Q.Railroad Ties Around My Vegetable Garden Safe?
We hired somebody to work in our garden area and he used old railroad ties around the whole vegetable garden,(not to build the raised beds). He also used shredded wood as mulch surrounding the raised beds. We are not sure where he got both the railroad ties and the mulch. Do I need to be concerned about chemicals leaching into the soil of my vegetable garden?

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Railroad ties are a poor option, since they are coated with chemicals that are toxic to the soil, and yourself.
This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/are-railroad-ties-safe.htm