Old wood with Creosote - raised beds ?

[Marb67]

I spent all afternoon constructing a 3 tier raised bed from planks of wood I found at the plot I have recently taken on. When drilling the wood I did smell creosote, but as these planks are years old I don't think they will be a problem but after all that work and effort I just couldn't bear the thought of having to not use them.

Has anyone else used wood with creosote with any problems ?

[rary]

Marb, I wouldn't use wood with creosote on a veg bed, and yes I have used it in the past with no ill effects that I know of, which would than say you should be alright, but should be, isn't will be, so I wouldn't use them

[ameno]

I wouldn't want to risk using it for fruit or veg, just in case.
I'd feel fine using it for an ornamental bed, though.

[Marb67]

That's all the wood there is so I'll just have to put everything (Autumn onions/brassicas) in the open soil in the hope that slugs don't get to them.

Oh well, thanks for confirming. I shall dismantle it all. Back to square one then

[ameno]

Now that I think about it, you could probably just line the wood with something non-porous, like plastic sheeting of some sort. That would prevent any chemicals from the creosote from leeching into the soil.

[Jungle Jane]

Wooden edged beds or open soil are both easy access for slugs/snails anyway

[Penellype]

I would line the sides of the beds with plastic sheeting, but leave the bottoms open for drainage.

[burnie]

Plants roots don't just go down and when the soil is wet any chemicals will leach sideways into the bed where the roots are, ;I agree with Rary, why would you want to eat chemicals in your food?

[Marb67]

Plants roots don't just go down and when the soil is wet any chemicals will leach sideways into the bed where the roots are, ;I agree with Rary, why would you want to eat chemicals in your food?

I get it thanks. I agree, no creosote

[Marb67]

Wooden edged beds or open soil are both easy access for slugs/snails anyway

But far easier to manage with a barrier around higher up.

[Jungle Jane]

But far easier to manage with a barrier around higher up.

Slugs & snails like to sleep against damp wood,it won’t act as a barrier but good luck.