Galvanized steel is produced by bonding a layer of zinc to the surface of the steel. This helps prevent the metal from rusting.
One of gardeners' biggest concerns with metal garden beds is that the zinc used in the process can leach into the soil and damage any plants and vegetables growing in it.
While small amounts of zinc may leach into your soil over an extended period of time, that's not necessarily a bad thing for your vegetables or the people who eat them.
Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in garden soil. In fact, both plants and humans require small amounts of zinc to survive.
Your plants may not be absorbing enough trace zinc from your garden bed to affect your plants or harm anyone eating the vegetables grown in your garden bed.
Additionally, galvanized steel beds are extremely durable and require exposure to high acidity to break down the steel. Most garden soils have a neutral pH, so they are extremely unlikely to damage your garden beds.
If you are still concerned about the possibility of zinc leaching into the soil, please consider this. In the past, galvanized steel was safely used as the primary material for a variety of food and water-related items, including livestock troughs, grain bins, water storage tanks, and even domestic plumbing.
Myth 2: Metal garden beds get too hot
Metal conducts heat and usually feels warm to the touch after being exposed to the sun.
Can metal garden beds cause plants and soil to overheat? the answer is negative.
On warm days, the soil temperature near the edges of the garden may warm slightly, but not enough to have any effect on the plants. If you water your garden bed plants properly, you don't have to worry about them drying out.
Like metal patio furniture or fencing, metal garden beds will warm after prolonged exposure to sunlight, but are still safe to touch and handle.
In fact, at the end of the growing season, when the temperature starts to drop, the metal material will insulate your plants from the soil and make the soil temperature more stable.
Myth 3: Metal flower beds need a lot of soil
One of the main advantages of raised garden beds is that you can choose the best type of soil for a particular plant, rather than relying on the existing soil in your yard or garden.
Beginner gardeners, however, may be intimidated by the initial amount of soil required to set up a garden bed.
It's true that garden beds do need soil, but not as much as you might think. Most plants and vegetables only need about a foot of good-quality soil to grow.
Instead of filling the entire garden bed with soil, use a filler such as pine cones, peanuts, or sand to cover the lower half of the garden bed. Then, place a piece of landscape fabric on top of the fill and fill the top half with your favorite soil.
For additional tips on how to use fillers, check out our article, 5 Tips for Gardening in Large Pots.
Myth 4: Metal flower beds need a lot of water
Raised flower beds are often large, and the idea of keeping them watered can seem daunting, but by following a few tips, you can keep the soil moist without needing to water the beds as often.
When it comes to gardening, choosing the right soil is key, whether you're growing in the ground, in pots, or in flower beds.
According to a 2021 article from bobvila.com, the best soil choice for raised garden beds is a lightweight soil mix. This type of soil retains moisture, so you won't have to water the bed as often. Avoid loose, sandy soils, as the water will flow too quickly and you will need to water again.
When plants need watering, water them deeply into the soil around the base of the plant. Do not water their leaves or flowers. A soaker hose or a drip irrigation system are two useful methods of watering garden beds.
Misunderstanding 5: Metal flower beds have poor drainage
On the other hand, another myth that persists about raised planters is the opposite of Myth #4, namely that metal planters don't drain well and your plants will drown in standing water. This is also incorrect.
Again, being able to choose the right soil for your metal garden beds is a great bonus, as you can choose a lightweight soil that drains easily. Additionally, many garden beds are either bottomless or have drainage holes that allow water to easily pass through the soil and into the ground.
Maintain Your Metal Garden Bed To Keep It Safe
Now that you know more about metal garden beds, here are some additional tips to help you maintain your garden beds to prolong the life of their products and address some of the issues above and grow healthier plants and vegetables.
Avoid Acid Soil: To further prevent small amounts of zinc from leaching into the soil, do not use highly acidic soil or amendments in flower beds, as the acid can cause galvanized steel to break down over time.
Use a liner: If you plan to grow plants that require acidic soil, use plastic liners on the sides of the beds to prevent direct soil contact with the sides of the pots.
Add Mulch: Adding mulch to your garden beds will help prevent evaporation, so your garden beds will retain moisture for longer.
Water your plants early: Another tip for getting your garden beds right is to water them early in the morning, before the sun rises. This helps ensure your plants get the moisture they need before evaporation occurs.
Choose the right location: When setting up a garden bed, place it in a location that won't receive full-day sun to prevent the garden bed from drying out in the heat.
Build your dream garden with durable metal raised garden beds
Now that we've cleared up some of the myths and misconceptions about metal garden beds, you can safely grow delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers in these stylish containers.
You'll love the many benefits these elegant containers offer. With durable construction and a unique look, you'll be able to grow your favorite plants season after season.
Interested in garden beds for your landscape? Be sure to check out our range of the highest quality nossta raised garden beds. Thanks for reading, and happy gardening!
