Best Way To Stop Other Plants Roots From Growing In My Raised Beds

Question

I have some wood box style raised beds next to some willow brush type vegetation and they don’t thrive due to overgrowth of roots from willow. What would be the longest lasting material to lay down to prevent this growth.

Answer 1

A raised bed will not have contact with the soil. If the bottom of your bed contacts the soil, then this will be a standard bed, rather than a raised bed. Using a true raised bed mitigates harsh soils and roots from other trees nearby. Fortunately, there is an solution to your issue.

Sheet metal siding will be the appropriate material, here.

You will want to dig a trench down to roughly 12 inches around the perimeter of your bed, digging and cutting out all roots in the trench. Place the siding against plot, and back fill with soil.

This will be deep enough to allow for your garden plants to thrive, while keeping tree roots out of the growing range of the garden.

Here are some articles to help you with raised bed issues: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-bed-soil-depth.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/how-to-create-an-eye-catching-flower-garden-border.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/weed-barriers-in-gardens.htm