If it's Edwardian there may not be a DPC at all, there might be a line of slate or there may be some different looking bricks at the bottom. They did know about damp but Building Regulations didn't really exist so many houses were built without any protection back then. And most were built without cavities in the walls so there's a fair chance you won't find any air bricks, either
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Thanks to all for the advice on putting a raised bed in my front garden. It went in last autumn and by the way of update, I thought I'd add some photos. I added a little box next to the bed (with sweetpeas) to try and make best use of the small space. The blue pot is in the next garden.
I am entirely delighted with the results. The bed has transformed the space and made it viable for growing. I love the old recycled railway sleepers, though they do get a bit black and sticky when it's hot. I have put in mostly low watering perennials (there is no outside tap, a whole head-debate in itself). They won't be established until next year, but I love how happy most things are, compared to previous years' battles.
I think the space was so hard, partly because the ground levels were all over the places, but also there is a beech and pyracantha hedge close in, taking all the moisture. It's also much easier now to add in manure and compost and have it stay put. I have a left a big gap between the house walls and the sleepers (about 20''), so I think wall damp should not be a problem.
My sweetpeas in the side bed are just coming out, under planted with dark red nasturtiums. Cosmos will not be far behind, in the main bed, with more ready to go in. Geums (Mrs B ) are struggling with heat, but if I can keep them alive, they should rocket next year. I have lots of ammi and Perry's White which seem very happy. It's all a bit experimental at the moment. I'm hoping for great height by September. The rocks are to stop the bloomin' foxes digging the sweet peas out.
Thanks for the very useful tips. I saved me making an expensive mistake. It's such a relief to get a space to work. 🌱
@Fire, Have your railway sleepers been treated with creosote? Some of the older ones were, which would account for the sticky stuff oozing. Creosote is toxic and no longer allowed to be used as a wood preserver, and there is some evidence (though inconclusive) that plants can take it up. I mention this in case you think of growing edibles in your new bed. You've done well, it looks great.
Hi, yes, it's creosote, but very old, and only in one spot. No, I won't grow edibles, but really, I think it would be fine. It doesn't bother me, except when I walk on it with bare feet. So I don't. The sleepers were cheap and huge and will outlast me. They are a delight.
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If it's Edwardian there may not be a DPC at all, there might be a line of slate or there may be some different looking bricks at the bottom. They did know about damp but Building Regulations didn't really exist so many houses were built without any protection back then. And most were built without cavities in the walls so there's a fair chance you won't find any air bricks, either
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”