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

"SteveB" wrote in message
...
sand dune sand and caliche.

Southwest?

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 read this question alot here. Here are a couple links to help you make a
decision :

http://www.ecologycenter.org/factshe...ated_wood.html

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/infpre.html

Creosote:
http://waterquality.montana.edu/docs...wq_faq_3.shtml

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.