[A19_GRAHAM]

Hello to one and all!

I have just received the keys to my 1st Allotment, and have a queerie regarding what sort of timber to use for raised beds.

I would assume it needs to be either pressure treated or coted etc...

Thanks in Advance

Graham

[Leedsniner]

Go for what is available & treat it yourself - unless you have access to a few dozen railway sleepers.

[Jamie Butterworth]

Hi Graham,

I have just finished building my raised beds and have used a pressure treated wood from Wickes, hope that this is helpfull. Plus the wood there isnt that expensive which is a bonus. Happy new year! 

[Ice]

Like Jamie, I also used pressure treated boards from Wickes.

[Jamie Butterworth]

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Sawn-Treated-Softwood/invt/107062

sorry i forgot to add the link 

[2peasinapod]

as the beds will be outside, it would be better to use either stainless steel screws/fixings or screws that are designed to be used outside, deck screws or coated plasterboard screws at a push.
dont be tempted to use any old screws you have in the shed as they will rust and the bed will fail acording to "Sods Law".

enjoy your lotty.

[Jamie Butterworth]

Does anybody now what type of soil to put in rasied beds to fill it up, top soli? mullti prupos?

[Ice]

It depends on what type of soil you have as to what to use in raised beds.  Use what you have, fix any problems and mix in some good compost or manure to start with.  No need to fill to the top as you will be adding more over the seasons.

[sunshineband]

Does anybody now what type of soil to put in rasied beds to fill it up, top soli? mullti prupos?

I pushed the boat out and bought top soil from Dandy's Topsoil, which was absolutely excellent -- not cheap but certainly did the job 

[pol and mick]

So far i have (my OH) made three 3x3 double thickness raised beds out of scaffold boards.
Brought them locally of Ebay. I have three 12x 5 beds to make this year.

[hightide]

Graham
have a scout round nearest trading estate, ask if there are any Pallet Collars going spare, These are hinged wooden supports used as protection for fragile goods on pallets and are usually one way so they are discarded after use. The wood is already treated and the galvanised hinges are rivetted in place so they are quite strong and stackable.
I use them quite a lot, place them on the ground, dig out the soil and seive out stones, add in lots of sharp sand and multi purpose compost for perfect carrot and parsnip growing. Only add manure if you are not growing roots otherwise you will get multilegged 'snips and carrots.