On Thu, 28 May 2009 10:23:42 -0600, SteveB wrote:

I have decided to make some raised planting boxes rather than go into
the earth, which here is a combination of sand dune sand and caliche. I
believe that some treated lumber would last the longest, or perhaps some
railroad ties. Maybe some old building beams if I can find them for a
decent price.

Is there a danger of the chemicals leaching out from treated lumber or
railroad ties for garden beds? What if I put a liner? I intend on
going to the nursery, and getting a really good mix of soil delivered,
or maybe just getting some bales of peat moss, and some bags of soil and
mixing. But I don't want to do all the work and spend all the money if
I am planting these things in a toxic box.

TIA

Steve

It shouldn't matter for flowers, you aren't going to eat them. If you are
growing food then you absolutely don't want to use any sort of treated
lumber.