[Market-farming] wood for raised bed info

TxBeeFarmer TxBeeFarmer at HotPop.com
Thu Oct 4 17:57:49 EDT 2007


Ok, for what it's worth, here's what I've learned about wood preservatives 
and pressure treated wood relating to beekeeping.  Pressure treated wood 
changed formulations a few years ago.  It used to be quite toxic, but now 
the industry uses a copper based compound.  Copper is very non toxic to 
animals, but is very toxic to water plants.  It shouldn't bother veggies at 
all.  You can get FDA approved food grade wood treatments, meaning food can 
be in contact with it for extended periods with no problems, if you wish. 
One is copper quinolate, water based.  I've found it at large beekeeping 
supply stores like Mann Lake.  Another is copper napthenate, mix it alcohol. 
This you can found at Lowe's or Home Depot, used for treating wood that 
comes into contact with the soil.  Another option is pressure treated wood 
using silica, as in glass.  It makes the wood inorganic and is harmless to 
animal and plant life.  It's only been available a couple of years, so you 
may have to hunt for it.

Hope this helps.  Good luck.

TxBeeFarmer
West Texas Zone 7b 




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