Hello Kevin,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Ask Extension Helpline with your questions about using metal in raised bed construction.

According to this article from Texas Extension “Line the bed with an appropriate edging material. Railroad ties, landscape timbers, rock, brick, concrete block, metal and plastic edging, etc. are all commonly used materials in the construction of raised beds.”

Other information you may find interesting can be found at the following Extension links:

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/dakota-gardener/dakota-gardener-can-a-raised-garden-bed-be-functional-and-beautiful/this-newly-constructed-raised-garden-bed-was-made-of-galvanized-/view

https://extension.usu.edu/washington/files/RaisedBedGardening.pdf

https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/2022/02/24/raised-beds-from-metal-roofing/

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/building-a-raised-bed-garden/

I hope this information is helpful in determining whether to use metal when constructing your raised beds.

Enjoy Spring

Jeff Nummelin

UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

Hello Kevin,

I do not think it is safe to use painted metal roofing. I am not making this recommendation based on information found via extension web sites. But instead, knowing that paint used on metal contains heavy metals and paint eventually peels, I would recommend finding another use for the painted panels.

I was able to obtain rough cut cedar, not gradable, from a local saw mill five years ago for a very reasonable price. Although I wish I had reinforced the corners, the otherwise useless cedar is holding up well.

Enjoy gardening

Jeff Nummelin

UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer