Metal bins

[Lillypad]

I have access to masses of metal rubbish bins which are been thrown out by my employer.

If I drill holes the bottom would they be any use for growing things in eg tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers - or would rust be a problem?

[Lillypad]

[Roy Bham UK]

I'm no expert Lillypad but would have thought it will be fine lined with plastic sheet or pedal bin liner and a few holes in the bottom. ;D

[sandersj89]

Would be great for growing spuds if if you cant grow them in the open ground. Very heavy though once full of compost or soil!

You could also use them as mini compost bins, cut the bottom out and place on the ground and then fill with your composting materials.

They also make good storage bins for bulky items.....

Jerry

[Lillypad]

Thanks Roy & Jerry -repsonses at the speed of light!

I think I didn't make it clear that these are not household-type dustbins, but office-type waste paper bins so not all that big.

I had wondered about standing them on the 'lasagna' bed I plan to make on my last remaining bit of uncultivated ground. If I do that I can just tip the contents straight out at the end of the season with no worries about carrying heavy containers. I was just concerned that any rust could be detrimental to either crops contained within (not if I follow Ray's advice) or the ground on which they stand.

[busy_lizzie]

One of my lottie neighbours grows his carrots in bins Lillypad.  This is to deter the carrot fly, and he produces some very good carrots  :D busy_lizzie

[busy_lizzie]

Sorry was supposed to add the pic.  Hope this works.  ;D busy_lizzie

[Columbus]

Forcing rhubarb ?

Mouse proof seed storage?

Mouse proof snack store?

Shed tidy? wire ties/ string/ pegs / small tools etc

[Columbus]

bamboo cane holder?

[Lillypad]

That noise you just heard was me rescuing bins from skip!

Seriously, thanks to all who replied. I'll try carrots, and parsnips too - both in my list of fav. veg. & I've had no success so far with them on my plot - as well as toms & cucs.

And yes, I'll put them to storage use as well.

Thanks again.

[aquilegia]

If you're worried about them rusting, you can get non-rusting paint/sealant from DIY places. I'm not sure if it would damage the plants, though.

[Andy H]

Carrots great in containers ;D
Parsnips on plot good too ;D dug another yesterday 4" diameter and 20" long ;D