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Debate: Should you use pressure treated wood for raised garden beds or not?
I was reading through some old gardening forums last night and came across a stat that floored me. Apparently the EPA says the current type of pressure treated wood (ACQ) is safe for gardens, but some studies show copper can leach into soil over time. I've been using treated 2x6s for my raised beds for like 4 years now, and my veggie yield has been fine. But my buddy refuses to use anything other than cedar because he's worried about chemicals getting into his kale. He spent almost $200 extra on cedar for his last 4x8 bed. On one hand, ACQ is way cheaper and lasts longer. On the other, there's that lingering doubt about heavy metals. What do you guys think, is the risk real or overblown? Has anyone actually tested their soil after using treated lumber?
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the_jessica25d ago
wait what about the fasteners though? I've heard the copper in ACQ reacts with regular galvanized screws and can make them corrode way faster than normal.
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perry.karen24d ago
Hold up, stainless steel is way overkill for most decks and you're paying triple for nothing. Why not just use the coated screws that are actually rated for ACQ and save the money for something that matters?
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