Is it ok to use pressure-treated lumber on raised garden beds?

Photo by Rusty Clark. Creative Common license.

Pressure-treated lumber is extremely popular for outdoor applications. It lasts for decades without rotting and can be placed directly in contact with the ground. A frequent question that arises is whether or not it is acceptable to construct raised vegetable garden beds out of this material.

Before 2003, most treated lumber contained high levels or arsenic, which was proven by the EPA to slowly diffuse into the surrounding soil making it toxic. Since then alternative compounds have been used and treated lumber is supposedly safer.

There is debate as to whether or not the chemicals in the "new" treated wood such as copper derivatives can leach into the soil and end up on the dinner table. Studies have been conducted with mixed results on this matter.

Personally, I would never use treated lumber to construct garden beds. Redwood looks much nicer and also has similar longevity. The cost is only slightly higher, and you don't have to worry about the risk of consuming the fungicides in treated lumber that may end up in the soil. It should be noted that in many regions the use of treated lumber is banned for those seeking organic certifications.

Why risk your health for a product that doesn't look as nice? There are viable alternatives to redwood which I will cover later, however using treated lumber on vegetable beds is a bad idea in my opinion.

5 Reasons why raised redwood beds will improve your garden

Custom built redwood beds in a bird-proof enclosure. A beautiful addition to any yard.

The use of raised beds is an excellent way to create a garden that thrives just about anywhere, and is growing in popularity as we strive to maximize the quality and yield of our vegetables and flowers, often in rather tight spaces. Raised beds are superior to traditional in-ground ones for the following reasons.

1.) Less back pain. Anyone who has spent countless hours bent over in the garden pulling weeds has probably experienced a sore back. Raised beds are elevated so that they are easier to reach and work on without putting unnecessary strain on your body.

2.) Improved drainage-- In areas where the soil has a slower percolation rate raised beds are often the only reliable way to garden. Healthy root systems need to dry out from time to time and if they are constantly waterlogged your plants will not do well.

3.) Raised beds warm up faster in the spring-- For those in cooler climates, plants will get a jump start in the morning over those in the ground.

4.) Pest control-- Using raised beds lined with gopher wire will eliminate the headache caused by gophers killing off your prized plants by denying access to them. Also, it is easier to control insect populations in the confined environment that they provide so there are less issues with pests such as aphids and spider mites.

5.) Appearance-- Raised beds built from redwood will add natural beauty to your yard and can be very pleasing to the eye. Since they can be built in just about any style you can dream up and construct the perfect addition to your yard or patio.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to come up with a design.