Scotty_TN
Full Member
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:43 am
Location: TN, USA zone 7a

Barn wood for container?

I guess this would be the right forum for this question.

I know we shouldn't use pressure treated lumber for raised bed planting. I have some old barn wood and was wondering if that material would be safe for a container for planting some fruits or veggies?

imafan26
Mod
Posts: 13992
Joined: Tue Jan 01, 2013 8:32 am
Location: Hawaii, zone 12a 587 ft elev.

The newer pressure treated lumber doesn't use arsenic anymore.
Here's a link about using pressure treated wood in the garden.


https://www.finegardening.com/how-to/art ... -beds.aspx

You can use pressure treated wood, but you should consider sealing it or putting on some type of waterproofing so it lasts longer.

You can use other materials like stacking stones (you may have a ready supply nearby), recycled materials like concrete pavers. Hollow tile, or just pull up the soil around the edges of the bed to form mounds and pathways.

Dillbert
Greener Thumb
Posts: 955
Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2010 3:29 pm
Location: Central PA

"barn wood"

well, yes and no and/or perhaps....

if painted with lead paint somewhere in its history, no. (test kits avail.)

siding? I presume . . .
no-lead, one could assume to be a good candidate.
however comma, being old, dry, any natural oils likely dried out....
it'll rot rather quickly.

2x4,6,8,10 southern yellow pine works very well - has a lot of oils/resins - I've had it last 10+ years no problems.



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