Marianne's Response

heretac’s Question

Hello, my husband just built me a vegetable bed made out of douglas fir lumbar. He water sealed it with Thomsons water seal so the wood can last longer and we just found out that we should not have done that because the possible toxicity of the seal can leach to the soil. Is this correct? If so, what can we do? He built it and we would hate to throw it out. Can he sand it off and be ok? I am planning on planting my first organic vegetable garden and would hate to get sick from it. Please help, i am desperately seeking an answer.

Posted by Hereta Cervantes on March 31, 2013

Marianne's Response

No worries - using wood preservative for raised beds has been tested by several universities and found to be safe. In fact even using timbers coated with creosote (not recommended) has proven safe because the toxicity even if it does leach a few centimeters into the soil is not taken up by plants. To be extra safe and set your mind at ease just don't plant the root crops (like carrots and parsnips) right next to the wood. Now get out there and start growing! Marianne Binetti

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