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Size of potential raised bed.

alexryzawlskiqBU-X4OFalexryzawlskiqBU-X4OF Posts: 163
in Problem solving
I have a large metal rectangular container that is just gathering dust in my garden. It measures (DepthxWidthxLength) 11x32x40 inches (or 28x81x100cm). Do you think the depth of this would be big enough for a raised bed to grow vegetables or flowers in. Any advice or experience would be great.
P. S. I do understand that I won't be able to grow long rooted plants and things like parsnips and carrots. I'm thinking more about tomatoes, peppers lettuce etc. 
Happy Gardening

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @alexryzawlskiqBU-X4OF - yes you'd be able to grow various things. You wouldn't get many tomato plants in it, but a couple of the cherry toms would be ok. The drawback with metal is that for any plants needing a sunny site, the metal will get very hot during summer, and that can have an impact on the roots as well as the growing medium drying out quickly, so it might be better to try the lettuce as they cope with shadier sites anyway, and that will be easier in terms of the metal. I don't grow peppers so I'm afraid I can't advise on those .
    I grow various things in metal containers, but it isn't as hot here as many other areas, so your location will be a factor too. I've had Dahlias in one of mine this year, and things like Phormiums are fine. I've had a hellebore in one all year, but it isn't in a very sunny site, and that's fine, and I often have spring bulbs in them too.
    You could experiment with various summer plants which like a bit of sun - many annuals and perennials will be ok, and if you have ones which like some shade, that could be the easiest solution of all  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • alexryzawlskiqBU-X4OFalexryzawlskiqBU-X4OF Posts: 163
    edited November 2022
    @Fairygirl Thanks for the prompt reply. I have an smallish tiered garden with a patio an L shaped area where I put pots and a top area with 2 small borders. I plan on putting it in the potted area which goes from north wall to a south wall so if it goes in the middle surrounded by plants and some shade it should stay cool in summer. 
    Happy Gardening
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It should be fine. I've used cattle feed troughs in the past for various plants, and it's just a question of picking the right plants and the right growing medium for the site.  :)
    I have a small metal container which had a self seeded fern in it this year. I added some nasturtiums and it was a very useful little pot for many few months - tucked in wherever there was a gap   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I assume the container has drainage holes in it?
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I should have asked that @punkdoc :)
    A decent drill bit suitable for metal does the job. I think I used an old chisel and a hammer for some of the metal pots I have, because the metal isn't particularly heavy duty, but cattle/sheep troughs a re slightly different!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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