Safety of Pressure-Treated Wood for Raised Vegetable Gardens

A homeowner asks if modern pressure-treated timber is safe for raised veggie beds, or if chemicals will contaminate soil and produce.

Research shows no measurable chemical increase in edible plant parts from modern treatments. Minute leaching occurs only in soil directly adjacent to very fresh wood. Let fresh treated wood weather in sun for weeks and scrub before use. Many community gardens use treated pine. For strict organic preference, use cedar. To save money, line beds with 6-mil plastic or aluminum roof flashing as a barrier between wood and soil.