Thinking Outside the Box! Re-Purposing Stock Tanks as Raised Garden Beds

By Ecograndma
April 20, 2015

Do you have limited gardening space? Do you have poor gardening soil? Would you like to limit water use? Is it necessary for you to garden in a seated position or are you tired of stooping over a garden bed? Re-purposing stock tanks as raised garden beds might work for you while avoiding the high cost of labor and materials in traditional construction.

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Apr 20, 2015 9:39 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Kurt Nehrbass
Buffalo, NY (Zone 5b)
A weed is only a misplaced wildflow
Amaryllis Plumerias Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Orchids Region: New York Foliage Fan
Ferns Container Gardener Cactus and Succulents Birds Aroids Tropicals
Wonderful Idea Smiling
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Apr 20, 2015 12:15 PM CST
Name: Debra
Garland, TX (NE Dallas suburb) (Zone 8a)
Rescue dogs: Angels with paws needi
Dragonflies Dog Lover Bookworm I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Garden Photography Bee Lover
Plays in the sandbox Butterflies Region: Texas Garden Sages I sent a postcard to Randy! Charter ATP Member
I like it a lot. Might be able to adapt it to a smaller scale (for a smaller budget Hilarious! ).

What kind of paint did you use and are those dragonflies stamped on?
It’s okay to not know all the answers.
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Apr 20, 2015 6:48 PM CST
Name: Sherrill
Elk Grove, CA (Zone 9b)
Bee kind🐝
Bee Lover Organic Gardener Irises Hummingbirder Heucheras Garden Art
Container Gardener Clematis Region: California Cactus and Succulents Vegetable Grower Garden Ideas: Level 2
Thanks for your comments. You can buy smaller stock tanks. They are sold in all sizes. I think even a used one would work. As long as there are no gaping holes in them. I am looking for used stock tanks on Craig's list and at local farm sales.

I used a metal primer as a base and then painted over the base using regular water-based exterior paint. I used a stencil to paint the dragonfly's. Just wanted it to look different. My grand kids love them. I wanted to use brighter colors but I contained myself and used neutral colors that go with our patio cushions, umbrella and color scheme. Really super easy to do. I did all of the work and these stock tanks are lighter then you think.
Empowered women, empower women
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Apr 20, 2015 6:52 PM CST
Name: Sherrill
Elk Grove, CA (Zone 9b)
Bee kind🐝
Bee Lover Organic Gardener Irises Hummingbirder Heucheras Garden Art
Container Gardener Clematis Region: California Cactus and Succulents Vegetable Grower Garden Ideas: Level 2
Debra,

I note you tag line notes service dogs. My husband has a service dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind. His dog (and family member) Napali, assists Jeff with his mobility and visual impairment. She is one of a kind Smiling
Empowered women, empower women
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Apr 20, 2015 7:09 PM CST
Name: Wes
Ohio (Zone 6a)
One idea I'm taking from this posting will be 2 larger planters made from galvanized steel outdoor trash cans. My local hardware has 20 gallon cans with the following dimensions: 23.25 x 17.25 x 17.25. They're under $20/ea. taxed and out the door. Since they'll flank a stainless grill I'll probably just leave them "au natural" other than the drain holes, soil, and plants. I have plenty of bricks laying around to use for stands.

Thumbs up
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Apr 20, 2015 7:53 PM CST
Name: Debra
Garland, TX (NE Dallas suburb) (Zone 8a)
Rescue dogs: Angels with paws needi
Dragonflies Dog Lover Bookworm I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Garden Photography Bee Lover
Plays in the sandbox Butterflies Region: Texas Garden Sages I sent a postcard to Randy! Charter ATP Member
Sherrill, they are miracles on the move. Lovey dubby I can still do most things for myself, but the time is coming.

Wes, I like that idea. Going to stea...um, borrow it. Whistling Hilarious!
It’s okay to not know all the answers.
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Apr 20, 2015 11:10 PM CST
Name: Wes
Ohio (Zone 6a)
lovemyhouse said:Sherrill, they are miracles on the move. Lovey dubby I can still do most things for myself, but the time is coming.

Wes, I like that idea. Going to stea...um, borrow it. Whistling Hilarious!


Borrow away, it's why I mentioned it... Smiling

My plan is for my mom's backyard, she wants more veggies this year with the flower beds filling in, potted plants and a small raised concrete block bed should provide what she desires without cutting new beds. Myself I'm looking at 31 gallon cans and a large stock tank to decorate my garage. Costs more, less important at the moment, but stuck in my head.

Initial cost on something built to withstand the elements is extremely reasonable. Decoration optional and relatively simple. Google searching led me to galvanized planters at a famous online vendor, hardware has bigger, better for less. They charge a lot to drill holes and add wooden dowels to the handles. Sticking tongue out
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