Raised Vegetable Bed

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Raised Vegetable Bed

by Rita H. Beaulieu
(Berlin, Ct, USA)

My raised vegetable/rhubarb bed has been in place for two years. It was made with pressure treated wood, no plastic lining and I'm worried about toxins that may be absorbed by the rhubarb. I asked the handy-man/landscaper about this and he said that it was safe to eat the rhubarb etc. He purchased the wood at Home Depot. After reading information on the internet, I am really worried about my beautiful crop of rhubarb. What should I do? Have it torn down, have it emptied out and put in a heavy plastic liner or just remove the rhubarb and plant flowers?

Rita
Berlin, Connecticut

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Raised Vegetable Bed

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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

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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