Creating raised beds for vegetable garden - Ask Extension
Good morning,
I just moved into the Belcamp area and I’m interested in starting some raised bed vegetable gardens this spring. I’ve seen differe...
Knowledgebase
Creating raised beds for vegetable garden #922046
Asked November 17, 2025, 8:14 AM EST
Good morning,
I just moved into the Belcamp area and I’m interested in starting some raised bed vegetable gardens this spring. I’ve seen different recommendations on types of wood to make the raised beds out of and wondering if you have advice on what will hold up. From what I’ve seen, cedar is recommended as a good option, but I’m not sure where to find that. Do you have recommendations on where to find cedar, or is there a good alternative to cedar?
Another question I have is whether there are any products that can be used to help preserve the wood once I get it. I’ve seen that 100% tung oil can help seal the wood to delay rot, is that a good option?
I appreciate any advice you have on this, thank you for your time!
Harford County Maryland
Expert Response
Modern pressure-treated lumber (Micronized Copper Azole -- MCA) is safe for raised beds for food gardening. You can learn more in our page The Safety of Materials Used for Building Raised Beds, which includes a link to Oregon State University research on their soil impact. Dimensional cedar boards are usually available at lumber yards, but we don't maintain a list of sources, nor recommend particular suppliers, so you'd need to search for one in your area.
Linseed oil or latex paint can be applied to extend the life of wood, but we don't have research-based information on the effectiveness of various wood sealer products.
Miri
Linseed oil or latex paint can be applied to extend the life of wood, but we don't have research-based information on the effectiveness of various wood sealer products.
Miri
