building raised beds from pallets?

[sheridand]

I can get numerous pallets for free, I just wondered if you could use them to build raised beds, or would the wood be too feeble? I was thinking of taking them apart and then overlapping the wood to construct them. I just need cheap beds, and hope they could be used!

[MKG]

As it stands, it would last for at least a season. But the wood isn't treated in any way so if you wanted the beds to last a bit longer, you'd have to do that yourself - depends how you feel about chemicals, really.

EDIT - ah, you said feeble. I happen to be looking at a pallet right this minute, and the timber looks strong enough for a small to medium-sized bed. Or any size bed if it's supported adequately with enough uprights.

Mike

[sheridand]

Ah, thanks Mike. TBH, we could probably do the beds to fit the feebleness of the wood. A lot of smaller beds would be ok, maybe even better. Then I could do one for salad, one for spinach etc. I wouldn't mind chemicalling the exterior. I was thinking of 6 by 10- beds, or even 3 by 5.

[Thomzo]

I used pallets last year to build some compost bins. I left them whole and just wired them together. No chemicals or anything and they're still absolutely fine a year later. No sign of rot yet.

I managed to get hold of some long, narrow pallets last year. They've been sat outside all winter. This year I stood them on their edges and lined them with old feed bags filled with compost. They're great for growing onions. Will try carrots next year. I'll post some photos but it's too dark at the moment.

Zoe

[homegrown]

I make many of my raised beds from recycled pallets and have no problems with their strength

[sheridand]

That is great to know, we've got tons of them! Oi, husband, a job is coming...... (hear feet pattering away....)