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The next step in my veggie garden journey was raised garden beds, to kelp out Audrey our Golden and the rabbits without the need for fencing. Hubby built them out of Sienna pine sleepers from Bunnings which are food safe . We filled the bed with compost and 2 metres of veggie soil from our local supplier.
I planted some seedlings a few days ago, perfect timing with this lovely rain. I planted 3 types of beans , carrots, Okinawa Spinach, strawberries and some coriander and sage. The other end has the Brassicas with some onions, coriander and sage to help repel the unwanted bugs and encourage the wanted and white pansies masquerading as butterflies (apparently white cabbage moths are territorial) Time will tell if the companion planting works. I also moved my Jostaberry and Loganberry into this bed. 🤣
I pulled out the tomato’s in the small raised beds and removed the fence. This will be used now for herbs, flowers and veggies that Audrey won’t eat. 🤣🤣
(not sure why the photos upload out of order 🤣)
Hello Bryan (@737044)
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your question about pine sleepers.
A typically treated pine sleeper has a conservative lifespan of anywhere from 10 to 15 years. It can be extended if the surface is treated with a finishing stain to add further protection. If the pine sleeper is still brand new I would give it a few months of seasoning before putting on any type of stain on it.
If you're planning your own raised garden we would love to see it.
Eric
Hello @RK1
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you for joining us and sharing your concern about the timber pine sleepers.
The timber pine sleepers are rough cut and hence produce a very rough surface. Because of this rough exterior it also includes timber splinters on its face. One of the best ways to remove the rough exterior and splinters is to sand the surface of the pine sleeper. I suggest using Flexovit 100mm x 1m 120 Grit Timber Sandpaper Roll along with a Paint Partner Cork Sanding Block - 2 Pack.
However, if it proves to be too tough I recommend using an Ozito ¼ Sheet Orbital Sander. This will give you a very smooth finish and should be safe for your children to touch. Please note that you will have to stain the area you have sanded to match the colour of the pine sleeper.
Let me tag our experienced members @JDE and @tom_builds for their recommendations.
If you are planning your own raised garden bed, please make sure to share your project. I'm sure our members would love to see what you are planning.
We look forward to seeing your garden bed once it's built.
Eric
