Earthtainer with metal inner bottom, would rust hurt roots?

Stainless · May 17, 2014

I made three earthtainers this year and the cost was a little more than I liked. It adds up by the time you buy the second container and clamps. I was watching some youtube clips on the earthbox and how the inner piece comes out and I thought about making some earthtainers and instead of using the second bucket, make a metal platform instead. It would be the same concept but only metal. I could bypass the clamps and easily clamp the cage to it. Everything would basically be the same other than it's made of metal. That's where the rust part comes in. I know over time it will start to rust. Would rust hurt the plants or taste of the fruit? I know it's not going to be real rusty but I'm sure it will over time. Stainless steel would be a better option but I don't have the equipment to weld that.

May 17, 2014	#1
Stainless Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Fort Smith, AR Posts: 86	Earthtainer with metal inner bottom, would rust hurt roots? I made three earthtainers this year and the cost was a little more than I liked. It adds up by the time you buy the second container and clamps. I was watching some youtube clips on the earthbox and how the inner piece comes out and I thought about making some earthtainers and instead of using the second bucket, make a metal platform instead. It would be the same concept but only metal. I could bypass the clamps and easily clamp the cage to it. Everything would basically be the same other than it's made of metal. That's where the rust part comes in. I know over time it will start to rust. Would rust hurt the plants or taste of the fruit? I know it's not going to be real rusty but I'm sure it will over time. Stainless steel would be a better option but I don't have the equipment to weld that.