If you want to build a raised bed - especially if it is to be made of wood - you are often advised to line the inside of the bed box with a waterproof film. Now pond and bubble liners are not a cheap purchase - quite the opposite - and ecologically conscious people in particular attach importance to keeping their garden free of any plastic and its potentially harmful fumes. So is it possible to build a raised bed without foil?
Can you build a raised bed without foil?
A raised bed without foil is possible if it is made of stone, as this material is robust and durable. For wooden raised beds, foil can be dispensed with by using coconut mats or clay, but regular new construction is then necessary.
Raised stone beds do not require foil
Of course this is possible - if you make your raised bed out of stone! This material is extremely robust, durable, ecological (especially if you build the raised bed from field stones you have collected yourself) and you can do without any foil without damaging the stone. Natural stones such as granite, slate or sandstone, as well as concrete, come into question. Very beautiful raised beds can be created especially from concrete blocks and palisades, manhole rings and similar raw materials.
Can wooden raised beds be protected from rapid decay without foil?
Let's be clear here: wood that is in constant contact with moisture will rot within a few years. So if you don't cover your wooden raised bed with a waterproof film, the damp interior will constantly affect the wood. Of course, you can still do without a film - but then you will have to build a new raised bed every few years. There are no ecological alternatives to a pond or bubble liner - at least none that would be equally effective. However, you can do without a film and instead resort to the following measures (admittedly not lasting forever):
- Cover the inside of the wooden raised bed with coconut mats (€15.00 on Amazon).
- This natural material rots more slowly than others and keeps at least a little moisture out.
- However, it is not 100% protection!
- Only use weather-resistant hardwoods for building raised beds, e.g. B. Larch.
- Switch to low raised beds made of woven willow branches.
- These can be compacted with clay - just like in earlier times.
- Cured, such natural raised beds serve their purpose for a few years.
Instead of foil, the interior of a wooden raised bed can also be covered with other materials, for example stone (old paving slabs, used roof tiles). However, these are difficult to attach and also increase the weight of the raised bed considerably - as a result, a solid foundation is essential. It's easier if you simply cover a classic stone raised bed (e.g. shaft rings) with wood on the outside (e.g. with wooden palisades) and thus visually enhance it.
Tip
If you decide to use a film, take a close look at the material used when purchasing. There is also non-toxic and ecologically harmless film without plasticizers.
