Title: Safe, Chemical-Free Wood Sealers for Raised Beds and Container Gardens - Dengarden
Headings: Safe, Chemical-Free Wood Sealers for Raised Beds and Container Gardens
Safe, Chemical-Free Wood Sealers for Raised Beds and Container Gardens
Top 5 Natural Wood Sealers and Conditioners
1. Raw Linseed Oil
Linseed Oil Sources
A Note About Products' VOC Levels
2. SoySeal Wood Sealer and Waterproofer
3. Soapstone Sealer and Wood Wax
4. Milk Paint
Beware of Water Spotting
How to Make Milk Paint (Lemon Juice Recipe)
Ingredients You'll Need
Directions
How to Make Milk Paint (Hydrated Lime Recipe)
Ingredients You'll Need
Directions
Storing Milk Paint and Artistic Techniques
5. Homemade Beeswax and Jojoba Oil Wood Conditioner
No Need for Safety Gloves
How to Make Beeswax and Jojoba Oil Wood Conditioner
Ingredients You'll Need
Directions
Is Pallet Wood Safe for Gardening?
Questions & Answers
Ask Questions or Share Your Tips Here

Content: Counselling, CC0-BY-SA, via Pixabay
From cities and suburbs to rural environs, people are discovering the joys of vegetable gardening and the health benefits of controlling the chemicals that come in contact with their food. Many of these gardeners are opting to grow plants in raised beds or containers in lieu of traditional, in-ground row gardens. Gardens come in constant contact with water and weather, so those that are made of wood or other porous materials require a sealant to prevent degradation. However, many conventional wood sealers on the commercial market are made with solvents and other ingredients that may release hazardous chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and your garden soil. Hazardous chemicals may find their way into the plants themselves, and ultimately into your body if you are growing edibles. I recently came across some free wooden wine crates that were the perfect size for a small herb garden. The wood was completely unfinished and would need to be sealed. I began to research organic and natural options and found many suggestions online, ranging from low-VOC commercial products to homemade organic preparations. These products varied widely in cost, effectiveness, and ease of use. This article will rate what I consider to be the best options, based on these criteria.