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Galvanized steel for planting vegetables  

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Is galvanized steel safe to use as tomato planters? I am worried about leaching of metals into the vegetables.

Barbara Meserve
hobbyist - Fallston, Maryland

Zinc is an essential dietary element.
It is extremely unlikely that any will end up in the tomato but if it does you can put the price up.

Geoff Smith Hampshire, England

Galvanized steel is commonly used for tomato plant towers. Don't process the fruit in galvanized (or bare steel) containers though, as the acidity will dissolve some metal.

Ken Vlach - Goleta, California

I bought some large galvanized planters with no drainage holes (for indoor or outdoor use). Since they are square, I am having a hard time finding liners that allow me to maximize the space. I would like to plant some herbs and small tomato plants in them. If I drill holes in the bottom and plant directly in the steel, would the planters be considered food safe for planting?

Linda Gates
consumer - Bethesda, Maryland

I use galvanized screen and fencing around my garden. It is buried in the soil, around the plants, to support vines. I also allow my vegetables to sun and dry on a galvanized screen tray. Are there any human health problems associated with vegetables or roots coming in contact with galvanized screen wire? Thanks

Lance Laton
- Atlanta, Georgia

Hi, Linda. The earth is largely iron. There is no problem with your plan except that the exposed steel may rust and leave rust marks.

Hi, Lance. You originally posted your inquiry against a thread that was about the potential danger to welders of the fumes from welding galvanized materials. We relocated your posting to this more applicable thread which probably answers it for you. It is safe.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey