Large Metal containers

Discussion in 'Container Gardening' started by gor, Apr 2, 2011.

  1. gor

    gor Apprentice Gardener

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    Greetings! I live in Athens, Greece. I have a terrace I want to redecorate with plants and I want to exchange all the little pots that I currently have with a few but large metal containers (made form stainless steel sheets - grade 304), because a) I find it more pleasing to the eye and b) I want to have the option to plant small trees. I want to make something like a "roof garden" for my family to spend quality time at.

    The containers I want to order have to be 2 meters long, 40cm wide and 60cm tall to meet my requirements. So we're talking about pretty big containers. At first I thought about wooden containers but decided against them because they were too expensive (either as ready made or DIY kits) and because I had my doubts about how they'd fair after some years.

    I researched the cost of constructing containers of this size from stainless steel sheets and it is considerably cheaper, plus way more durable. My only inhibition is about heat management. Summers in Greece can be quite hot and dry (up to 40 degrees Celsius). Imagine how hot these containers will get in the summer. I will mostly be planting large decorative plants and trees (olive trees, pine trees and other trees that are native to the Greek ecosystem) in them and will be using timed watering.

    Despite the heat, the containers are made of a non porous material and will contain about half a cubic meter of soil each, enough to retain alot of moisture inside. Do you thing I will have problems with roots overheating if I use the metal containers I describe above? Should I go forward with this?

    Thanks in advance...
     
  2. pamsdish

    pamsdish Total Gardener

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    My worry would be the heat on the metal, should a child or adult even touch one.
     
  3. gor

    gor Apprentice Gardener

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    That would be a valid concern but, from my experience from other metal containers, the heat gets diffused in the soil so the metal surface doesn't heat up as if it would if it was empty. Also, I am thinking of painting the outer surface of the containers with a light color paint to take advantage of the reflecting properties of such a coating. Lastly, we will be mostly spending time in the terrace when temperatures are not that high, before lunch or late in the afternoon...
     
  4. HarryS

    HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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    hello Gor,
    I had a stainless steel container at the front of my house . On a hot English summers day,thats about 25°c , it became unbelievably hot and stressed the plants in it. I would think in an Athens summer where you may top 40°c a metal container would be like an oven. Is a stainless steel container really cheaper than wood ? Stainless is very expensive these days.
     
  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :scratch: Hi Gor,
    I have experienced the same as Harry.. I think over there you would actually find the roots cooking in your very hot temperatures... I am assuming they will be in full sun pretty much all day.? If you are talking of painting them why bother going to those lengths with stainless steel.? Or if it is the life time you want, then get some liners made out of thick Marine Plywood.. Or even just plywood itself..You can still paint them & have exceptionally clean straight lines if that is what you are looking for.... :WINK1:
     
  6. gor

    gor Apprentice Gardener

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    That's a great idea. I will look into the costs. Do you think marine plywood will last? will drilling holes in the bottom of the container compromise its water resistance?
     
  7. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    They should last many years if you paint, varnish or whatever them inside & out 1st so there is no exposed wood..
    OK, what I had in mind was something a friend in California has done & hers are in the full sun all the time..
    She had her planters made so that they were just the four sides.. Sealed the insides & base edges with bitumen paint. Painted & varnished the outsides..
    Then she measured them up & lined the insides with rubber pond liner material.. It is US made so google it you may be abl to get it locally.. This stuff I think.. http://www.pondpumpsdirect.com/product.asp?strPageHistory=category&numSearchStartRecord=0&strParents=87%2C391&CAT_ID=391&P_ID=991&btnProduct=More+Details&gclid=CNvSpfaz_qcCFcoa4QodR32nqw as her planters were oblong she had large oblong pieces cut then put them in side carefully folding the corners to shape.. She then pierced the bottom in a few places for drainage.. (You may not need many to speak of at all if you get very little rain) Filled with appropriate composts or soil.. Planted them up, some of hers with camellias palms, Arrids & such & dressed the top 2 inches with pebbles or gravel.. All you see are these lovely planters & no liners.. I used to have some pics attached to an old email not sure if still have them.. Keep the outsides maintained & she must be into about her 10th year now.. hap feet
     
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