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[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

>>   Staple them to the side, and that could stop any
> > soil from leaching out, although I don't think it would do anything to
> > Cu and As from leaching in.  

The new treated lumber as As?  I wasn't aware of that, I thought the only 
treatment was Copper Naphthanate.

I wouldn't use it either, although the danger from leaching even from the old 
quite toxic lumber is minimal.

I always mention this any time raised beds are discussed although it gets 
little traction.   Physical sides to the beds is entirely unnecessary.  I 
have 
beds as high as 24" above the surrounding paths with no sides.  Most of the 
time 
I like to keep the beds about 10" higher than the paths.  In practice the 
beds simply do not erode.

The objection is often raised that one loses that much planting space due to 
the sloped sides.  Not so, the sides are planted as well giving the bed MORE 
planting surface than one with physical sides.

Not trying to disparage sides, but only to dispell the myth that they are 
necessary.

James




 Wife says it isn't worth it.

> >
> > We have the cloth and the it is unfilled now.   What are your  
> > thoughts?

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