Question
Old railroad ties border my property along one side. The area was formerly a driveway. There is a three foot wide bed from the ties to a French drain that separates this bed from the next bed where I have a row of apple and almond trees. Will these trees be contaminated by leaching toxins from the ties? Is it possible now to clean this area up to make it safe to grow food? Thanks so much. Susan

Answer
I am sorry to say that if you want to grow organic food, I would not grow it anywhere near creosoted railroad ties.... the toxins are pretty toxic, and by now have leached into the soil.  You might consider planting an ornamental non-food garden there, and just making new raised beds somewhere else.  You could probably dig out all the soil for two feet, and replace it.   But if you have room, make an organic garden somewhere else.  We just made raised beds out of cement, you can watch the video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I4ibS9w7oU   It is one way.  I would recommend raised beds.  For more information about organic gardening and the possibilities, please visit our web site:  http://www.avant-gardening.com