Rusty tins ok? (New here!)

[nothinfancy]

Hello, I'm fancy! I just found this forum and I'm excited because this seems like a very active community. I'm currently living in New Orlens and this season will be my second gardening season. I currently rent an apartment with a yard and so most of my garden consists of pots and planters.

Here's my question: are tin cans, especially after the've become rusted, ok to use as planters ? I used some empty coffee cans for some herbs and chilies last year but they've rusted over the winter and I'm hesitant to use them again. I'm moving across the country this coming fall so I'm looking for a cheaper, temporary option for planters. What are your thoughts? Thanks!!

nothinfancy

 

[Chuck]

Rusty tin cans are not harmful only a little small and don't forget to punch a few drain holes in them. If they are really rusty the bottom might fall out

 

[Beverly]

Just wear gloves because you don't want a rusty open wound. and a WARM WELCOME to you! This is a lively forum with people from all over the world sharing information and experiences and ideas. I think you will like it here. Don't forget to take us with you when you move.

 

[Becky]

Welcome to the forum!

Re rusty tin cans - just be careful you don't cut yourself on them You don't want to get tetanus!

 

[zigs]

Our pub uses old catering sized tins as planters, no problems there.

Welcome to the forums @nothinfancy You're not our only member from New Orleans @ChanellG

Re rusty tin cans - just be careful you don't cut yourself on them You don't want to get tetanus!

All Gardeners should make sure their Tetanus jabs are up to date, it lives in the soil so can get in thru any cuts.

The UK & USA have got different ideas about the number of shots you need mind

 

[Sheal]

Welcome to the forums nothinfancy.

 

[nothinfancy]

Wow, thanks everyone for the responses! I feel very welcome and I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more questions from me. I'm glad that the consensus is that the tins will be just fine. My wife and I drink a lot of coffee and our coffee comes in these big tins that we just hate throwing out. I find they're the perfect size for lettuce, kale, spinach, chilies, and all kinds of herbs.

 

[Raider19]

Rusty cans will look very cool and since you are growing herbs in them you shouldn't have any problem. If you were growing flowers then I might advise you do do some research on what you are planing in them. Rust can turn flowers colors over time because of the acidity.

 

[nothinfancy]

Rusty cans will look very cool and since you are growing herbs in them you shouldn't have any problem. If you were growing flowers then I might advise you do do some research on what you are planing in them. Rust can turn flowers colors over time because of the acidity.

Good to know!

 

[Thomas Gannon]

Welcome to the jungle!

 

[Greenhorn]

You can get new pots (plastic or sometime clay) for $1 each at one of your local dollar store (type of stores). Bottoms should always be checked for drainage holes, add-modify if needed. I have bought them there often and have been really happy with them for the most part. A very modest price for a significant upgrade. You can always give them to someone (maybe with a nice plant still in them) when you leave.

 

[ChanellG]

Did someone say New Orleans? Welcome!

How temporary? There's always cardboard. Have you tried newspaper origami pots? The only issue would be you couldn't handle them when wet.

Oh, and there's always the peat pots.

 

[BlueLotus]

I really love rusted cans to add wabi sabi to a garden. Rusted cans are great starter plants for little plants and small plants. If you are really concerned about it, you can paint a clear metal primer spray like Stops Rust. It will stop the rusting while allowing you to used it. You need to apply two or more light coats.

 

[InvasiveCreeper]

Metal planters can heat up and sometimes "cook" the roots of a plant, depending on sun exposure, so just keep an eye and see how well your plants are doing.

 

[nothinfancy]

Metal planters can heat up and sometimes "cook" the roots of a plant, depending on sun exposure, so just keep an eye and see how well your plants are doing.

Great tip!