Is Pressure Treated Wood Safe for Raised Garden Beds?

Pressure-treated wood is an option for many outdoor garden situations. Many gardeners have concerns and questions about using pressure-treated wood for raised garden beds. Gardener Scott reviews the history and science behind wood that has been pressure treated with fungicide and pesticide chemicals. (Video #340)
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[@simplifygardening]

Before 2006 this would definitely have been a NO. but AQC is now used and this is safe to use. So many people think that CCA was safe but it was found that it was absorbed by plants so better to use it for ornamentals. I wrote an article on it last year. I now have no issue at all using pressure-treated wood. Great video mate

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

We also made the choice to use treated wood when we made raised beds in the greenhouse because we want it to last far into retirement. And we are about the upgrade the dilapidated untreated raised beds in the garden with treated lumber. Since I'm in my 50s, I do not want to go through changing them again (we've done it twice already). We are using 6x6s to hedge our beds. Thank you for making me more confident in this decision. Great video!

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

I began building my garden 3 years ago and treated lumber was still mostly a no-no. But I thoroughly researched and determined it to be safe. Not only did I use treated but I lined the inside with galvanized and also put the beds on gravel. And I used 4x6s so I should be good for a very long time. I also treat the wood with pure linseed oil every year.

[@propertystuff7221]

Super helpful! Thanks!

[@markz6531]

I would recommend checking with the specific manufacturer of the Pressure Treated wood your looking to use. In 2020 I was looking to build 4 raised beds, owner of local Lumber Yard contacted the manufacturer of their pressure treated boards to check safety of the chemicals used. Manufacturer replied that the chemicals used were safe to use around landscaping plants but not safe within 3 feet of plants that would be eaten.

[@seattledanr5363]

Once again...I learned something new! Thanks for the video. I've always thought that currently pressure treated lumber at the store was Copper Arsenate. I avoided it and paid an arm and a leg for cedar. Gardening is hard with only 1 arm and 1 leg remaining.

[@kansasgardener5844]

This has been talked about for some time on RUclips Scott. I commented on videos 3 or ,4 years ago. I would now say that I would not use wood. Not because it's bad for you but because it just doesn't last long and or it warps. If I had to do it again I would not use wood of any kind. 😊 Update - 04/26/23 A year later and I stand by my statement from a year ago. The 4x4's I used in the corners of my beds have rotted and the rest of the treated wood is warped even more. When I start to rebuild my beds they will be metal with minimal or no wood. I recommend new gardeners to avoid wood when building raised beds.

[@SM-sy5cd]

I am just thinking of putting in a raised bed, this was a big question I had. I feel better now.thanks.

[@ghostridergale]

I’ve been using pressure treated wood in my garden for 10 plus years and it hasn’t killed anyone yet! LOL My partner has bad knees so she can’t get down at ground level to harvest or pull weeds. So I built it her raised bed tables on 4x4 legs with a waterproof plywood covered in plastic laminate that the raised bed box is made of. Build these over 10 years ago and they all still look like new no signs of degrading at all. These materials are not cheap, but considering how long this material lasts and not having to rebuild the raised beds or tables every few years or so. The cost as far as I’m concerned more then pays for itself eventually over time. Btw, I’m a woodworker by trade and been working with pressure treated materials most my life and never used gloves nor masks and I’m 65 years old now and no signs of being poisoned from the pressure treated wood yet! I’m way more concerned about chipboard or particleboard that comes with warning stickers stating the materials may have cancer producing chemicals in it. Don’t see no warning stickers on the pressure treated wood as of yet anyway!

[@judyofthewoods]

Charring untreated wood would also be an option, which would be perfectly safe.

[@Yankeesista203]

Thank Gardener Scott for this informational gardening subject! Truly appreciated! Take care my friend!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Thanks for the info, it is by far the best explanation I heard so far. Take care!

[@mariemiranda2115]

Thank you for this video. This was exactly the information I was looking for

[@borracho-joe7255]

Great knowledge, thanks for taking the time to share.

[@lcnava]

This is such a well done video. It’s presented in a cohesive way. Thank you.

[@eliandkate]

This is fab. Thank you for taking the time to do all this research.

[@heidiclark6612]

Thank You for explaining about pressure treated wood. Very informative!

[@sandyjones4144]

Thank you for this . I have wondered about it for several yrs. But now feel more comfortable using it for my raised beds .

[@janicejurgensen2122]

Once again, thank you for being so clear and explaining so thoroughly about the wood. I have an accidental bed not treated and 2 that are treated. I agree with your findings.

[@dragonshadow3707]

Hey Scott thanks for the video I am just about to get my raised beds built-in and have been wondering about this very subject so it has been handy I will be growing organically so your video has helped me big time many thanks.