Using galvanized stock tanks for gardening may seem impossible, but many have already succeeded in planting this way, and you can too!
There are many ways to make your garden look more attractive and keep plants safe from pests. Raised gardening beds are a popular choice. In the last few years, gardeners made raised beds from old pallets or other wood, but today galvanized stock tanks are a winner!
In this article, I explain how easy it is to start a stock tank garden, list the benefits of galvanized stock tanks and briefly explain which crops grow best in these setups.
How To Start A Stock Tank Garden
Stock tanks offer an attractive and versatile planting solution. You should start a stock tank garden by deciding on the stock tank sizes you’ll use.
You can determine the tank sizes you’ll need by considering the plants you’d like to grow and the space you have available.
These tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Tips For Using Galvanized Stock Tanks For Gardening
Drainage Holes: You should drill at least two holes in every square foot of the tank. It’s easy to drill these holes once you flip the tank over. Spray galvanized spray on the spots to prevent rust and cover them with mesh to ensure no soil escapes, but draining is uninterrupted.
Location: Move your tanks to an area that provides them with the needs of your crops. You can boost the tank by placing it on bricks, four-by-fours, or cinder blocks. These supporting structures will prevent the tanks from buckling while facilitating drainage.
Soil: Fill your tanks with a mixture of potting soil, compost, and other soil amendments you like. Mix the soil well to distribute its nutrients.
Water: You can install an irrigation system for your tanks or water by hand. Keep the soil consistently moist when plants are young, and then water according to your plant’s needs.
The Best Crops To Grow In Galvanized Stock Tanks
Fruits
You can plant fruits like strawberries or watermelon in stock tanks. Blueberries, pineapple, figs, cantaloupe, and bananas also grow great in these setups!
Vegetables
Veggies like lettuce, kale, beans, and tomatoes grow very well in stock tanks. Cucumbers, beets, and radishes are also good choices to add to your stock tank garden. Other vegetables include zucchini, chard, peppers, and eggplant.
Herbs
Herbs generally grow very well in containers. Consider the following herbs for stock tanks: rosemary, parsley, dill, basil, thyme, and fennel.
The Advantages Of Gardening In Galvanized Stock Tanks
You can quickly turn an ugly or neglected corner of your garden into a lush area by using stock tanks.
- No construction is required. Just place the tanks where you want them.
- They will last for a long time, so they are cost-effective.
- They will keep out pests like rabbits.
- You can easily find second-hand tanks for gardening.
- They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find the size you want.
Remember that these tanks will be difficult to move once planted, so ensure you are happy with the layout of your garden before starting to plant.
Are Galvanized Stock Tanks Safe For Gardening?
Yes! Using galvanized stock tanks for gardening is safe. Gardening soil is neutral, which is good news since breaking down the zinc coating on galvanized steel requires acidity. Plants also need zinc to grow.
Why Use Galvanized Stock Tanks For Your Garden?
Raised garden beds are becoming more and more popular. Using galvanized stock tanks makes sense for a lot of reasons. These tanks are sturdy and durable. Galvanized stock tanks are also resistant to damage, cost-effective, and will last for years.
Galvanized stock tanks will not rot and fall apart like raised beds made from wood. They look great, require very little maintenance, and will take anything you or mother nature throws at them.
These tanks are easy to fill and maintain to your preferred soil choice.
Do galvanized Steel Stock Tanks Get Too Hot?
While it’s true that any steel product can get too hot in the sun, filling a galvanized stock tank with damp soil will lessen the effect.
It’s beneficial to your garden that these tanks heat up, especially during the spring when you start to plant. Your soil will heat up quicker, enabling you to plant sooner.
Raised galvanized tank beds also maintain a more consistent soil temperature throughout the year. The sturdy frame of a galvanized steel stock tank will provide an excellent frame to cover plants during the winter.
In Short
Starting a stock tank garden is so easy you can do it with your kids! Your garden will look prettier and be more organized. If you have trouble getting galvanized tanks for your garden, visit your local hardware store for help.
I hope this article inspires you to get started with your galvanized stock tank garden. If you need any more info on this topic, plant your questions in the comments, and I’ll get back to you!
FAQs
Can I use a stock tank for a garden?
Yes.
Galvanized stock tanks work excellent as raised beds in any garden. There are many types to choose from, so you're sure to find something that works for your setup!
Are stock tanks good for raised beds?
Yes.
Galvanized stock tanks help protect plants, keep your soil at a more consistent temperature, and drain well when you drill enough holes in their bottom. You can get abundant crops from your stock tank garden if you plant it right.
How do I build a stock tank garden?
Building a stock tank garden is pretty easy.
You should start by choosing the right tanks and fitting them in the perfect position in your garden. Remember to drill holes before you fill it with soil. Once the ground is prepared, you can replant your seedlings or sow directly.
What is a bottomless stock tank?
Bottomless stock tanks are more permanent than traditional ones. They're larger and deeper.