I keep seeing blog articles, gardening hints here and there, etc., about using wooding shipping palettes to make raised beds, fill in the pockets with lettuce, and other uses with edible plants. I imagine with things like flowers, it wouldn't be that big a deal, but are they treated? Are they safe? If I decided to pick up some, what should I know?

Hi Marilyn, I've wondered the same thing! Also when people use treated wood for raised beds, how safe is that? I'll be curious to see answers!
Thanks for your question

I don't think most pallets are treated. They're usually made from inexpensive, not very high quality wood. Many discarded pallets are pretty beat up with cracked boards, etc. I think that would be the main thing you'd want to watch for.

As far as using treated wood for raised bed goes, here's a good article l found about that: http://smallfarms.oregonstate....

Thanks for your replies! Seems this is the new "hot" item to recycle in the garden.

They totally are! Chris, thanks for the article! I have 2 raised beds made of treated wood, that I garden in but it sounds like this is far less of a risk, that's good!
Marilyn, the other thing that I've heard is that they usually have lots of nails - so be careful! Take photos of anything you do with them, I'd be very curious to see what you do!
Cheers

The main thing that would concern me about pallets is, what was shipped on them. Automotive batteries, motor oil, and many other chemicals. The appearance such as stains and smell would probably tip you off if it was unsafe.

hmm I think I know of a place to get a few free. I might try it for a few fresh herbs.