Staining Raised Garden?

NcsuPsych

Hello All!

 DH and I are almost finished with our raised garden that we're making to grow veggies and fruits in. 

He mentioned that he would like to stain it and thinks it may help keep the wood longer. 

We're using untreated Pine, because I read that that's better than using the treated wood because of chemicals. 

 

My question is : Is staining okay as long as we don't plant anything right next to the edges? What kind of stain would you recommend?

 

thanks!

Dr.Loretta

I wouldn't add any additional chemicals (eg, a stain) to the wood

~NB~

Ditto Dr.Loretta.That doesn't make sense to me either. If you're concerned enough about chemical leaching to use untreated wood, why would you then be willing to consider staining the wood?

pugznploons

we are not staining ours, wouldn't want chemicals leaching into our soil when it rains.  

plus our garden beds are surrounded by chicken wire to keep the rabbits out, so it's not like staining it will make it attractive. 

hoping4septimus

i used untreated cedar. I'm considering staining it with a soy based stain but need to do more research first.

NcsuPsych

We're considering it because we'd like the wood to last a little longer (waterproofing it). I had heard somewhere that there is a stain out there that is alright for gardens.  If I can't find it though, I'll just stick to leaving it alone/ stacking rocks around the base.

 Thanks for the advice!

karome

According to my SFG book, you can use linseed oil on the exterior of the wood as long as you leave the inside of the box that touches the soil untreated by anything. 

I plan on using the linseed oil to treat the exteriors of our boxes.