Yesterday the HH and I left the house early for a date day. Well, if you can call browsing for wood and bricks a date. We tried a new donut place {nothing to write home about} and were so efficient, we made it home by lunch and I got to spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies {3 of them!} in my pajamas and even hooked a little whale rug too.
It was fabulous darrrrling, just fabulous.
Let’s talk about wood. Shall we? Have you been shopping for wood lately? Holy canolies people, the prices are insane. At least double what they were last spring!
Last year {I think it was in early April} the HH built me 4 beautiful wooden garden boxes {which of course we left behind} and they were the perfect size {4×8 and I think 12″ tall}.
I still haven’t made up my mind though what type of garden boxes {beds} I want to install here though. Wood? Galvanized tubs? Stone?
In theory, galvanized tubs would be the easiest solution {the HH was all for those} but they would cost just as much as wood {if not a little more} and while they’re kind of cool and trendy right now, I don’t think the whole galvanized look would fit in well with a white seaside house, white picket fence and a casual flowy, relaxed garden space.
They seem so ridged and stern, don’t they?
This is what my current garden looks like. It’s a real beauty don’t you think? 🙂 It’s good we don’t live in a HOA development because we basically haven’t touched it since we moved in. Can you tell? That garden box is new though. Well, sort of.
It was sitting against the back of the house so I had the HH bring it around to the front yesterday so I could get an idea of how many garden boxes we’ll need. And yada yada yada, after much discussion, I decided on 4 {4×8} boxes.
Or so I thought…
While I was walking around the garden, I noticed that someone {probably a long time ago because they were in the ground pretty deep} had installed a bunch of stones to line the outer part of the garden area. And I was like wait a second… Maybe having garden boxes lined with stones would look better than garden boxes made out of wood.
Maybe it would look more natural. More Maine. {Mainers are notoriously thrifty folks and so using what was already there and just moving it around rather than buying something new {wood} would be kind of fitting too.}
So I had the HH begrudgingly dig up one of the stones {which, was a process let me tell you because the ground is still frozen}. He wasn’t convinced. {Probably because he’d be the one digging up all the stones. Ha!}
But then I showed him the pictures of the kitchen garden at Rough Point in Newport, Rhode Island we had visited a few years ago where they used stone rather than wood in their vegetable gardens.
And I was like, I don’t know… Maybe it would be fun to do something with stones rather than wooden garden boxes at this house. Maybe it would fit into the landscape a little better since we’re so close to the water. Maybe something a little less structured would be kind of fun.
I just don’t know…
But I need to figure it out. And quick because the way I see it, we probably only have another two or three weeks before the ground thaws and then it will be time to install not only the new garden, but a fence too. Gaaaa!
What do you think? Wooden garden boxes or stone borders? What would you do?
I would love your input.
~Mavis
Sarah says
I am using the galvanized tanks and I love it. No more bending way over to tend to things. My back appreciates it
Noelle says
This is what I was going to say. You may feel that they dont go with the look and the stones are beautiful! However, the no bending over is so much easier. Also different sizes and heights can look fantastic.
Robin in WI says
I’d vote for stone (sorry, HH). 😉 Or maybe you can find someone selling barn wood or other used lumber, or old bricks, and avoid the expensive store stuff. If you’ll be cutting down any dead trees, I’ve seen raised beds made from logs (bark still on).
Carole says
We used wood, not pressure treated because I didn’t want all those chemicals near food. Eight years later they are beginning to show their age. If I had it to do again I would go with stones. Nice ones, they last forever and age well depending on where you live. Here in south Texas stones are not hard to find, geez we have them propagating in our yard but if you want uniform sizes they are everywhere. You’re only limited by your imagination and your bank account.
Maria Zannini says
If this is your forever home go for cedar timbers (6×6) or stone. Since you’re such a good gardener, it’s an investment.
Wood is not as good a quality as it was even 10 years ago. Even I can see that and I’m not the woodworker my husband is.
As for treated wood, it wouldn’t last very long anyway. It’s not treated like it used to be. If you’re worried about toxins, go with cedar. It’s expensive but it ages beautifully and lasts many decades.
Mrs. C says
Pressure treated wood used to be treated with arsenic, but they stopped doing that years ago. now, it is treated with copper, and is con sided safe. The only other “natural” options that I know of are stone or wood. I vote for stone, Mavis, since this is your forever home, and I bet the HH doesn’t want to keep rebuilding the boxes!
Mrs. C says
For those who are going to go the pressure-treated wood route, I found out something from the helpful crew at my local big box store: not all pressure treated wood is the same. For the piece of wood that goes DIRECTLY on the ground, you have to get wood that is labeled “ground contact.” Also, another option for people who don’t want to be cutting and nailing, are things called “raised garden bed blocks.” Both Home Depot and Lowe’s carry them, but by different manufacturers. Here is a link (I am not affiliated in any way, I just learned about them from the Roots and Refuge YouTube channel last year). I have a bunch of them: https://www.homedepot.com/s/raised%2520garden%2520bed%2520blocks?NCNI-5
Christie says
I would go with stone. My raised beds are nearing replacement (at least for some of the boards) and we’re only 9 years in. Stone will last forever.
Mrs. C. says
I agree. Mine are cedar and started falling apart last year when they were only five years old.
Catherine says
I removed my bed last year after 20 years. It should have been done a couple of years ago. I had built it out of cedar so I definitely got my money’s worth. I agree that the wood isn’t as good and I’m now considering stone.
Lesley says
Stones! You just might be there forever (who could leave?!) and stones are a “forever” material. They blend well with the land and the sea and the white picket fence. Timeless, classic.
Angela D. says
I agree with Lesley– timeless and classic!
Terena says
I thought that, too. Stone seems to fit the whole feel of your home, Mavis.
Lynn says
I have had these for years in the PNW and I love them. https://www.metalgardenbeds.com/narrow-grande.html
Christina says
Thank you for this idea, Lynn! I need to start small but tall.
Joined their Instagram so I won’t forget.
Heidi P says
I bought a couple of those metal beds at Wilco this past week. They are currently on sale.
Linda says
I use these too and love them!
Nancy says
All my raised beds are stone. They are low maintenance and have had them for over 15 years. We love the look of stone. I vote you go for stone.
Laura Z says
Stones last longer and are so pretty!! Sorry HH! Team Mavis on this one. 🙂
Julie says
I think you could make both wood and stone work well together.
S says
My sister is in Vermont (thus, not by the water) and is replacing many of her wood beds this year (after probably about 10 years, but they’ve been repaired a lot the past few years). She’s giving these metal ones a try this year. I agree they might not fit the aesthetic of a seaside property, but I think they’re pretty cool looking & a fun color (they’re very similar [same??] to the Birdie’s beds, but the shipping for the Birdie’s beds was insane:
https://vegogarden.com/products/9-in-1-modular-raised-garden-bed
I agree with the previous commenter that a somewhat taller height helps with the bending over (and you can fill the bottom using a variety of methods that aren’t as expensive: https://www.epicgardening.com/how-to-fill-a-tall-raised-garden-bed/
As someone who has lived relatively close to the ocean … that sea air and water but can be harsh on a lot of materials. Something more robust might be a good idea.
karen says
My daughter (lives in coastal home) used galvanized containers from Tractor Supply. Holes drilled in bottom for drainage, surrounded by pea gravel They are stunning. She fills these with annuals, herbs, some climbing plants. She put trellises in them for the climbers. At the base of them, she put pots of other herbs, annuals. People drive by them and take pictures. She also has a large vegetable garden, designed potager type garden. She has raised beds but not lined with anything, just uses plain soil to design them. These are changed year to year as she changes layout of what she is planting, she outlines these beds with globe basil or something to that. No permanent structures at all, when she’s done, she puts a fine mulch in the path. The galvanized tubs predominate her front of house, it looks very chic. She removed all permanent shrubs up there. That area is designed with annuals, potted herbs, and perennials. Good luck making your choices.
Joely says
Sounds beautiful. Would she be willing to share any photos?
Kaia says
Last fall my husband built me a wood bed, tall and narrow (about 2’ tall, 2’x12’ out of 1×4’s. And I built a 1’ tall, 3’x10’ out of woven branches (mostly rowan). I plan on adding another woven one AND a stone one in the spring! I think I will like variety, and it’s a good way to test several methods at once, in case I find a favorite! Your current garden reminds me of my favorite instagram gardener, @finchandfolly. She lives in Maine, too. You might like a little more “structure” than her garden has though, haha.
Heather says
Did you show pictures of the finished remodeled bathroom?
Mavis Butterfield says
Not yet. Waiting for a piece of art for the wall. 🙂
Sheri says
Maybe I’m missing something. The stones in the garden pictures are borders, not raised beds. Would you use really big rocks? I would choose galvanized tubs if not using wood. You could paint the outside of the tubs to blend with the landscaping. Whatever you choose I know it will be a success. You really are a master gardener.
Peg says
Stone is first choice, galvanized stock tanks are second. No wood! Speaking of movies, have you watched Maudie? It was mentioned on another blog I read, I rented it through Amazon and watched it three times in 48 hours…so good. We are digging out after a massive blizzard Saturday/Sunday. 36 inches of snow, 50 mph winds, thankful we never lost power.
Wynne says
We’re rebuilding boxes this year; both our cedar and organically-treated wood wore out after 6-8 years. We went with pressure-treated wood now that the chemicals are better. It was kind of fun wedging the new boxes into place over the 4x8x12 beds, soil half-frozen and boxy.
A third option (and most frugal!) would be to skip sides entirely. Charles Dowding has great Youtube videos on his technique, which uses a couple of old boards in the beginning but they’re removed after the first season. The beauty is that it reduces slug habitat: the walls. It looks a lot tidier than you’d think, if you have the space to do it (I don’t–beer traps ahead …)
Lauren says
I love the natural look of stone! I’m always in awe of the stone walls that we have in the northeast. I have some wood that needs to be replaced. I just can’t justify spending that much and I keep finding stones. That’s my plan here.
Also, the syrups have arrived! Thank you again! Can’t wait for the grandkids to come and experiment with all the different treats! I’m thinking sno-cones!
Keep us updated!
l bryant says
Mavis considering the salt that your raised beds will be exposed to you could use one of the fabricated decking boards (Trex is an example). it does not wrot, can be pressure washed, you pick a color and its that color through the board. They will last forever!!
My husband built some for a client (can’t find the pictures) and they were wonderful and are still being used after 7 years with no complaints only compliments.
Good luck
Gayle says
I would love to see the stone. Our home was built around 1870’s and we resurrected a rock wall in our front yard area.. we recently added a pretty rock mail box.. it would be beautiful..
Daria says
We have cedar raised beds from a big box store kit, but they are not holding up well. I would visit Gardeners.com – gardeners supply has lovely options, including painted galvanized metal. I use their trellises, among other supplies, and those hold up really well. (They are in Vermont, and are an ESOP company, too boot.). Johnny’s Seeds also has some nice raised bed kits too.
Vicki B. says
Yes! I absolutely adore the blue galvanized tubs from Gardeners.com, and I think they’d be beautiful by the sea!
Janelle says
I would go with stone. My parents put in stone raised beds a few years ago and they look quite nice. They also had the added benefit that the slugs could no longer climb up to the beds because the stone was a bit rough. The slugs have no problem climbing up my sister’s raised wooden beds.
Elle says
Go with something zero maintenance. In your zone the freeze/thaw is going to heave and move the stones and they will need to be reworked over time. I agree that the galvenized tubs will be rather stark. OTOH, they are zero ongoing effort.
We are turning 60 in May. We are in the process of replacing every one of our wood garden boxes with Trex type material. We are going double tall so it’s higher off the ground and gives a fresh double dig scenario. The wood is falling apart. Why Trex? We do not want to be doing this work when we are 75-80yo. We want to be enjoying the gardening and the food 🙂
Sandy says
That’s exactly what I thought — the stones will heave in the cold weather. Since we were asked, I’d go with galvanized metal.
Margo says
I have back problems so my husband built raised beds elevated on cinder block (about inches). He made them them from old wood pallets some of which are about 6 years old. We live in a rather warm area of the country and our summers are long and very hot, so steel in the sun isn’t an option. I’ve been happy with the wood, but yes, they need to be replaced every now and again. In your area I think stone would be a beautiful resource and low maintenance.
Phillis Patmor says
Mavis, we have had raised beds for years and used wooden boxes which eventually had to be replaced over time. When we moved here to middle Tennessee we dug 8 large beds and have yet to put sides to them as we were busy doing other stuff. They have worked fine without the box surround. I think stones round the edges would look nice on yours since they are available. It has made me think that would work for ours, as well. The stones would give your beds definition.
JJ says
I’m not sure this is the look you’re going for. But I love my cement wood composite garden boxes.
https://durablegreenbed.com/
They will last forever.
Mel says
My parents had lots of “dry stacked stone” wall garden beds. They looked nice with their old farmhouse. I bet they’d look very coastal Maine, especially if there are some shells mixed in.
We have white vinyl garden beds. Each one is 4’x8′ and 12″ deep. Our house has white trim and white vinyl columns and mailbox, so they match well, but white also says coastal to me. They will last forever and were pretty cheap, but I can now only find the 4×4 version online. They are modular (so you can join two or more 4×4 ones), but we bought 4×8 ones.
Lj says
Try two of each . Then decide which you feel looks best in your surroundings.
jULIE says
Wood would provide those super clean lines that you like. Stone is timeless, would fit in with the costal asthetic, and provides the flexibility to more easily adjust the size to the area if needed. Galvanized tubs are great for ‘showcase’ spots. Whatever you choose, it’s going to look great!
Misty says
I’ve had untreated wooden raised beds for about 6 years and a few of them are coming to the end of their lifespan. I’ve noticed the prices on wood going up and I don’t think I will replace them with the same. I’ve been considering stone as well. If your soil is good quality and you don’t mind lower beds you could just edge them with something like a Belgian stone. Stacked stone would also be very beautiful.
Linda Practical Parsimony says
No wood. the galvanized containers can be painted white and resprayed or any other color you think you need. Rocks are best, but the heighth of the galvanized will be a boon for both your backs.
Debi says
If I had it to do over I would use stone. They will be here forever and never need replacing. More pricey at the outset but I think they would pay for themselves in the long run.
Pam Favorite says
Not knowing what your house looks like it’s kinda hard to say. I live in the woods so in our garden we have all three since we tend to glean our materials from the surrounding area. I also have fruit trees in my garden so I work around them. Cedar surrounds the raspberries, rocks around the strawberries and I have galvanized tubs that grow quite a bit of produce as I also have moles and no Lucy to go after them. The smaller tubs, I group like pictures on a wall, makes it look better. One double tub is near an apple tree another larger tub is by the strawberries. None of our tubs are new as I pick them up when I see them, old and a bit dented adds interest as well. I can see our garden from my bedroom so I try and make it interesting in all seasons.
Alexis says
My dad and I just built a chicken coop and yes the wood was so expensive! I would definitely go with the stones!
Dee says
Is that body of water behind our backyard sweet or saltwater. Keep in mind that saltwater corrodes metal very fast
Dee says
behind “your” backyard
Jen says
Since this is your forever home I think put the investment into more durable material now. And taller raised beds will enable you to continue gardening as you grow older.
Julie says
In your forever home I would use stone as eventually the wood will rot and have to be replaced.
HollyG says
Have you considered not having either? After spending time looking at Scott and Helen Nearing’s gardens in Harborside, Maine and Charles Dowding’s No Dig Gardens in Somerset we’re thinking about ditching the sides altogether. The sides make great hiding places for slugs and snails and if you’d have more money to spend on a beautiful greenhouse. Best of gardening luck with whatever you choose –
Sue says
I recommended the book(s) about/by the Nearings when Mavis asked for Maine-oriented reading a while back. My first thought with this current question would be “how did the Nearings do it?”
I remember they did a lot with stone in general but I don’t remember specifically about garden beds. Maybe I should reread it one of these days.
Georgie says
Stone for the repurpose! Galvanized will leach zinc and cadmium into your soil over time and wood is crazy expensive now as you noted.
Lynne says
Stones can be a lot of work too. Especially if they are field stones. If you have grass around them, they are a pain to weed around. Stone pavers would probably be easier
Vicki rossi says
We are going to go with the galvanized tubs. Our house has a stone retaining wall that was here when we moved in. Lots of woods and a creek in the back. I live in Mo there are also lots of snakes. They like to crawl around the rocks. Unfortunately we get copperheads in Mo and have ran into a few. Hopefully you don’t have that problem in Maine.
Lindsey says
We are in year 11 of using the same galvanized large animal watering troughs for garden beds. Not only are they easier on the back, the soil temperatures are warmer than in our wood beds so that may be a consideration for you in Maine.
Renee from Wisco says
If you don’t mind snakes then stones look nice. I had fieldstone raised beds for years until a snake and future snake children moved in…………not my favorite creature. Since then I removed all the stone and some guy who did masonry work paid me 100 bucks on my free fieldstone that we picked up from a local farm years ago. I have wood cedar framed with sheets of steel roofing for the sides raised beds now and love them. Whatever you choose it will be wonderful. With a view like that how can you go wrong : )
Cecile says
If you have to dig up the stones to make your new bed anyway I’d go with stone. Wood will deteriorate allot faster than the stone will, but you may need to lift the stones every few years so they stay above the grass/soil. I wouldn’t go with the cattle tanks, the bright silver reflecting from the sun could be a bit harsh in your natural environment. HH has a couple weeks to get them dug up since the plants can’t go out until then! lol
Katherine says
Due to how expensive wood is I decided to do galvanized raised beds at our new house. I purchased six 6ft x 3ft beds from Northern Tool. They are currently on sale for $39.99. They have a 8ft x 3ft beds for $72.99.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200746833_200746833
Brenda Schilke says
Stone! I love the look of stone.
Amy R Burton says
I’m with Georgie…welders are taught that galvanized metal is the filthiest metal on Earth and I wouldn’t plant any food or herbs in that stuff! I vote stones all the way. (…sorry HH!!)
Tracy says
If this is your forever house, go with stone. It’s very “Maine”, you can build them as tall as you want, and they won’t need to be replaced. I, personally, am not a fan of galvanized tubs– to me they look unnatural and kind of cheap. Sort of one step above recycled truck tires. Many, many people just love them, however, and they certainly as easy to manage height-wise.
Cris says
Hi Mavis,
I know you are an incredible scavenger and a great repurposer. I’ve been taking a few cues from you these days. I am sure you will find used lumber offered up and can do something really creative with if you give it some time. I’m rather on the fence about all the “forever home, once and done” approach. Refreshing the soil in my raised beds is quite a chore. I’m thinking a little less permanent might not be bad as I can drop the sides, rake it out, use the tractor, and move them if it gets to the point where I need to really do something. As much as you want to feel “settled in” it’s better to look at gardening as a journey, not a race.
Rhonda R Relyea says
Since I turned 65 I might seriously consider the wood. I doubt if I could bend down like I could at your age. I’ve used stone and love it, my whole life, never having a raised bed, of course. I live in north eastern Indiana and have been gathering field stone forever. Now I take give a way of any stone or flat pavers. Good luck and show us pictures when you decide.
Brent Nair says
We made ours using wood for the frames and galvinized tin roofing panels for the sides. They have held up well and since we put them in the front yard, we always have people stopping to ask questions.
Conni says
We are in our 70’s and live in Central coastal California. Due to the need to protect our growing vegs from gophers, we’ve had to line our raised (wooden) beds with wire. This year most of the 14 beds needed to be replaced. We discussed the cost of my husband rebuilding with redwood ($300+/box) and decided to go with the stock tanks ($128/). We love them! They look tidy, are just the right height, gopher proof, and will outlast us! The spaces between them are rocked, and we will, like a previous commenter, put pots of ‘attractors’ around the bases. We will also be ‘hooping’ pvc pipe between tanks to ‘arbor’ green beans etc.
Might you consider tanks and then stack rocks around them?
Maxine says
What’s the soil like and the weed situation? If the soil is good and few invasive weeds, or pests (woodchucks, rabbits, snails, etc.) then stones would be fine. Otherwise wood or metal so you can add good soil and avoid weeds/pests? Or stones for a year to get the layout and see what kind of weeds/pests you have, then build up?
Lisa says
The stones all the way! Less cost, less waste. I LOVE stone edge garden beds, they are so charming and inviting, like they have been there for centuries. They would look fantastic in your garden. No galvanized tubs, they are too trendy and harsh and look at all that waste that may some day end up in a landfill.
That’s my input!
Thanks for the blog! Really enjoy it!
Take care
Heidi P says
I love the idea of stone. Reminds me of all the beautiful old gardens and walls in England. I have cedar raised beds and a few galvanized tubs/beds. I’d go with stone or galvanized for longevity/maintenance. Make life as easy as possible. More time for movies in jammies and riding around in your future dingy:)
Jen says
Paint the galvanized! White, brown, grey- or go cute & decorative. Stones don’t keep out weeds or animals, sadly.
Torry says
This is your forever home. I’d go with stone, as it would last. I’d also have raised beds, at least some of them.
I have found that getting down on the ground is not as easy since my knee surgery, but getting back up is torture. Knowing that I’ll have to get back up is stopping me from getting down. Sigh.
On a separate note, big news in Washington is that Liberty Orchards, the company that makes applets and cotlets, is closing on June 31st. They have tried to sell, but couldn’t come to an agreement. This will hit Cashmere hard, as they are one of the few employers. So, if you like these candies, stock up.
Eileen Stewart says
I live on a Missouri Hill Farm.. mostly clay and rocks. Lots of rocks. Big rocks, little rocks, all kinds of rocks, even fossil rocks. I edge all my gardens in large rocks about the size of a milk jug and I made a cobblestone path through the gardens out of rocks about the size of a liter water bottle and then we paved the long paths through the woods with pea gravel – all brought out of the creek that is at the lowest part of the valley around us and gets all the tumbled down rocks from the hills around us. It’s beautiful and stone never rots out.
Christa H. says
I have done large gardens in both wood and stone. I 100% vote stone. At our new farmhouse we also did stone in the bee garden and it is beautiful plus it will never rot. The last house in NC the wood was rotting after 5 years and we replaced with stone. I should have known better and not have wasted all that money on wood. Plus some parts of the wood warped a bit after a couple years which drove my type A self nuts.
Kristin says
Well ..if wood prices are as high there as they are here in WA, I would definitely go with stone! It’s about 3 times the normal price. And I think the stone looks lovely…not to mention long lasting.
Diana says
I’m all for the stone. Wood eventually rots and has to be replaced – more expense. Scavenge the rocks from around your property. You can build up as high as you like – like the stacked stone walls in the UK, for example. They’ve lasted for centuries.
As we grow older (ahem) the desire to get down on our knees becomes less pleasant (how many knee replacements have been done in the last 10 years to people age 55+?) I know you aren’t there yet, but keep it in mind. I’ve decided my next beds will be at least 2′ tall. Either the stock tanks from Tractor Supply or built beds using a little bit of wood for the corners/supports/top rail and metal roofing for the sides.
Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do…
Annette says
I love the look of stone. It exudes such a calm and soulful feeling. Much more natural than wood. I know it’s more work, but nature is never wrong!
Wendy Steele says
Stone!!!
John Smith says
Thank you, Mavis Butterfield, for putting together everything in the raised garden bed for plants. I think you have covered all the major points in this article, I will share this with my network as well.