galvanized steel for raised beds - Ask Extension
Is it safe to use old galvanized steel for raised bed gardening?
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galvanized steel for raised beds #681703
Asked February 24, 2021, 4:42 PM EST
Is it safe to use old galvanized steel for raised bed gardening?
Waseca County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
Galvanized steel is a fine material for raised garden beds. The only caution is that acid oxidizes it. See 4-101.15 https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/FOODSAFETY/Documents/foodsanitationrulesweb.pdf
Here page 1,9. http://solanomg.ucanr.edu/newsletters/Seeds_for_Thought64596.pdf
The principal question if you are using pre-owned galvanized bins is whether they were contaminated with herbicides, pesticides, or petroleum products. Shop carefully, clean any pre-owned industrial or agricultural material with a pressurized hose system.