Raised vegetable beds

Question

Can I use treated wood, which will have contact with the soil, for my raised garden beds? I want them to hold up against insects and moisture. Can the treated agents leak into the soil and contaminate the vegetables? Is this a big issue?

Answer 1

It depends on what the wood is treated with, but a general rule of thumb is to stay away from pressure-treated lumber and railroad ties. These articles may help you:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-vegetable-gardens.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/are-railroad-ties-safe.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/cinder-block-garden-beds.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/accessible/building-table-gardens.htm