Above-ground planters have become very popular with older gardeners in recent years. When gardens are laid out, it is much easier to reach the plants. Raised beds make gardening a lot easier for all age groups.
I would suggest doing some research before building any elevated gardens, especially when planting edible plants. There are some materials that you may not want to use – for example, railroad ties.
Many years ago some gardeners made themselves very good environmentalists by recycling old railroad ties for flower beds and garden edges. There was often a large supply and it seemed like a great way to use all that old wood – a great way to recycle it. Little did people know long ago that railroad ties could pose such a health risk.
Railroad ties contain creosote and would not be a good thing in any garden.
Creosote is a toxic substance that is bad for your health, children, pets, and your soil. Exposure to creosote can lead to mental confusion, breathing problems, kidney or liver problems, risk of cancer, eye problems, convulsions, and even death.
When creating an elevated garden that will hold up many seasons, you need to find materials that are strong, durable, and able to support your soil and plants. You are going to need something that will last.
For safer alternatives for your outdoor projects, consider using rocks, concrete blocks, fence boards, metal, bricks, wine barrels, bales of straw, pallets, or untreated wood.
It’s a good idea to always look for a sticker or inked stamp on the wood that shows how one of the untreated woods was treated and whether it is safe enough for your project.
Until next time, we are all trying to garden with nature, not against it, and maybe all of our weeds will turn into wildflowers.
Laurie Garretson is a gardener and kindergarten owner from Victoria. Send your gardening questions to laurie@vicad.com or the lawyer, PO Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77902.
