While pressure-treated woods have been widely used for constructing garden beds due to their cost-effectiveness and availability, concerns regarding chemical leaching into the soil have led many gardeners to seek alternatives. Cedar and pine boards are popular options, with pine being more budget-friendly than cedar. However, untreated pine boards, being softer, often deteriorate or decay within 4-5 years. On the other hand, cedar, despite being pricier, typically only lasts for 8-10 years.
Facing these issues, at the EcoHouse community garden, we’ve been opting for steel garden beds – a sturdy and eco-friendly solution that offers numerous advantages over traditional wood options. Let’s delve into why investing in steel containers may be a smart choice for your gardening endeavors.
The Problem with Treated Wood
Health Canada cautions that Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) or Copper Azole (CA-B) treated woods can leach out small amounts of the chemicals slowly over time and should therefore be avoided where they may come into direct contact with food, such as compost bins, or as an edging for an edible garden. Additionally, as the wood breaks down, small amounts of treated wood chemicals may escape as wood dust or splinters from the surface of the wood into the environment.
5 Benefits of Steel Garden Beds
Steel garden beds offer a sustainable and durable alternative to traditional treated or untreated wood options. Here are several reasons why steel containers are gaining popularity among gardeners:
- Durability: Unlike wood, which is susceptible to rot, warping, and pest damage over time, steel garden beds are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as galvanized steel or corten steel, these beds can withstand the elements for decades without deteriorating.
- Soil Integrity: With steel garden beds, there’s no need to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into the soil and affecting plant growth. Steel is inert and does not release toxins, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for your plants to thrive.
- Customization: Steel garden beds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, allowing you to customize your gardening space to suit your preferences and needs.
- Easy Assembly: Many steel garden beds are designed for quick and easy assembly, requiring minimal tools and expertise. This makes them an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts or those looking for a hassle-free gardening solution.
- Sustainability: Steel is a highly recyclable material, making it an eco-friendly choice for gardeners concerned about minimizing their environmental impact. At the end of their lifespan, steel garden beds can be recycled and repurposed, further reducing waste.
In conclusion, raised bed gardening using steel garden beds can improve soil quality, maximize space efficiency, and enhance the visual appeal of your garden. Green Venture has partnered with SproutBox Garden which is a Canadian company that produces top-rated, high quality metal raised garden beds that are built to last, safe for growing, and so easy to assemble and customize. 1% of all profits will go to providing raised garden beds to Canadian schools, not-for-profits and community initiatives.
By using Green Venture’s SproutBox link to browse and make a steel raised garden bed purchase, you will be supporting our environmental and educational programs as Green Venture receives a small commission for each sale. At checkout be sure to use discount code GVENTURE10. SproutBox Garden offers free shipping on all orders over $499.
