Comments for Raised Vegetable Bed

Comments for
Raised Vegetable Bed

May 24, 2009

Treated Timbers and Vegetables
by: Kimberly

Hi Rita, Kimberly here from landscape solutions for you. Thank you for asking the question on your landscape timbers. Morton, thank you also for responding to Rita. Morton makes a very good point.

There has been concerns over the years on pressure treated lumber and chemicals. Research has been done and many vegetables have been tested. One of the findings is that there is a major chemical in pressure treated lumber but the levels are low. It is recommended that you plant your vegetables around 15 to 16 inches away from the timber. Pine is the most common wood used. Pine will not last as long as Cedar or Redwood. The pine lasts about three years, but is the least expensive out of the three woods. One recommendation when purchasing the timber, is to look at the timber and check for wet spots. (this could be some chemical residue) Other alternatives are brick or stone to construct a raise bed.

Rita, I personally don't think you will have a problem with your Rhubarb, but the decision is up to you. People have been using landscaping timber for years. Again, the levels of this major chemical are low, and especially when planted 15 to 16 inches away.

I hope this helps and let us know what you decide. Thanks again for asking the question, and feel free anytime to ask a question here at landscape solutions for you. Morton, thanks for your input as well. Have a great day!
Kimberly

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May 24, 2009
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Submitted by: Kimberly

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Comment
Hi Rita, Kimberly here from landscape solutions for you. Thank you for asking the question on your landscape timbers. Morton, thank you also for responding to Rita. Morton makes a very good point. There has been concerns over the years on pressure treated lumber and chemicals. Research has been done and many vegetables have been tested. One of the findings is that there is a major chemical in pressure treated lumber but the levels are low. It is recommended that you plant your vegetables around 15 to 16 inches away from the timber. Pine is the most common wood used. Pine will not last as long as Cedar or Redwood. The pine lasts about three years, but is the least expensive out of the three woods. One recommendation when purchasing the timber, is to look at the timber and check for wet spots. (this could be some chemical residue) Other alternatives are brick or stone to construct a raise bed. Rita, I personally don't think you will have a problem with your Rhubarb, but the decision is up to you. People have been using landscaping timber for years. Again, the levels of this major chemical are low, and especially when planted 15 to 16 inches away. I hope this helps and let us know what you decide. Thanks again for asking the question, and feel free anytime to ask a question here at landscape solutions for you. Morton, thanks for your input as well. Have a great day! Kimberly

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May 22, 2009

Treated Timber
by: Morton

I am in New Zealand and have always used treated timber for raised gardens. I have a raised vege garden 14m long, 750mm high, 2.5m deep using 200x50mm T&G landscape timber and I have not had problems with chemicals leaching into the soil
This garden has been in existence for over 3 years

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