Non-toxic treatment to elevated planter

[Markos]

Hi,

I'm mounting, at home, an elevated planter, similar to this:
http://www.livinggreenplanters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/110124osm_livinggreenplanter_006.jpg
https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6187795/il_570xN.211267472.jpg
https://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6187795/il_570xN.211267537.jpg
https://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6187795/il_570xN.211267575.jpg
https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6187795/il_570xN.211267642.jpg

To develop some automated ferti-irrigation systems with Arduino and also
to grow some vegetables for food.

Now I'm in doubt about the best treatment, what type of product I could
apply inside the planter, which will be in contact with soil and
moisture, to protect (preserve) the wood of fungal attack but not
contaminate vegetables I'll grow (and eat) and avoid toxic effects to
plants and earthworms.

Aty tip?

Thanks,
Markos

[Cathal Garvey]

Avoid copper-based bio/fungicides, as they'll probably kill earthworms.

*Any* fungicide applied to the wood may inhibit fungi in the surrounding
soil, though weatherproof fungicide treatments may be water-insoluble so
might not spread far into the soil.

One way to minimise contact with moist soil (which minimises leaching),
while improving soil moisture retention would be to use a linseed
lacquer on the inner surfaces (or all surfaces?). Linseed lacquer will
harden into a thin but tough bioplastic layer and is a time-honoured way
of protecting woods. :)

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