Can I Use Cedar In My Vegetable Garden Bed?

Cedar wood is a popular choice for raised garden beds due to its natural resistance to decay and insect infestation. It is generally considered safe, as it has a high level of natural tannins that help repel rot and pests. Cedar is used for planters because it is naturally resistant to rot and insects without any treatment.

Cedar mulch and cedar boards are safe for organic gardening, either decorative or vegetable gardening. However, it can leach toxic substances, so it should be used for raised bed boxes. Cedar and juniper are fantastic materials for building raised beds, and if you feel safer using them, you should.

Alan Reid, GardenWorks horticulturist, confirmed that there is no reason why cedar should not be used in vegetable gardens. He suggests that drainage and air flow are crucial for the success of raised beds. If the boards are solid cedar, they don’t need any preservative at all. If they are composite, they may require some type of preservative.

To extend the life of wooden raised beds, it is best to select thicker hardwood like cedar, redwood, and cypress. 2 inches will last a lot longer than 1 inch, and 2 inches will last a lot longer than 1 inch.

When choosing the right type of cedar for your garden, consider factors such as your needs, budget, and growing zone. Cedar is a long-lasting, durable bed material that fits into any garden scheme with added weather and pest resistance benefits.

How long will cedar last in raised bed?

Raised beds are typically made from lumber, with pine and cedar being the most durable options. Avoid using redwood, an endangered species. To extend the bed’s lifespan, paint or seal the outside but avoid coating the sides that contact the soil. Pressure treated lumber (ACQ) is safe for raised beds but should be avoided due to its copper and fungicide treatment. Railroad ties are not suitable due to their creosote content.

Is cedar safe for garden beds?

Cedar is a popular choice for building raised garden beds due to its natural resistance to rot and bugs, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners. Raised garden beds can be filled with organic compost, soil, and mulch for nutrient-dense soil, resulting in less weeding than in-ground gardening. They also prevent children and pets from running through crops, compacting the soil, and allowing for easy addition of a “cage” to prevent unwanted animals from eating the harvest.

Cedar is also a simple way to divide up beds to create square garden spaces. The natural oils present in cedar wood make it rot and bug resistant, requiring no outdoor treatment. Overall, cedar is a cost-effective and durable option for creating raised garden beds.

What are the negatives of cedar?

Cedar decking, despite its longevity, tends to degrade quickly when used for ground-level decks and shaded areas. However, simple maintenance and re-sealing can solve these issues. Cedar offers a weathered look, is less expensive than composite, and requires less work than pressure-treated lumber. It can be a good choice for those looking for a durable, cost-effective, and weathered option. To learn more, visit the Decking Department page or ask an expert for assistance.

What material is best for raised garden beds?

To minimize soil contact with treated wood in raised beds, paint the wood with exterior latex paint, treat it with a semi-transparent oil-based stain, and apply a heavy plastic liner between the treated wood frame and your garden soil. Build your raised bed with decay-resistant wood like cedar, black cherry, oak, black locust, Osage orange, or redwood, and use non-wood materials like stones, concrete blocks, bricks, or synthetic lumber.

Pressure-treated wood is the most widely available type of wood preservative for residential use, but it contains arsenic and is considered low in toxicity. Research from Oregon State University showed that pressure-treated lumber does increase soil copper concentrations by a minor amount, but only within 1 inch of the raised-bed edge. Their study found no increase in copper concentration in plants grown in raised beds made with pressure-treated lumber. If you have concerns about using MCA-treated wood, paint or stain the wood, use a heavy plastic liner between the wood and your soil, or use a non-wood building material (e. g., stones, bricks).

Cement blocks are safe to use for raised gardens, but they are made with cement and fine aggregates such as sand or small stones, often including fly ash, a byproduct of burning coal and containing heavy metals and other hazardous waste. Labels do not provide specific information on the aggregate used in the manufacture of the block, and there is little research data on this topic. If you plan to use blocks as a raised bed material and are concerned about potential risks, seal the blocks with polymer paint or choose another material.

Will cedar sawdust compost?

Sawdust, a carbon-rich ingredient, can be a beneficial addition to a compost pile; however, it is not yet compost as it has not undergone sufficient decomposition. In order to create a “hot compost” pile, it is necessary to mix it with a nitrogen-rich material.

Is treated wood safe for vegetable gardens?

The USDA prohibits treated lumber for soil contact use in their certified National Organic Program, which includes CA and ACQ. The updated draft states that these materials are not allowed due to their inclusion on the National List of allowed synthetic materials. For those concerned, Viance recommends using heavy plastic sheeting for interior walls. Dr. Gerald Presley, Assistant Professor at Oregon State University, states that there are no justified claims that treated lumber causes negative effects from leaching into the soil.

What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?

Despite its resistance to rot and insect damage, cedar wood is a costly material with a strong, unpleasant aroma. Furthermore, if not handled correctly, it may also be susceptible to splitting and splintering.

Does cedar rot when wet?

Western Red Cedar is a softwood species native to North America, known for its water and rot-resistant properties, making it popular for outdoor projects like decking, siding, and fencing. Its natural oils and resins protect it from moisture damage and decay, giving it a distinctive aroma and color. The wood is lightweight, easy to work with, and ideal for carving and shaping intricate designs. Its low density makes it an excellent insulator, keeping heat inside and outside during cold and hot weather. With a lifespan of up to 40 years or more when properly maintained, Western Red Cedar can be left untreated or finished with oil or stain to enhance its color and protect it from UV rays.

Is cedar sawdust good for gardens?

Cedar sawdust is a natural and safe alternative to chemical treatments for weed control, used on sidewalks, patios, and driveways. It not only kills weeds but also prevents their return due to its decaying soil conditions. However, it can also kill other plants, so it should be used selectively.

Cedar sawdust can also be used to make natural fire starters by melting candle wax in a pot and adding the sawdust until the mixture becomes less workable. This mixture can be used in a home fireplace or during camping trips.

Cedar sawdust is also useful for spill cleanups, as it can absorb spilled liquids like oil or paint. To use, sprinkle the sawdust on the spill and allow it to absorb for 20-30 minutes. This makes it easier to sweep into a dustpan.

Does cedar affect bed bugs?

Cedar chips are a natural repellent for bed bugs, with their strong scent being unpleasant and keeping them away. They are commonly found in pet or garden stores and are used to cover the smell of dog poop and manure. Peppermint oil is another natural repellent, with its strong floral scent and potential anti-microbial properties. It can be found in health food stores and can potentially counteract diseases that bugs may carry.

Lavender oil is another essential oil that repels bed bugs due to its strong scent, which is unpleasant and keeps them away from areas where it is present. Both oils can be found in health food stores or grocery stores.

Is cedar bedding safe?

A review of the literature indicates that cedar compounds may precipitate the onset of allergic and respiratory diseases and affect liver enzymes. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid the use of cedar shavings as bedding or litter, as there are alternative materials that can be employed.