bodiesmom Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 (edited) I have a level area of land where I want to place some garden boxes. They will be raised about 1 foot or so, and will be constructed out of pine or cedar. Anyway, the retaining wall near it is made of railroad ties. My concern, of course, is the leaching of the creosote into the soil. The boxes will be three feet from the base of the wall. Would you cover the railroad tie retaining wall with cedar planks (this would be for the smell issue as opposed to the leaching issue)? Would you line your boxes with a food grade liner even though there will be three feet of space as well as raised boxes? Would you even chance gardening here or remove those ties? I'm really torn over this and need some advice.... Edited for spelling mistake...😎 Thanks! Edited February 20, 2017 by bodiesmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 I wouldn't worry about it, TBH. I wouldn't like the boxes made of railroad ties, but I don't really feel like this would be a big deal. This site from an extention office says that not a lot leaches out, but it does depend on how old they are. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 http://www.gardensalive.com/product/railroad-ties-are-not-legal-for-home-landscape-use/you_bet_your_garden https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/creosote 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Do you know, have any idea, the blend of creosote used? If it was just resin from the chaparral bush, you needn't worry about it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodiesmom Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 Unfortunately I don't know what blend was used. I have done a fair amount of research and I'm finding lots of info on both sides. I know it is dangerous to plant next to it, just tying to see if it is even wise to plant three feet near it in a raised bed. I'm leaning towards tearing down the wall and replacing it with something safer. And these beams appear to be fairly new, not bleached from the sun. Ugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I would replace the rr ties, for peace of mind. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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