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Raised bed problem

Lin5Lin5 Posts: 2
in Problem solving

Hi everyone.  I'm new to Gardeners World forum but I need help! 3 years ago I built 2 small raised beds for veg. I removed paving slabs from a small unused patio near the house.  Unfortunately I used treated timber (not knowing any better). First season was fine. Last 2 years, beans ok but everything else germinates but does not thrive and I am now wondering if the soil has been poisoned by the leached timber treatment.  

Has anyone any experience of this and what I could do to counteract short of rebuilding and getting rid of the soil?  

Posts

  • hilltopgardenerhilltopgardener Posts: 9

    I,ve recently written an article on raised beds, are you adding manure or any sort of nutrients to the soil each year. With raised beds the compost does not benefit from as much natural matter as other beds. The soil can often deteriorate quite quickly if grown on intensively.

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Treated timber will leach chemicals into the soil, which if your'e using it for food crops you will consume.

    Hilltop has the most likely answer, the soil still needs feeding, even more so in raised beds.

  • Mark 499Mark 499 Posts: 380
    There have been tests carried out on chemicals leaching from timber in raised beds, the results said that there is no risk from modern treatments.
  • Lin5Lin5 Posts: 2

    Thanks for that Mark.  I'll try again this year with maybe more organic feed. 

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