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Post by Jonah on Mar 28, 2007 21:49:07 GMT
Hi all, I don't look on this bit of the site as often as others, so sorry if this has already been asked and answered.  My friend has asked me to ask you ;D if it is ok to grow fruit and veg in an old copper cylinder. She was unsure of whether it would have any affect on the plants, especially if they have, for example, strawberries trailing down the side.  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2007 22:34:23 GMT
Well....it'll be the ultimate slug free zone....for copper emits a slight electrical charge which the slugs/snails cannot handle and that's blinkin' good news for strawbs.
I cannot think of any copper compounds that are particularly harmful to human food crops.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2007 10:53:15 GMT
The Copper will heat up in summer so may end up scorching the plants
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Post by davidk on Mar 29, 2007 11:44:26 GMT
I agree with CC, it certainly will probably be a slug free zone.
I also agree that as copper is an excellent conductor of heat, so it will also heat-up rapidly during the summer; but that could be said of any metal really.
I don't think there will be any health risk though, after all most of us have water piped to our properties through copper pipes.
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Post by Jonah on Mar 29, 2007 12:40:23 GMT
Thank you gents, I will let her know all of your comments. Maybe she can wrap some paper or similar round it when it's hot if she decides on strawberries etc.  |
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Post by 4pygmies on Mar 30, 2007 6:01:43 GMT
I shall put a spanner in the works here and say that I don't think that is a good idea! Not because of any contamination but simply because if we get another scorcher of a summer I think whatever she puts in it will have its roots cooked unless she can keep it in the shade, which reduces the potential for growing veggies or fruit in it somewhat! It really depends on the size of container but personally I would get something more suitable.
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Post by Jonah on Mar 30, 2007 12:54:42 GMT
I passed on all the comments and advice today, including how hot it is going to get. Apparently it is her parents, they are planning on strawberries and/ or tomatoes, but they have been warned....  Thanks again everyone for the help. |
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Post by davidk on Mar 30, 2007 17:15:38 GMT
Hi 4P!
Although I could foresee problems in hot weather, I think you make an excellent point.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2007 8:11:10 GMT
The copper itself is probably worth a bit of money at the scrapyard, especially if its "thick" copper.
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