Can I Use Cherry Timbers in Vegetable Beds?

Can I?

• Yes, you can use cherry timbers in your vegetable gardens. Because cherry is a hardwood, this is one reason that it is suited to use around vegetable gardens. Hardwoods do not deteriorate as quickly as a softer wood, such as pine. As far as many types of wood that you can use to border your vegetable garden, cherry timbers are relatively inexpensive. Stay away from any cherry timbers that are pressure-treated. These timbers are treated with an arsenic-based chemical, making them unsuitable for vegetable gardening.

Sealing

• No matter what type of wood you choose to use in your vegetable garden, it is a good idea to seal it. Cherry is no exception. Sealing will protect the wood and prolong its life in your garden. However, when sealing cherry timbers, you must be certain to use a sealer that is suitable and safe for vegetable gardens. Some sealers contain creosote, which is not recommended for use around edible gardens. Sometimes you can purchase wood that is already sealed; just make sure that the manufacturer used a garden-safe seal.

What Size?

• The standard size for cherry timbers are roughly 3 inches by 4 inches by 8 feet. You can get different sizes, especially if you work with a lumber company instead of a home improvement store. Home improvement stores carry the standard size. Of course, these timbers can be cut to whatever length necessary if you do not need 8 feet. You can also line them up end-to-end if you need to cover a longer distance.

Replacing

• Once you put a lot of work into building a raised bed or bordering your vegetable garden you do not want to have to do the work of replacing the wood very often. When properly sealed, cherry timbers can last 15 years or even more, depending on the climate where you live. Using cherry timbers to add a border to your garden or create raised beds is a good investment if you plan to stay in your current residence for some time.