old railway sleepers

[hannahbanana]

Hi again,

To use or not to use old railway sleepers? What about the old cresote seeping into the soil? Any other suggestions for raised beds?

[Bawnie]

Hi there, congrats on starting your garden. We have just made 4 raised beds, and decided against railway sleepers for the creasote reason. So we've a friend in the building trade, he gave us cast off's, the planks that are rejected for scaffolding, so these were sanded and cut, and used. The beds are only the height of the side of the planks. Also put a wood preservative on them on the outside, to protect them and make them last. The timber has darkened but i'm getting used to it. Also bought round stakes for the internal corners.. Will try get photo for you so you know what i'm talking about, just not today.

Re. Compost, we plagued and plagued farmers and got well rotted manure, as we didn't fancy lots of mushrooms over and over!

We are also new to this veg garden and everyday's an adventure. All the best.

[toddler]

We have 3 veg beds done with railway sleepers. No problems with the creosote, and the plants love the fact that the soil warms up so quickly.

[jack21]

Hi

I have a raised flower bed and its borders are railway sleepers and it doesn't seem to have done any harm as everything is growing really well.. they look really lovely 2 really make a feature out of them..
Put pics up show what you've done...Happy gardening lol

Jacinta

[hannahbanana]

Thanks for all the comments.
Someone had advised scaffolding planks but someone else said they would rot very quickly.
I will probably go with the planks idea. What kind of wood preservative did you use Bawnie?
I really want my veg to be organic!

Hannah

[lislaw]

Hi Hannah
If the beds are for veg then don't use sleepers. Have a look at this for ideas and advice on raised beds among other things.
http://www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/about1161.html
I love this site/forum, so much information and really useful tips for the beginning (and the more experienced) gardner.

[chakes]

pallets can also be used if in good condition and are easy to come across

[beermick]

I have used creosote before and it does smell quite nasty, but what is it made from exactly? Until reading this forum I was about to build a new double compost bin out of old pallett wood and treat it with creosote so it woul not rot. I want my garden to remain organic so now I'm wondering will I affect my compost by using creosote on the timber?

[lislaw]

On checking the web I found this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creosote
and this

http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/creosote-exposure-and-health-effects-395357.html

among others.
HTH
Lisa