Wood is a natural and durable material, but when used outdoors and exposed to harsh weather conditions, it tends to weaken and gray.
Our wooden raised garden beds, though resistant and durable, will last even longer if they are regularly maintained.
If you want your furniture to look as good as new and avoid becoming dull and dry, proper maintenance is essential to prevent deterioration. In this article, we’ll cover the key steps to maintaining the wood of your outdoor raised garden bed and extending its lifespan.
Regularly Clean the Wood
Regular cleaning is essential to protect the wood from damage caused by moisture and dirt, such as mold and fungal growth. To clean outdoor wood, use a cleaner specifically designed for wood surfaces, like a mild soap-based cleaner. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh brushes that could scratch or damage the wood’s surface.
Protect the Wood with a Protective Product
A protective product can help shield the wood from damage caused by UV rays, moisture, and insects. Protective products can be applied to the wood using a brush or sprayer. Some protective products also contain wood stains that help preserve the wood’s natural color.
Here are some examples of protective products:
Protective Stain or Wood Varnish
The most common option is protective stain or varnish. It is recommended to apply a protective stain every two to three years to protect the wood from weather and fungi.
There are specific varnishes for outdoor use, which are more elastic and incorporate a UV filter to prevent the wood from drying out and discoloring.
You can find solvent-based or water-based stains. If you prefer an environmentally friendly option, water-based stain is the best choice.
Linseed Oil to Protect the Wood
Wood is a porous material that needs to be nourished to maintain its natural shine and color. Another very effective treatment is linseed oil. We recommend applying it every 3 to 4 months during the first few years, then spacing out the frequency as the wood absorbs the oil. The oil prevents graying and keeps water out. However, it’s important to be consistent and remember to reapply it annually. We recommend heating the oil for better absorption into the wood.
Paint with Fungicidal Action for Wood
Paint is the best choice if you’re looking for long durability. It has fungicidal action while allowing the wood to breathe. Your raised garden beds will age better and require less maintenance.
To make things easier, we offer pre-painted raised garden beds.
We recommend opting for our colored raised garden beds, planters, or flower boxes (gray and black) for your outdoor garden. This way, all you have to do is place them in your garden!
Plastic Tarp to Protect the Wood
For the Outside of the Raised Garden Bed
If you’re looking for a solution to protect your raised garden bed or plants during winter, a plastic tarp can be an affordable and practical option. Covering the raised garden bed during the cold season prevents the accumulation of rain and snow from causing stagnant moisture in the bed. It also prevents weed germination.
Choose a quality tarp that is resistant and durable. Make sure it’s thick enough to withstand winter weather.
Don’t forget to remove the plastic tarp in the spring to prevent your plants from suffering from the heat and excess moisture that could occur under the tarp.
For the Inside of the Raised Garden Bed
To protect the inside of the wood, it’s important to place a barrier between the wood and the soil, such as a plastic tarp or geotextile fabric. This action prevents wet soil from coming into direct contact with the wood, thus avoiding the rotting of your raised garden bed.
You can find high-quality geotextiles on our website that will complement your raised garden beds and planters.
Finally, with proper maintenance, you will have beautiful and durable wooden raised garden beds! By following these tips, you can keep your raised garden beds in good condition and enjoy healthy and abundant production for many years!
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