grow cycle trends & technology by Bryan Traficante
There are options , but when it comes to building a raised garden bed , nothing beats cedar . Bryan Traficante explains why he is sold on cedar .
If you are looking for a raised garden bed , it ’ s important to consider the material it is made of . Although plastic and metal are viable options , a perennial favorite is wood . Wood comes in a variety of options , but there are particular species known to be rot and insect-resistant ; perfect for outdoor projects . Cedar is not only naturally rot- and insect-resistant , but also durable with a great track record of withstanding the elements .
ROT AND INSECT-RESISTANT TRAITS
Cedar , like other rot-resistant species , has its own natural complex chemical compounds known as extractives that protect it against rot . Rot is caused by mold , termites , and other organisms feeding on the wood . To defend against these invaders , rot-resistant trees such as cedar create extractives that discourage rot and promote longevity . The wood ’ s ability to minimize decay and repel insects can depend on the amount of extractives within the wood . The outer wood , known as sapwood , has less extractives and may not last as long as the inner wood , known as heartwood . Cuts of wood from the heartwood will generally last longer and be more resistant to the environment . Rot and insects are a wood ’ s worst enemy , so choosing a species that is resistant will help your raised garden bed last longer .
DURABILITY
Cedar wood is durable thanks to its excellent density . Wood density is a measure of how close the grain is compacted . Hardwoods , like oak , have a high density and are generally heavier . Cedar is categorized as a softwood , and is lightweight by virtue of its low density . Its density means it can maintain a constant level of moisture which helps it last longer .
86 grow cycle