The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: GribinIsaf on February 05, 2016, 08:13:24 pm

Title: Flexible edging for raised beds
Post by: GribinIsaf on February 05, 2016, 08:13:24 pm

We are nearing the end of putting up a 14' x 40' polytunnel and are designing the inside.  Due to  levelling the poles across a slight lateral slope we will be ending up with a design of beds some 12" above path level - might well have gone for this anyway.  Thing is we want a layout where a lot of the bed edges are curves.

Can anyone suggest a good material to use to retain the beds - strong enough to retain soil, not too thick as taking up valuable space, aesthetic and of course flexible to make curves.

Thanks

Title: Re: Flexible edging for raised beds
Post by: SirDoolb on February 10, 2016, 06:14:17 pm

I'm using logs that I'm cutting from fallen tree. You can split them for a thinner wall or use the thinner branches on end to make the wall. (like those log edging strips). When you make them yourself it's a whole lot cheaper and you get what you want. Mind, you do need the trees in the first place.

Title: Re: Flexible edging for raised beds
Post by: bazzais on February 11, 2016, 06:41:55 pm

Damp proof course?

eg http://www.dortechdirect.co.uk/window-installer-tools/polythene-damproof-course.html (http://www.dortechdirect.co.uk/window-installer-tools/polythene-damproof-course.html)

Title: Re: Flexible edging for raised beds
Post by: GribinIsaf on February 11, 2016, 06:47:11 pm

Thank you SirDoolb and bazzais for you suggestions:

Logs would work well - and yes we do have trees etc - would need to be thin as don't want edging to be taking up 3 or 4 inched of depth.  Might be a lot of work as the perimeters of our design add up to quite a length.

Don't think the damp proof course would hold the beds in as it is not rigid

Was also thinking about possibility of corrugated steel with the corrugations vertical, hence able to be formed into curves  - might be able to get some recycled which would also have a better colour.

Title: Re: Flexible edging for raised beds
Post by: Marches Farmer on February 13, 2016, 11:00:20 am

We've just edged some flowerbeds with the good bits from old gateposts cut into 9 inch sections and creosoted, then lined inside with split double layer feed sacks.

Title: Re: Flexible edging for raised beds
Post by: HappyHippy on February 13, 2016, 12:20:51 pm

What about weaving a willow/hazel hurdle along it? Knock in some little batons to form the shape and weave away - you could use thin stems to keep the size down (like the stuff they use for basketry) and use damp proof membrane on the inside to stop soil spilling out of any gaps?

Title: Re: Flexible edging for raised beds
Post by: Slimjim on February 19, 2016, 09:56:51 pm

Second hand roof slates or tiles?