Marianne's Response

How to Build A Raised Bed Garden-Darren Sherriff

In the article in the March 2024 edition he talks about using treated lumber or railroad ties to build raised beds but didn’t recommend it because they are soaked with chemicals. He also talks about lining the beds with plastic which can accelerate the deterioration of the wood. Pressure treated lumber has been researched and approved for use for food crops. Copper has been used to treat lumber for the last 20 years. I am disappointed that he hadn’t researched his article.

Posted by George Frey on March 22, 2024

Marianne's Response

I agree with you but not sure what article you are referring to. I answer gardening questions on this site but not responsible for the articles. I always recommend raised beds as the soil warms up sooner in the spring and drains better. I have seen the studies on using railroad ties and treated wood and agree the safety issue is extremely unlikely.  Keep growing, Marianne Binetti