Ideas weatherproofing 2 x 2 pine stakes to be safe
 

I recently purchased some 2 x 2 8 ft pine lumber and I will use them for staking my tomatoes. I plan to bury the post 12 to 18 inches in the ground. I will stake up 3 tomatoes to each post. I am wondering what to treat the wood with to perserve them and not to harm the tomatoes. I am looking for some ideas.

Thanks

Bob

Linseed oil might work.

Pine, in contact with the ground, will have a limited lifespan. I'd just paint them with a good exterior paint - that'll give you a decent finish that can be reapplied. Be doubly sure to seal the end grain.

A while back we had a problem getting rid of peanut oil we used in the turkey fryer... I now keep it in a 5gal bucket with a lid by the greenhouse... just stick the posts, stakes and even my hoes and shovels in for a few days when ever needed.... I imagine any oil would work, just don't use used motor oil ... many bad things in there.

It also works well on wooden handled hammers, pruning tools and I even dip my other tools from time to time just for lubrication.

HWB, If you haven't finalized this project for untreated tomato stakes I would recommend Tung oil. Formby's, Hope's, or online at Real Milk Paint tung oil is a natural product, i.e. non-toxic that soaks into the wood. A protectant like this should last for years. I have used on many exterior wood projects with amazing results.