is it good idea to use crates for raised beds

[Anonymous]

I had a question and was hoping someone in this group could help. My friend wants to use these crates for raised beds and he was planning on putting a white fabric so the soil doesn’t fall out. I was wondering if the color of the fabric would somehow allow light to go thru and affect the roots? Or if it’s totally fine to use.

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[Anonymous]

I would not recommend. The wood will not hold up over time and then you will have to transplant everything. If you decide to use it though, I would use a dark weed cloth that will allow water to drain.

[Anonymous]

Two things I can tell you from experience: first, it totally depends on the plants if they would mind the fabric. Some have small enough root systems that would avoid the edges anyway, others need more room. The fabric allows air through of course, and acts as an invisible barrier and roots stay away from the edge. Some call it “air pruning.” Just like roots don’t grow on top of the ground because they avoid the air, (except for some trees and a few other exceptions where roots do grow above ground very well) the same becomes true of fabric pots, or pots with lots of space between slats.

The second thing is that these crates last less than one season typically if you use them as planters. I had extra crates like this left over after I closed a store, because I used them for display. I figured if it ruined then I wouldn’t care, so I used a few as planters. First they dried out way too fast and needed to be watered multiple times a day even just for bulbs, and I’m in Idaho, and most pots don’t dry out nearly that fast here! And then the tiny nails just pop out of the slats when you water and the soil expands. It’s just enough pressure. I didn’t leave mine out for the winter, but just in one growing season they were trashed…

Anyway, don’t know if that helps at all, but that’s my experience! They do look cute while they last though!

[Author]

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