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Raised bed; Plantar and Insect questions please #870365

Asked May 28, 2024, 8:58 AM EDT

Hello, Thinking ahead toward getting older, my husband and are in the process of repurposing an old work bench into a raised garden bed and sadly used some exterior treated wood. We planned to line it with our old pool liner and put in pvc piping to lessen daily watering. Is there any way to salvage this dream and all this hard work and money into something that will reap SAFE harvest? If it’s fully lined and sealed, and the side of pool cover which is holds the water Is not the part that was exposed to the chlorinated pool water, would that be safe ? We could skip the pool liner as an option and just use thick plastic if that is better (just less durable potentially ). Is the pvc or other rubber hosing safe to leave in there for years? Also , I bought a oak-barrel looking plantar that doesn’t look like it’ll last long. To make it last much longer, would you recommend I stain or shellac it? Glue some of the wood slats together? Staple plastic inside as a liner? Other? This insect has destroyed all our lilies this year. Never happened before. Do you know what it is and what we can do now and next year? Please call if you can<personal data hidden> Appreciate your time and expertise Thank you kindly

Ulster County New York

Expert Response

Hello. Thank you for contacting us. If you are using the raised bed for vegetables, you will need to line it completely. If it is only for ornamentals, the treated wood is fine. If you are absolutely sure that the pool liner is not contaminated with pool chemicals, it is an option for a liner. The PVC is fine to use.

As far as the rain barrell is concerned, I would stay away from shellacing it. Again, it might be okay for ornamentals. I would line it with plastic. For both planters, be sure to cut lines in the bottom of the liner to assure proper drainage.

The Red Lily Beetle is what is attacking your lillies. Unfortunately, this is an invasive insect that arrived in Massachusetts about 10 years ago and is now common in our area.  They are very difficult to get rid of once you have them. Neem, an extract of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), will kill young larvae. It should be applied every 5-7 days throughout early summer. Spinosad, an insecticide made from soil bacteria, is also effective if applied weekly whenever the beetles are present.

I hope this has been helpful. George 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 29, 2024, 11:33 AM EDT

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