I saw a picture of a tyre stack with courgette plants in them, so popped into my local tyre fitting company - the one that can't spell quick! Skanked 4 tyres, straight back to the lottie, filled with manure. Am planning to sow seeds indoors now, wait for manure to sink a bit while they grow and harden off, top with soil and hopefully bob will be my uncle. Has anyone tried this - does it work - and have I missed any steps? If the answer's no it doesn't work, I can always make swings out of the tyres!
hmm, Now I seem to recall somewhere back on the site talk of this and Bob Flowerdew planting things in tyres. I believe it was considered a bit unhealthy as the tyres gave of some sort of chemical or something....seem to remember Hugh, or maybe John Miller knowing the science of it......I shall look back, unless they come by in the meantime.
Posting from John Miller in January - 'Whatever else you use do not use tyres. They are not approved for food production due to the high toxicity of their composite materials and the tendency of these materials to diffuse into water.'
I am sure there are more postings about this further back...but this is a bit off-putting...so, all round to yours for a go on your new swings? :-\
thanks EJ - another good idea busted - but..... what if you lined them with butyl lineror something inert - would you then get the warmth you are looking for, hold the rich compost in without any potential leaching? Hopefully John Miller will be about during his daytime to read and respond!
Definitely one of Bob Flowerdew's madcap ideas, with spuds too I think ! But sorry, can't remember any details. ::)
I suppose someone out there has some science backed detial which says 'don't use tyres for edibles'...Personally I'm not yet convinced of any hazard. (Maybe I will be tomorrow!!)
But, what I have seen is tyres which have been turned inside out brim full of flowers along a pavement challenged road in Devon. Turned inside out an ordinary car tyre stands about 20" tall. If not for veg, they certainly make bold and attractive flower pots.