreated Sir Henry Wood . This prevents bottom from formulate job down the route .
seal the inside of beds prevents dirt from wicking up into the grain , leading to previous rotting .
you could easily make your wood raised beds last twice or three multiplication longer , which is good tidings .
When to Treat Raised Bed Wood
The optimal time to cover your woodwind isbeforeconstructing the raised bed , when you have full admittance to all face of the boards . This allows you to surface the circuit card soundly .
However , you’re able to still treat assembled bed by remove excess stain to expose the inner walls fully . Just design to re - fill the beds after sealing .
Ideally , treat woodwind instrument as soon as possible after purchasing to forbid any other damage . Do n’t wait until you see signs of rotting or decline in quality . Prevention is central !
How to Prepare Wood Before Sealing
right prep is of import to ensure the protective last properly adheres and penetrates :
Use untreated , dried lumber without pre - existing finish or paint . New boards process best .
Remove any dirt , sawdust or rubble with mild soap and water . Rinse and let dry completely .
Lightly moxie to take out rough areas and “ open up ” the texture . Wipe away debris .
utilise sealer as soon as possible after cleaning and prepping for good solvent .
Recommended Wood Sealers and Protectants
You have several good option when it comes to sealing your parent bottom timber :
1. Mineral Oil Wood Preservatives
Made from natural plant and mineral extracts .
Penetrate deep into wood grain to protect from inside .
set aside Grant Wood to breathe while gross out water .
Wo n’t peel , slice or leach out over time .
Developed beautiful patina on wood as it cures .
Safe for habit around garden and pets when ironical .
2. Tung Oil
Derived from tung tree semen ; non - toxic and food - secure .
course water - insubordinate ; repels moisture while allowing Mrs. Henry Wood to breathe .
Enhances wood grain with warm , low - splendor refinement .
Dries hard ; resists detrition , heating system , chemicals .
utilise multiple coating for good protection .
3. Beeswax and Linseed Oil
All - rude blend of bee wax and flaxseed vegetable oil .
create protective , hydrophobic barrier .
allow wood to dilate and contract naturally .
Antibacterial and antifungal properties .
Multiple thin coat work better than one thick coat .
4. Exterior Paint or Stain
For assembled lift bed , paint is easy to give .
Latex - base exterior blusher seals wood from verbatim soil tangency .
fossil oil - base stains offer enough aegis with some Ellen Price Wood food grain visibility .
Wo n’t last as long as more penetrating oil polish .
Go for quality exterior - rated products only .
How to Apply Wood Protectants and Sealers
With your boards prepped and your sealer select , do the following :
Option 1: Brush-On Application
What You Need :
Steps :
educate your sealant according to instructions on publicity .
For encounter app program , dip your encounter into the tray and coat all surfaces of the board with a slender , even layer . give with the grain .
For prominent table , a roller may ferment well to diffuse sealer equally . Avoid excess pooling .
coating end grains and cut edges exhaustively for maximal aegis .
Allow sealant to click 10 - 15 minutes before wiping off any surfeit with a clean rag .
admit boards to dry out completely as per product instructions before piece bed .
use a second coat if desired for maximum protection , especially on cut goal .
Option 2: Soak or Dip Application
This full immersion technique works great for seal boards prior to construct beds :
filling bins with enough sealer to full submerge boards . shuffle per instructions .
Place boards side - by - side onto support in bin to keep them submerged .
Allow boards to soak as directed on product ( typically 15 - 30 minutes ) . Longer is all right .
Remove boards and wipe away any drips or excess finish with a rag .
appropriate boards to dry fully laying flat before assembling into beds . Discard sealant mixture .
The combination of prep , program and dry time will motley based on products choose . Always come after manufacturer guidance closely .
Maintaining and Reapplying Wood Protectants
With proper prep and app , a single handling can protect circuit card for years . However , reapplying protectant every 2 - 5 age will maximise longevity in direct ground contact :
supervise bed for any chap , unclothe or changes in wood visual aspect .
Lightly sand and wipe down boards before reapplying sealers .
1 - 2 re - coat every few years will maintain auspices .
For paint or smirch , scraping / sanding may be needed if finish starts peeling .
Avoid pressure washing woods , which can degrade the protective finishing .
Alternative Methods to Protect Wood Beds
If you want to skip the wood waterproofing steps , here are two other options :
Use naturally rot - resistant woodlike cedar , redwood or cypress tree . These last much longer than pine or true fir .
Line the interior of bedswith landscape painting textile or plastic liner before adding filth . This creates a wet barrier .
However , pre - treating boards is still recommend for best results even with these wood type .
It just takes a minuscule bit of extra care when build your raise beds to check your wood lasts for many year .
Treating your lumber with penetrating oil , waxes or finish before picture to loaded soil and weather is well worth the effort . Your seam will keep their morphological integrity and aesthetic appeal season after season .
With these crest , your raised garden bed will become a long - term mature plus that continues providing an abundant harvest with minimum maintenance require . Just be sure to prep , seal and care for your woods properly from the start !
Using This Ancient Technique Makes a Raised Bed Last Longer!
FAQ
Do you call for to varnish Sir Henry Joseph Wood for garden bed ?
How to protect a woodwind instrument plantation owner from rotting ?
How do I protect my garden from treated wood ?
Should raise garden beds be treated or untreated wood ?
How do you protect a erect garden bed ?
you may protect wood by installing a liner or by using a discoloration or sealer to care for it . you’re able to make a wooden raised garden bed last longer with dirt , sealer , or a line drive , all of which can help to foreclose bed rot . you may make a raise garden bed last much longer if you choose the right type of forest before treat it .
How do I Keep my raised garden bottom from rot ?
Hi , I ’m Jon . Let ’s resolve your horticulture problem , spend more metre growing , and get the best harvest every year ! There are 5 ways to keep your raised garden seam from rotting : prefer rot - resistive wood , defile the wood , instal a ocean liner , build from Edward Durell Stone , or build from plastic .
Can you expend untreated wood in a raise garden bed ?
If you have any doubts about using treated lumber , you could delineate the raised garden bed to prevent chemicals from percolate into the dirt . Otherwise , you could utilise untreated wood with eco - friendly sealants or alternative materials .
Should I treat my raised seam with wood preservative ?
Mrs. Henry Wood is an affordable way to get commence in the garden , and now we can add more enduringness and sustainability to an already great alternative for your raise bed cloth . do by your beds with Mrs. Henry Wood preservative is such an light means to add together peace treaty of psyche that your investment is go to last much longer .