What kind of lumber do I use for raised garden beds?

Question

I want to grow vegetables and other foods in a raised garden bed. I am concerned about leaching chemicals from treated lumber into the soil where my vegetable beds will be. Can you recommend lumber that I can use, which will not quickly rot?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Cedar landscape timbers would be the best is the 'wood' group. Others have built raised beds with concrete blocks, pavers, synthetic decking, steel panels etc. This same question was just asked recently. You can use the search bar above to find other posts. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/q-can-the-chemicals-used-in-pressure-treated-wood-leach-into-your-vegetable-garden-1072000

Silvan Johnson · Answer

Make sure you don't use pressure treated lumber, the chemicals can leach into the soil. Painted is OK, though and may help the wood last longer.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Sonia horodysky The advice above is sound. Others have have used these products and are not concerned, but if you research the science there is concern about the chemicals leaching into the soil and then into the plants. We have used cedar - I have a handy hubby who did this for me. But there are now products on the market that would allow even the most clumsy to do the project with little effort. Please post when you are done - I hope to post in the summer when and if the snow finally melts, and it is snowing as I write this LOL

What kind of lumber do I use for raised garden beds?

Can the chemicals used in pressure treated wood leach into your vegetable garden?

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What kind of lumber do I use for raised garden beds?

Can the chemicals used in pressure treated wood leach into your vegetable garden?

Suggested Project Book