Repurposed and recycled materials (stock tanks, pallets, wine barrels)

Repurposed containers offer creative, budget-friendly raised bed options. Galvanized stock tanks (cattle troughs) from farm supply stores are extremely durable (20+ years), come in various sizes, and only require drilling drainage holes in the bottom. A 2x4-foot oval tank runs $80-150 and is ready to fill immediately. Wine or whiskey half-barrels ($30-60) make attractive round planters with 15-20 gallon soil capacity, suitable for herbs, peppers, or a single tomato plant. Pallets can be disassembled and rebuilt into beds for nearly free, but verify they are heat-treated (stamped HT), not chemically treated (stamped MB for methyl bromide, which is toxic). Avoid railroad ties, which contain creosote, a known carcinogen. Old bathtubs, watering troughs, and food-grade IBC tote frames also work. Always verify the history of any reclaimed container to ensure it never held chemicals, petroleum products, or treated wood preservatives that could contaminate soil.