Converting a sandbox

Question

I purchased a home recently and it has a 15′ x 15′ above ground sandbox which is sturdily constructed of treated lumber.
Its in the sunny spot of my yard of course – right where I’d like to put a veggie garden. I’ve been trying to give it away for free on various ad sites with no luck.
If I were to remove a hefty portion of the sand and add soil, how much depth of soil would you recommend? And is the treated lumber any concern? Should I put a liner in it if I go this route?

Thanks,

Answer 1

Yes, a liner is recommended when treated lumber will be used in a raised bed vegetable garden. Without a liner the wood could potentially leach toxins into your garden.

At least 6-8 inches of garden soil are required for a raised bed, but 12 inches or more is ideal. You can mix in a portion of the sand you already have (up to about 60%) as desired with the new soil, depending on the final soil texture you want to build.

This article provides more advice on raised bed gardening:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/raised-bed-gardens/