Planting edibles in tires?

[destrucktion]

Hi there. I haven't been on this forum in a long time, so forgive me if this topic has already been discussed a lot. (If it has, please refer me to where I might find the information.) I have some tires and was thinking of using them to grow vegetables in (like potatoes, from what I've read). Has this been a good way? Are there any health issues? I've heard yes and no, and wanted to see what insights any of you might have.

[lessisbest]

I took a class on container gardening at the Extension Office and using tires was discussed. I don't think there are enough real studies on the subject to give clear evidence one way or the other. Can it be any more dangerous than any other slow poison like the pharmaceuticals in our drinking water - who knows? But personally, I wouldn't use them because there are known hazards from degrading tires (such as a source of leached metals, PAHs and other pollutants). One thing that IS true about tires, if you don't paint them a light color, the black rubber can get so hot it "cooks" whatever you are growing in it, and can require more water if left black.

[SteveinMN]

I wouldn't do it. There is nothing "food-grade" about tires (except for some which contain citrus oils or walnut shells) and they are porous so one could expect migration of toxic (or at least unpleasant-tasting) chemicals.

Tires are quite recyclable these days; IMHO it would be better for the planet's health and yours to recycle them and use something cleaner for planting containers.

[CathyA]

I would never do it. Period. If you want a smaller container to grow things in, you could try Tractor Supply Co's food-grade 5 gallon white buckets. Plus.....if you wanted the soil in the bucket to come in contact with the ground, you could cut the bottom out.

[destrucktion]

Thank you for the replies. That sounds like great advice. I'm planning to look at a feed store today for other containers.

[Tenngal]

look up hay bale planting..........interesting.

[CathyA]

I tried straw bale planting last year, and it didn't turn out so well. You really have to fertilize the bales and "cure" them ahead of time. I love my container garden. I bought several Behlen food-grade stock tanks (50 and 70 gallons) and they work great.
Maybe if I had cured my straw bales better, it would have worked out. But they also attracted mice to live under them. :(

Teengal....did you really mean hay bales? I'm thinking they'd have too much nitrogen (?) in them.??

[Tenngal]

I tried straw bale planting last year, and it didn't turn out so well. You really have to fertilize the bales and "cure" them ahead of time. I love my container garden. I bought several Behlen food-grade stock tanks (50 and 70 gallons) and they work great.
Maybe if I had cured my straw bales better, it would have worked out. But they also attracted mice to live under them. :(

Teengal....did you really mean hay bales? I'm thinking they'd have too much nitrogen (?) in them.??


yes, I have not tried it. Saw some articles online. Apparently, you dig out some space and add potting soil ahead of time.
I am thinking it would take lots of water? Guess until I am retired, I will continue to stop at the roadside stands...........

[CathyA]

I know what you mean Tenngal.....sometimes we just have to make some compromises, or we'd go crazy!
Here's a previous thread on straw bale gardening. I think you're supposed to really sock the straw bale with fertilizer....and I didn't really want to do that.
My brother works at Cummins in Minneapolis and they have a huge straw bale garden in the summers. I think it's for community teaching. I started buying 4-6 bales of straw in the Fall and let them sit outside all winter, then use them as part of my compost.
But I think I'm done with straw bale gardening. I'm really into raised containers now.........much less bending over! YAY!!
Here's that previous discussion:
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/showthread.php?8124-Straw-Bale-gardening-progress/page2&highlight=straw+bale+gardening

[ToomuchStuff]

I know on a relatives farm, they use white painted tires for two purposes. Flowers and protecting the covers/cleanout access for septic tanks. I think there are some uses they are fine for, beside the vehicle.