Old bookshelf raised bed idea, crazy?

[cbar]

I've had this bookcase since I was 12, and now I'm 52! It was stained cherry and made in Sweden back in the 60's. I'm very suspect about using it as a bed, but it has all the right dimensions that I could use at the moment to help thin out my overpopulated garden.

I won't hold anyone accountable but could the toxicity have worn down by now to make it safe?

All opinions are welcome and thanks in advance!
[img]https://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh99/cbar851/DSC_0001-3.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh99/cbar851/DSC_0004-2.jpg[/img]

[Kisal]

You could just staple heavy plastic sheeting over the wood that would be in contact with the soil. I wouldn't line the bottom with plastic, though, or you might disrupt the drainage. Just a suggestion.

[rainbowgardener]

Someone else had a similar idea:

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26997&highlight=

You do understand, even if lined your lovely bookshelf is likely to get ruined from watering, contact with damp soil, etc? It may only last a few seasons before it warps and falls apart.

[cbar]

Someone else had a similar idea:

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26997&highlight=

You do understand, even if lined your lovely bookshelf is likely to get ruined from watering, contact with damp soil, etc? It may only last a few seasons before it warps and falls apart.

Thanks for the replies. I saw that post and it helped give me the idea! I'm not so worried about damaging it as I am about the stain leaching into the ground.

[Susan W]

Keep it as a book shelf. Books, stuff, office stuff, fabric and yarn stuff (my house), and options too numerous to mention. Potted plants would be very nice on the top shelf. Even if an inside darker wall, pothos, Chinese evergreens and a few others could grace it.

Go to your lumber place or box store for garden stuff.

[garden5]

Now, this is only my opinion, but I really think that the stain will leach overtime with all of the weathering the wood will go through.

That's such a nice bookcase, perhaps you could put it to another gardening related use. How about a rack for seed-starting .?