Beneath Garden bed - Ask Extension
I have been planting my vegetable garden in this area of my yard that shares soil with live lavender bushes and stumps of ones that we’ve cut down. ...
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Beneath Garden bed #930194
Asked April 30, 2026, 3:33 PM EDT
I have been planting my vegetable garden in this area of my yard that shares soil with live lavender bushes and stumps of ones that we’ve cut down. My squash (and other plants) kepts getting root rot, and with some research I think it could have to do with the lavender bushes.
I am building 15”H raised garden beds in that area in order to start with new soil. I’m putting them right down on the existing bare soil. I’m wondering if there’s anything I should do to create a barrier to the existing soil, even though that seems like it’s not a good idea either. Just trying to prevent the old soil and new soil mixing because I’m putting a lot of time and money into these new garden beds..
Thank you!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
I looked at university, scientific, and reputable garden sites and find no evidence suggesting that lavender hurts vegetable gardens. On the contrary, it attracts pollinators and reduces pests.
One comment on your boxes. The corners appear to be insuffiently reinforced.
Metal brackets work https://www.amazon.com/raised-garden-bed-corner-brackets/s?k=raised+garden+bed+corner+brackets
Alternatively, you can put a square board inside each corner and screw it into both sides with 4 inch stainless screws or better with stainless bolts with washers at both sides.
There is tremendous pressure at the corners.
I looked at university, scientific, and reputable garden sites and find no evidence suggesting that lavender hurts vegetable gardens. On the contrary, it attracts pollinators and reduces pests.
One comment on your boxes. The corners appear to be insuffiently reinforced.
Metal brackets work https://www.amazon.com/raised-garden-bed-corner-brackets/s?k=raised+garden+bed+corner+brackets
Alternatively, you can put a square board inside each corner and screw it into both sides with 4 inch stainless screws or better with stainless bolts with washers at both sides.
There is tremendous pressure at the corners.
