Is a moisture barrier required when building a garden against the house?

Question

If it is, can anyone recommend some good resources on how to do this?

Answer 1

never ever build a garden next to a house...you will disturb your chemical termite barrier (if you have one).watering will attract termites to the house and if you use wood chip you will be asking for trouble...if your on a slab your garden may obstruct the weep holes or worse cover them inviting unseen termite entry points...or if you have a sub floor the watering can dampen the sub floor causing fungal decay,damage to foundations and attract termites....have all the gardens you like next to the fence,in the yard or near the old tin shed but no gardens next to the house with or with moisture barriers ......or you may find out the real cost of termites....and no insurance will cover you

Answer 2

I'm not sure what part of the county you live in, but where I live we have tons of termites. Anytime you introduce moisture, the subterranean termites will thrive and move in. I would not recommend having a garden next to your foundation. If you have any crack there, they will find a way in and then you're in for a big repair bill.
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Answer 3

I wouldn't think so. Just slope the dirt away from the house as you would if you were simply landscaping. After all, you already have dirt against the foundation. Doubtful you will be watering enough to cause any damage. This applies only if it is a masonary foundation. If the dirt will be touching wood, I would place some plastic sheeting against the wood before doing this.