Comments on: Raised Vegetable Bed

By: Laura yelmini

Laura yelmini — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:37:17 +0000

Speaking of chemicals leaching into the soil…is there a topsoil or soilless mix out there that has been tested to be free of heavy metals? I built a raised bed (because we have high levels of lead in our soil) to grow vegetables and now I don’t know what to fill it with! Any info. will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Laura

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:49:25 +0000

Mary Ann, Creosote treated wood is black or dark brown in color while wood that is treated with copper based preservatives has a greenish tint. Wood treated with creosote and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) are no longer readily available and should not be used with vegetable gardens. The newer preservatives ACQ (alkaline copper quat) and CA-B (copper azole) have lower toxicity levels, but can still be a questionable choice for vegetable gardens. When used to construct raised beds, an impermeable membrane (like heavy plastic sheeting) should be used between the wood and soil. Other options for use with vegetable beds include rot resistant woods such as cedar and redwood, and masonry construction. You can find more detailed information in the Fine Gardening magazine article Are Pressure Treated Woods Safe in Garden Beds?.

By: Mary Ann

Mary Ann — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:50:02 +0000

I do not find an answer to the question about pressure treated wood for vegetable gardens. I bought landscape timbers that are pressure treated does this mean they are treated with creasote? Please advise. Thank You

By: DIY: (657) Family Friendly Backyard - Danny Lipford

DIY: (657) Family Friendly Backyard - Danny Lipford — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:12:04 +0000

[...] Vegetable gardens can either be planted directly in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers on a patio or porch. It’s important to provide the proper ratio of light, water, soil, and fertilizer for your plants to grow. Visit our Around the Yard website for more information on gardens. [...]

By: Don

Don — Sun, 25 May 2008 14:29:38 +0000

What concerns are there about the chemicals in treated lumber leaching into the soil and being picked up by the plants? It appears that the beds you’re showing use pressure treated lumber.