## Are Cedar Raised Vegetable Garden Containers Safe?
Cedar is a popular wood for raised vegetable garden containers due to its natural durability and resistance to rot and decay. However, there are some concerns about the safety of using cedar for growing food, as the wood contains certain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested.
### Chemical Composition of Cedar
Cedar wood contains a number of chemicals, including:
Thujone: A neurotoxin that can cause seizures, vomiting, and dizziness if ingested in large doses.
Plicatic acid: A skin irritant that can cause redness, swelling, and itching.
Cedrol: A terpene that can cause respiratory problems if inhaled.
### Health Concerns
The primary health concern associated with using cedar for vegetable garden containers is the potential for thujone to leach into the soil and be absorbed by plants. Thujone is a known neurotoxin, and even small amounts can cause adverse effects. Symptoms of thujone poisoning can include:
Seizures
Vomiting
Dizziness
Headache
Tremors
Confusion
Hallucinations
In severe cases, thujone poisoning can be fatal.
### Safety Precautions
If you are concerned about the safety of using cedar for vegetable garden containers, you can take several precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals:
Use untreated cedar: Treated cedar has been coated with chemicals that can further increase the risk of leaching.
Line the containers with plastic: A plastic liner will create a barrier between the cedar and the soil, preventing chemicals from leaching into the soil.
Grow plants in pots: Growing plants in pots within the cedar containers will further minimize the risk of exposure to chemicals.
Avoid growing root vegetables: Root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, are more likely to absorb chemicals from the soil.
### Benefits of Cedar
Despite the potential health concerns, cedar also offers several benefits for vegetable garden containers:
Durable: Cedar is a very durable wood that can last for many years.
Rot and decay resistant: Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor use.
Aromatic: Cedar has a pleasant aroma that can help to repel insects.
Attractive: Cedar is a beautiful wood that can add a decorative touch to your garden.
### Conclusion
Whether or not cedar is safe for raised vegetable garden containers depends on a number of factors, including the type of cedar used, the size of the containers, and the plants being grown. If you are concerned about the safety of using cedar, you can take several precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
### Alternatives to Cedar
If you are not comfortable using cedar for vegetable garden containers, there are several other options available:
Redwood: Redwood is a naturally durable wood that is also resistant to rot and decay. It does not contain thujone, so it is a safe choice for growing food.
Douglas fir: Douglas fir is a strong and durable wood that is also relatively inexpensive. It is not as resistant to rot and decay as cedar or redwood, but it is still a good choice for raised vegetable garden containers.
Pressure-treated lumber: Pressure-treated lumber is treated with chemicals that help to protect it from rot and decay. However, it is important to note that these chemicals can be harmful if ingested, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.