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Galvanised zinc planters

• Message 1. 

  Posted by molly (U14788915) on Thursday, 17th February 2011

  I bought some reduced priced galvanised zinc planters for my balcony recently with a view to growing veg such as cut and come again lettuce, some spinach, radishes, dwarf beetroot and carrots. Someone suggested to me that it might not be safe to use them for vegetables...is that correct?

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Italophile (U12516505) on Thursday, 17th February 2011

  There's a possibility of the zinc leaching into the mix but it would be in miniscule amounts. You've already bought them, so if the thought bothers you, maybe line the inside of the containers first.

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  Posted by As_Iff (U13951957) on Thursday, 17th February 2011

  Yes I agree, line the inside . You could use an empty plastic compost bag for the lining.

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  Posted by Paull2 (U14064177) on Friday, 18th February 2011

  The other day, I recovered an old (40 years perhaps) galvanised water tank from behind an outbuilding and gave it a good scrub. It's built like a dreadnought and seems a good candidate for a patio planter (not Chelsea Show standard, of course), particularly for a white marseilles fig tree I want to grow. The inside is a bit rusty but I hadn't thought of using a liner or of any risks of metal contamination. Lead poisoning I can appreciate, but zinc from galvanised steel? Any scientific info on this sort of thing?

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  Posted by Engineer (U3135859) on Saturday, 19th February 2011

  Considering galvanising is used on potable water tanks, I'd say there is virtually no chance of zinc being released and taken up by plants to any significant degree. The more acid the soil, the more likely any zinc could be leached, so I'd line any planter used to grow edible produce which requires ericacious compost (eg blueberries) but personally wouldn't otherwise give it a second thought. I believe zinc deficiency in the diet affects a third of the world's population. Make of that what you will!
  HTH -- Bob

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• Message 6

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  Posted by Paull2 (U14064177) on Saturday, 19th February 2011

  I think I'll make a galvanised planter out of it, Bob. Ta!

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  Posted by zoomer44 (U14019069) on Saturday, 19th February 2011

  Hi, molly,
  
  If you bought them from a reputably store or GC and they were sold as planters unless the label specifically said 'DON'T PLANT EDIBLES IN THEM' I think they'll be fine, certainly for a couple of years.
  
  Growing on a balcony you will need to consider the person living below and ensure when you water your plants they do not receive a daily shower so it would be adviseable to stand your planters in trays.

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