Ask the Master Gardener: Tips for building raised beds, attracting hummingbirds
Q: I am planning on building raised beds for my vegetable garden. What is the best wood to use for this project? I want these beds to last as long as possible, so am wondering if treated wood is the better choice.
First of all, while treated wood will last longer than untreated wood, it is not a good choice for a garden, especially if you are growing food. Treated wood may last 10-40 years in the ground, depending on various factors, however the chemical used in treating this wood will leach into the soil, and end up in your food which is not a good situation. Treated wood will also cost 10-25% more than untreated wood.
The best woods for raised beds are hardwoods such as cedar, redwood, cypress, black locust, osage orange, and oak. Beds constructed of one of those should last at least 10 years. Softer woods such as pine will not last nearly as long, perhaps up to five years.
Although there has been a trend to re-use pallets for gardening, it is best not to use these materials for growing food. The possibility of unknown chemicals used on the wood makes them unsuitable for raising food crops. They would be okay for raising flowers, as long as none of these are consumed.
Q: How deep should I build my raised bed? What should I use to line the bottom before adding soil?
A raised bed should be at least 18 inches for tomatoes and most other vegetables, but the maximum height is up to your taste and physical requirements. They could be sitting height or tall enough to work while standing without having to bend or kneel.
Q: What are some plants I can grow that will attract hummingbirds?
First of all, there are many flowers, both native and non-native, that will attract hummingbirds. The important thing is to have a variety of blooms, in addition to a hummingbird feeder, in order to have these beautiful visitors. Your goal should a succession of blooms for the entire warm season, at least until the hummingbirds leave for the winter. A feeder is useful in attracting them, but after the garden is more established, it will be less and less important. A feeder is really only a snack, they prefer the real thing when possible.
Hummingbirds prefer tubular flowers, especially red, yellow, and pink blooms, although they will go to other colored flowers as well. Planting in larger clusters or rows, will also help them find the right flowers. Natives are always the preferred choice, such as columbine, cardinal flower and phlox. They also love trumpet vine, which is native to the Ozarks, but it may be too aggressive for most yards. Many cultivated varieties are also attractive to them, such as hosta, Rose of Sharon, lantana, daylilies, zinnias, petunias, and sunflowers. There are many others as well.
It is also important to have a water source available, as well as places for the birds to roost and build nests.
Readers can pose questions or get more information by calling 417-874-2963 and talking to one of the trained volunteers staffing the Master Gardener Hotline at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Greene County located inside the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Tips for building raised garden beds and attracting hummingbirds
