Adding a section on Design Considerations
Be aware that pressure-treated wood, while effective at protecting the wood from deterioration and pests, can change the aesthetic of a vegetable garden. This can be an advantage for some gardeners – it creates a focal point or adds rustic charm to the surroundings. Others may prefer that the wood blends in with the rest of their landscape so they can enjoy the look of their vegetables without any additional distractions. If this is important to you, it pays to do some testing by staining different types of wood and measuring reactions; some may turn grey or green more quickly than others due to moisture content and soils. It can also help to research how long each type of treated wood takes to weather naturally. Given the wide variety of woods available, there is always an option that can suit your gardening needs as well as your design preferences.
Adding a section on Working with Existing Pressure Treated Wood
When working with existing pressure treated wood in your vegetable garden, it is important to check for signs of decay or damage. If you find any decayed or damaged sections of boards, these should be replaced as soon as possible. It is also important to double-check that the pressure treatment remains effective. Do this by performing a visual inspection, looking for signs of organic matter on the wood such as mold or mildew growth. If necessary, use a chemical test kit to ensure there are no chemical leachates present in the wood.
In addition to checking and maintaining existing pressure treated wood, you may also choose to reseal it with a polymer-based sealant that is specifically designed for outdoor use on pressure-treated wood. This will help protect the wood from further exposure to moisture and prolong its lifespan. To ensure maximum benefit from resealing existing pressure-treated wood, it needs to be done regularly every few years as per manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, when working with any type of treated lumber, always wear protective gloves and clothing and avoid inhaling sawdust or other particles generated through cutting or drilling the material.
Adding a section on Stocking Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure treated wood is a wonderful material to use in a vegetable garden, as it is durable and helps protect against rot, pests, and moisture damage. There are a variety of pressure-treated wood products available for purchase that can be used in a vegetable garden. Some common sources for acquiring this material are local lumber yards and hardware stores.
When shopping for pressure-treated wood materials at lumber yards, customers should ask about the chemical content of the product being sold as many different types of preservatives exist within the industry. Additionally, customers should ask about the product’s pot life. This measurement corresponds with the proactive length regarding its effectiveness on various applications.
At hardware stores, pre-constructed items such as raised beds, decking boards, and posts can be purchased or construction and installation services can be arranged. Before selecting any wood products from a hardware store, customers should confirm that the material being purchased satisfies local code requirements. Also, if one plans to build their own pressure-treated products from scratch at home–perhaps using scraps obtained from either source– gloves should always be worn throughout the assembly process as contact with unfinished surfaces could cause skin irritation or infection when combined with sweat or other humidity present from handling.
Adding Links and Resources
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/wooddust
• Wood Working Network – https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/topics/health-safety/article/21144470/understanding-the-risks-of-pressuretreated-wood
• National Gardening Association – https://garden.org/learn/articles/view/232/
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry – https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phso/_multiple_docs_nonindexVersionedDocs_htmV4CSafeHandlingPressureTreatedWood.pdf
• United States Environmental Protection Agency – https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/pending_regs/fs_PC-158901_10-Oct-2018_115pmFELDFSR3588856045760545Feb2019032021PMEstablishmentoftheCriteriaforPublicExpandOnTheTextBelowPressureTreatedWoodInAVegetableGardenAddingLinksandResourcesIncludehelpfullinksandresourcestooutsourcesuchaswebsitesandorganizationsthatcanprovideadditionalinformationonpressuretreatedwoodinavegetablegarden
Adding a Glossary of Terms
Pressure Treated Wood: Pressure treated wood is lumber that has undergone a process by which preservatives are forced into the wood fibers to help protect from damage due to exposure the elements or insects.
Wood Preservative: A chemical used to treat wood for protection against rot, decay, and insect damage.
Vapors: Gases released when pressure treating lumber with chemicals that can cause severe sickness and death if inhaled.
Ground Contact: The area of lumber closest to the ground in a structure, such as a raised vegetable garden, where it is exposed to more moisture and greater risks of rotting, fungal growth, and insect infestation.
Insect Repellents: A type of insecticide designed to prevent or reduce infestations of insects on the surface of wooden structures.
If you’re looking to get into vegetable gardening, or are just looking for some tips on how to make your current garden better, then you’ve come to the right place! My name is Ethel and I have been gardening for years. In this blog, I’m going to share with you some of my best tips on how to create a successful vegetable garden.
