Allotments 4 All

I've been offered some railway sleepers, which I initially jumped at (so to speak - that does conjure up a slightly odd mental picture, doesn't it?), but now it transpires that they're probably creosoted (my contact said, 'errm, well, there's black stuff on them') so I guess that makes them totally unusable?

Unless perhaps for some non-plant related purpose, which at the moment I'm a loss to think of - any ideas welcome!

You'd have used them without hesitation a few years ago! I'd still use them, creosote and all. They're too good to waste.

if you don't want to use them near your crops, how about a nice chunky bench to sit on?
if you have enough you could make a table, too.

If you line them to the sides and below with something impervious and then backfill with earsth, I don't think there's a problem.

Not that I ever bother - they're a great resource and make brill raised beds.

As for Brussels/Strasbourg. . . . Hrrumph...

I would use them regardless ;)

If your concerned wrap plastic around them

watch out if you use them to sit on as in hot weather the tar can melt and get on your clothes -- other wise they are OK

a good find  ;D

Little blobs of tar have been leaching out of my sleepers (in back garden) for the last 5 years  :( especially when the hot sun gets to them
If I have any available I put sand or fullers earth on the tar to soak it up and stop it being walked onto the path.

I put my gatepost up in 1999, on the day of the eclipse. Last summer it still leaked creosote in the heat.

Gosh Robert that date brings back memories - I was in the Med at the time what an experience that was

where was everyone else ???  ???
;D