Plants in metal containers

I was wondering if metal containers affect plant growth in any way .. unable to find anything specific on the web about it, I did find info on the addition of metals to soil and essentially it was considered a negative effect.

I was trying to come up with a way to corral plants that spread underground, perhaps using tossed metal ductwork forming a barricade around the escapees bed. Considering there are salts in the soil naturally, I was also wondering if that combined with water, certain metals might also generate a weak charge as well.

Anyone know anything about this?

X

This message was edited Apr 9, 2009 10:24 PM

Wow, never thought about a charge being formed - what an interesting concept and very logical....! I would love to hear the answer and will watch this thread.

No, interesting thought. I have several old metal tubs I use as planters, plants seem to be doing fine. I've used them for several years.

What kind of metal is the pot? All the information I can find is about metals actually in the soil and certain metals seem to inhibit growth of beneficial bacteria such as Azotobacter.

Heavy metal toxicity: Effect on plant growth and metal uptake by wheat, and on free living azotobacter. A pot study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of certain heavy metals on the plant growth and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results revealed that heavy metals brought about significant reductions in both parameters, Cd being the most toxic metal followed by Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cr....

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=13790896

X

X, I suddenly remembered I grew an arrangement of caladium and coleus and a trailing plant in a galvanized container (in the old days we called it a foot tub) last year. It grew beautifully but so did all the other caladium and coleus in regular plastic tubs and pots. all had the same potting mix and fertilizer. The container was corroded and even had a few rust holes in it (I actually rescued it from the junk) I plan to use the same planter this year expecting great results.

Probably galvanized tin. Some are here short term like this group.

Some are around longer. This pot has been going for a couple years. I like it when the container rusts.

How pretty .. have you noticed plants in metal don't grow as fast as plants in other containers?

I have used galvanized tubs for years with no problems that I have observed.

Zinc or copper will kill fungus so using either of those is probably good for your plants. Galvanized metal has zinc in it BTW. Look under copper flashing on any house there will be no mold. Good shingles have zinc or copper built in to them to specifically keep your roof free from mold.