Raised garden bed using pine sleepers

[LisasGarden]

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 🤣)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[LisasGarden]

Hi Chelsea (@chels222)

Thank you!  He used 180mm coach bolts to screw the sleepers together. He also put 4x4 posts internally in the corners and bolted them to the sleepers for extra stability. 
Lisa 

[737044]

Question. Hi guys ,  do the pine sleepers used for garden beds rot away over time?

regards bryan.

[EricL]

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

[RK1]

Hi Lisa, I am trying to do bit similar one at my backyard. I'm a newbie and this is my first DIY project. When I went to Bunnings yesterday and seen similar red coloured h4 wooden blocks , I found that small wooden pieces (very thin ones) at the borders. I've got 2 toddlers at home and worried  that they could get hurt if they try to move their hand on it. Do you have any idea to handle this or make it smoother? Kindly suggest

[EricL]

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

[tom_builds]

Hi @RK1 and thanks for the tag @EricL ,

I agree with @EricL that sanding the sleepers would be a good idea to remove as much of the splintery wood as possible. If you're still concerned after sanding, you could apply a couple of coats of lacquer, as this will leave a smooth cover over the surface of the timber, making it less likely for little hand to be harmed if running up against the sleepers.

The bonus to this is that it will help preserve the timber and extend the useful life of your raised garden beds.

Upload some photos once you're underway, we'll be excited to see the updates.

Best of luck with your project!