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Spokane, WA

I was just wondering, does rust have any effect on vegetables and pumpkins? I am using a couple 55 gallon water drums this year to try and heat the water a bit. The 55 gallon drums have had nothing but water in them and the inside is a little rusty.

I know iron is good for plants but is it good or bad in rust form?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated,
Adam

2/13/2004 12:51:50 PM

Montoursville, PA

No problems with rain barrel rust. Might need one kind or another of mosquito killer chemicals.

2/13/2004 1:39:00 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Rust contains iron. But not in readily available forms. No harm to plants.

2/13/2004 2:46:39 PM

Puyallup, WA

If the rust really bothers you, you could use sandpaper and a wire brush to clean it out and then paint the insides. I nearly died of asphyxiation cleaning out the insides of my 1000 gallon barrell....but that's a minor matter in the price of success in our field! :>)

2/13/2004 4:44:54 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Consider coiling a length of hose inside the barrel already full of sun warmed water to temper the colder water coming from the house spigot running to the mister or drip system.

2/13/2004 7:54:39 PM

Spokane, WA

Thanks guys...some good ideas!

2/13/2004 8:02:14 PM