Fresh Roots is committed to help you make your home an oasis of food production. In addition to our gardening and landscaping services, we also aim to be your family’s guide to healthy, sustainable living. Whether you are looking to find out the best garden-bed material or what wood should be used for a raised garden, we can help!
- Get one-on-one coaching on the basics of weeding, watering and keeping your plants healthy.
- Join a community workshop tailored to your scout troop, neighborhood association or business group to learn about sustainability and tackle hands-on gardening projects.
- Keep in touch to get updates on presentations and other events in your area! If you are interested in having Fresh Roots do a presentation for your business or community organization please contact us anytime to discuss details!
Fresh Roots provides garden education and hands-on coaching for homeowners throughout the Greater Waukesha Area, helping individuals and families confidently grow their own food. As an experienced edible garden consultant, we focus on practical, easy-to-follow guidance that supports long-term success—whether you’re starting your first raised bed or improving an existing garden. Our approach combines proven organic gardening tips with region-specific recommendations tailored to Southeast Wisconsin’s climate, soil conditions, and growing seasons. From selecting the best garden bed material to understanding the right raised garden wood type for durability and safety, we help you make informed decisions that lead to healthier plants and better harvests.
Garden Consultation Services
We offer a range of consultation options to help you design the perfect garden or landscape for your space. Choose the level of service that fits your needs and goals.
Basic Consultation
Discover Your Garden’s Potential
- 1 hour in-person visit to evaluate your space
- Discussion of potential garden structures, plants, and irrigation options
- Follow-up email with detailed notes and helpful links
$125
Design Consultation
Visualize Your Space with a Custom Layout
- Includes everything in the Basic Consultation
- A rough hand-drawn design layout tailored to your space
$200
Consultation + Full Design
Bring Your Dream Garden to Life with Professional Design
- Includes everything in the Design Consultation
- A professionally rendered computer design layout with precise plant and structure placements
$350
The Best Materials for Your Garden Beds
Selecting the best raised garden bed material is one of the most important decisions for long-term garden success. At Fresh Roots, we guide homeowners through the pros and cons of common materials based on durability, cost, and plant safety. When evaluating the best garden bed material, we consider factors such as soil retention, drainage, longevity, and exposure to the elements. For raised garden wood type, popular options include untreated cedar and redwood due to their natural resistance to rot and insects, while avoiding chemically treated lumber for edible gardens.
Choosing the right material for a raised garden bed can have a long-term impact on durability, soil health, and food safety. During our garden education sessions, we help homeowners compare common raised bed materials such as cedar, pine, composite boards, and metal garden beds. We also explain why untreated cedar is often considered one of the best wood options for raised garden beds because of its natural resistance to moisture and decay without relying on chemical treatments. Understanding the pros and cons of each material helps gardeners build beds that support healthy plant growth and long-lasting performance.
We frequently answer questions about the best wood for raised garden beds and help homeowners understand which materials are safest and most practical for edible gardening. Factors such as longevity, resistance to rot, cost, and exposure to moisture can all influence the right choice for a raised garden system. By helping homeowners make informed decisions early in the planning process, we support healthier gardens that are easier to maintain over time.
