Using railroad ties for veggie garden?

[Hangman]

I want to start a garden next year in the spring. I want to have a raised garden to make it easy to work in and around the garden. I read many blogs that say do not use treated wood because the wood contains poison.

what bout rail road ties, can those be used to create a raised garden bed?

 

[Northernfox]

That is a bad idea. typically the chemicals to treat rail road ties are creosol based. Creosol is a carcinogen that will leach into soil.

there are debates on the new pressure treated wood which is chromium arsenic. it is not carcinogenic but people still dont like it. I dont have a problem with it as a contaminated sites specialist but that is for me and I recommend everyone do their own research and making the decision

 

[Mike]

I'm going to say that as a contaminated site specialist @Northernfox knows much more than I do about this. That said I've seen and personally know of people who have used railroad ties, not brand new ones but older ones without any issue. If I can find it again I will re-post it but believe a college did a study on this and found that the leaching was very minimal and only within the first inch or two away from the tie.

I'm guessing if you was really concerned you could always line your bed with plastic then fill with dirt. Northenfox what would your opinion be of that setup?

 

[Northernfox]

The issue is part to do with the leaching however it is more to do with the skin contact. Typically we humans put our hands in our mouths noses and eyes a lot during the day. These are primary receptors for carcinogens.

Even the contact with your skin can cause absorption.

One of the higher risks in a garden is transfer of material. Resting ones hand on the tie and then pulling some carrots. That type of thing.

If you want to use them for your garden I don't recommend it directly touching anything. Leaching can be exacerbated by Rollin or regular garden operations. Using a liner is a method to help prevent transfer of creosol. If you do look into high density poly ethylene liners. You should make sure it is relatively puncture proof. Then encapsulate all faces of the ties.

That all said it is probably cheaper to get pine cedar of redwood then to get the liner.

In the end I recommend you make the decision that works for you!

 

[Jal_ut]

Garden? What is a garden?

My Father's veggie garden was just part of the grain field next to the house where he didn't plant grain, but instead planted potatoes and corn and a few other things. I guess I got that from Dad as I just plant on a part of the lot that is tilled up and planted. Just garden on the soil the Creator chose to leave on the lot. My mothers flower garden was a plot that she had me dig by hand with a shovel. She too gardened on the soil the Creator left on the plot. A little doo doo from the barnyard added some nutrients. No expense for edgings, liners, pots, and etc.

Granted, we have pretty good soil in this area, but I would suggest looking at what soil is on your lot and see if that can be used to grow veggies. It would seem less costly to add a few amendments to existing soil than to buy new soil for a tub or pot.

Going back to my opening question, I guess a garden is what we want it to be. In any event, a spot to grow things. Build what you want and enjoy!

 

[Jal_ut]

Sorry, I didn't mention the RR ties.

I think I would steer clear of them for a veggie garden for reasons already mentioned. Concrete blocks would be my choice for raised beds, or even formed and reinforced concrete if you have those kind of skills. The beauty of concrete is that it does not rot. Ever.

 

[Northernfox]

to further Jal_ut post you can even use cinderblocks and use the space for herbs or strawberries

 

[sreece]

We make our beds using hardy board we got from a salvage place. We hold them in place with short pieces of rebar. Works well for us.

 

[Mike]

All good points @Northernfox. Like I said I'm certainly no expert or have the knowledge you have and would suggest Hangman take your suggestions more so than mine.

I've seen many people use them and seem okay, but like Northernfox has pointed out that doesn't make it right or okay.

What would you say in regards to people using the new pressure treated wood?

 

[Northernfox]

If the pressure treated. Wood is new it is copper chromium Arsenic treated (legislate to be so in Canada) these elements are individually not safe for consumption. Thy said it is significantly less toxic then creosote I have use it in beds where the production is not in the soil

 

[Hangman]

Sorry, I didn't mention the RR ties.

I think I would steer clear of them for a veggie garden for reasons already mentioned. Concrete blocks would be my choice for raised beds, or even formed and reinforced concrete if you have those kind of skills. The beauty of concrete is that it does not rot. Ever.

thx for thee replies i guess i will go with something other then railroad ties for my veggie garden then. concrete blocks sounds like a pretty expensive alternative. they sell for 1.5 - 2.0 per locally.

can i use treated wood and line the inner bed with 6mil plastic????

 

[Northernfox]

It's an option I would recommend lining it an not putting root crops near the structure just my opinion

 

[Hangman]

so no carrots but tomatoes and corn is okay?

 

[Northernfox]

Typically. Although there are some thoughts crops can move it up into the fruit but I'm not a believer IMHO