Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Damp Proof Liners in Raised Beds

laurenhannahmaylaurenhannahmay Posts: 2
in Problem solving

Hi all,

I've recently had some industrial pallets cut up at my work which I will be using to raise our flower & veggie beds up. The back of the beds will be our neighbours fence so do I need to put a damp proof membrane up against the fence and what do people suggest?

Thanks in advance :-)

Posts

  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145

    I would propose you need to have a rear to the raised beds that is part of your structure and not rely on the fence personally. Invariably fences need replacing at some point so this would be much easier if your raised bed section was self-contained as well as preventing any 'discussion' as to whether your bed was responsible for the demise of the fence. Additionally the weight of the soil could push against the fence leading it to distort. Just my thoughts and of course it largely depends on your relationship with your neighbours but that can change or they may move and the new folks might not be so keen on that arrangement.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    Yes, you need something other than a fence at the back of the bed - it needs to be just as strong as the front otherwise it will damage the fence quite badly.  


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • laurenhannahmaylaurenhannahmay Posts: 2

    Thanks both, had wondered about that. The fence to the left of ours belongs to a jungle of a garden which will be being renovated soon once renovations to the derelict maisonette it belongs to are complete. Think they actually owe us a bit of garden back as well! May well get some more pallets cut up at work then and put them as the back of the beds. Would you suggest liners if I go that route?

    Thanks!

  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145

    I'm thinking that pallets are probably treated to help prevent water damage although I'm not sure on that!

    You could use a heavy gauge DPM which you can get from any DIY store. Just staple it in place.

  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    You will not need a DPM against the fence  if you have a back to your bed. Leave a gap of a few inches and you are good to go.

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Sign In or Register to comment.