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Post by Dink on Aug 9, 2018 11:55:46 GMT -7
The barn is going where my garden use to be. I have spine issues, so some things are being put in raised beds. I believe in recycling. I have acquired a number of HUGE tractor & backhoe tires. I want to stack them 2 high and bolt them together, fill them with dirt and use them for things like zucchini and squash and other ground growing goodies. Thing is, What do I put INSIDE the tires to prevent leaching from the rubber into the dirt to prevent it from affecting the vegetables? Is there a special plastic or is there something I can paint the inside of the tires with? I was told "just dump the dirt every couple years & replace it". Thing is, that MAY not be an option if SHTF...So, what can I do to the tires to make them safe to use? I have no issue with changing out some of the dirt annually with manure & mulch to keep it healthy and fertile....but I DO have an issue with trying to turn said tires over and empty the insides out while they are bolted together, bolts tend to rust and that could get to be more of a hassle than Anyone will want to tackle for me.
Is there some kind of plant/garden safe epoxy type rubberized paint I can cover the inside of the tires with? No, they won't be pretty, but I really don't care about looks as long as they have the functionality I need. The outside will not be painted or treated. I just need it for inside to protect the dirt and plant roots.
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Post by wy21lmb on Aug 9, 2018 22:13:13 GMT -7
No idea on the leaching rubber, but stainless steel bolts will not rust, even with lots of manure. They are more pricey, but it should not take that many. Perhaps use stainless steel scrap for washers to keep the bolts from pulling through? Good luck.
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Post by woodyz on Aug 10, 2018 14:48:09 GMT -7
put down a layer of garden weed cloth, lay the first tire over it, poke a few drain holes through the weed cloth. Fill 1/4 the height of the tire with rocks so the water does not stand long under the plants. Put a 55 gallon industrial strength drum bag in the tire, push some into the tire for a pocket to hold water, add the next tire and put your soil mixture to the depth you want in the bag, again push the bag into the inside of the tire, hold it with a few rocks until you get your soil in. Drape the bag over the tire at the top. You will get the benefit of the tires holding the days heat through the night, and you can water inside the tires and let the soil pull it out as it needs it. As the plant grows pull the edges off the top tire, add another tire reopen the bag and add soil, repeat. The tires add some structure to the bags of soil but you can plant root crops in just a 55 gallon bag. Put a few holes in the bottom, and a layer of rocks to keep the roots out of the water, add a layer of soil and plant say potatoes, roll the excess bag down, as the plant grows roll the bag up and add a layer of soil. You could also paint the inside and top and bottom of the tires with latex paint, black if you want the heat retained white if you live here where it gets 90 in March. www.thegreenestdollar.com/2009/03/how-to-recycle-tires-in-your-garden/www.backwoodshome.com/a-new-use-for-old-tires-a-garden-using-tires/ |
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Post by solargeek1 on Aug 10, 2018 15:22:43 GMT -7
Some toxicity info for you. 1. This lists all chemicals in tires. www.thespruce.com/are-tire-gardens-safe-growing-veggies-8480432. I read about 10 articles and the debate is fierce especially since the tires break down faster in direct sunlight which is where your plants should be! It's six and one half dozen apiece but since I get enough bad stuff from candy, liquor, wine, delicious steaks, great shrimp, well I choose those as my toxins and NOT tires. |
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Post by Dink on Aug 13, 2018 11:44:11 GMT -7
Some toxicity info for you. 1. This lists all chemicals in tires. www.thespruce.com/are-tire-gardens-safe-growing-veggies-8480432. I read about 10 articles and the debate is fierce especially since the tires break down faster in direct sunlight which is where your plants should be! It's six and one half dozen apiece but since I get enough bad stuff from candy, liquor, wine, delicious steaks, great shrimp, well I choose those as my toxins and NOT tires. That is why I am looking for a way to put a barrier between the tire amd the soil. I want tonreuse them instead of seeing them end uo in a landfill somewhere. |
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Post by solargeek1 on Aug 13, 2018 11:57:22 GMT -7
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Post by Dink on Aug 14, 2018 6:39:48 GMT -7
Thanks! I will check that fabric out!! I have some other ideas for using them, but I need some raised beds and money is tight, so for now I need to use what i have on hand. Thanks for the links!! I will check them out!! |
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