What is the best type of lumber to use for a raised garden?

The5072424
by The5072424
  8 answers
  • L L on Jun 20, 2017

    Pressure treated would be best if you want to pay the extra expense. But it will last longer.

  • Julie M. Julie M. on Jun 20, 2017

    This is a good tutorial. If you plan on growing edibles, I would stay away from pressure treated wood because of leaching chemicals.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMQ1G4hTS1w

  • Nichole Eubanks Nichole Eubanks on Jun 20, 2017

    2 by 4s pressured and sealed water treated

  • Cinda Besrdsley Cinda Besrdsley on Jun 20, 2017

    pressure treated wood will leach chemicals into soil which in turn into your vegetables. it will taint the soil for years. Cedar is the best way to go.

  • Sharon O'Neal Sharon O'Neal on Jun 20, 2017

    I would be careful of pressure treated wood...folks in the lumber department won't even cut the wood for you if you need it because they say the wood dust is not safe for us to breathe in...I wouldn't want that near my ediable plants if that's what you want to plant? I would look into using redwood, it doesn't rot and as far as I know it's safe to work with...it is costly but will last forever. Good luck!

  • Rose Middleton Rose Middleton on Jun 20, 2017

    Landscape timbers have served us well for years. You can drill holes in the corners and pin together with small lengths of rebar. Otherwise, I agree with cedar.

  • Candace Candace on Jun 20, 2017

    Cedar is naturally bug and mildew resistant.

  • Billie Sue Patrick Billie Sue Patrick on Jun 20, 2017

    I'm a long time organic gardener and I have used pressure treated. Research shows that the chemicals don't actually end up in your produce. If you don't want to take any chances, go with redwood or cedar. It's really expensive though. There are also raised bed kits that use manufactured lumber.