How to Turn a Galvanized Tub Into a Raised Garden Bed

Literally, anything (almost) can be a container garden. A bucket, a barrel, an abandoned car — as long as it's big enough and has good drainage. If you’re planning on growing plants you want to eat, we recommend using something that’s made of food-safe materials. Don’t bother with anything less than 12 inches across. Larger containers are easier to maintain because they can hold more soil, and the more soil a container can hold, the more moisture it will retain. We’re making a galvanized steel raised garden bed using a giant galvanized tub normally used for livestock feeding.

1. Drill Drainage Holes

Use a 1/4" or 1/2" drill bit to drill holes in the bottom of your galvanized tub. These holes will help your container garden drain properly. Aim for four to six holes per square foot of your container.

2. Elevate Your Tub

Set and level two pavers. This keeps the tub elevated and allows the drainage holes to do their job.

3. Make Sure It's Level

Grab your level and set it across the tub. Is it level? Great! If not, adjust accordingly until it is.

4. First Layer: Pebbles

We’re calling it the seven-layer dip of gardening. Layer 1 is all about drainage — add a layer of pebbles to the tub. This layer will help keep the excess water flowing through the drainage holes.

5. Second Layer: Mulch

Science says: Mulch holds onto moisture. It’s true. To make sure roots grow deep and have all the water they need, layer on the mulch.

6. Third Layer: Trash

Newspaper, cardboard, egg cartons — you name it; use recyclable paper products to add a layer of organic matter that will break down and give the soil an extra punch of nutrition.

7. Fourth Layer: Pine

Build it up to break it down. A layer of pine needles or leaves will assist both in breaking down the paper and adding nutrients to keep the soil strong and plants healthy.

8. Fifth Layer: Soil

Add the soil of your choice (potting, garden, top, etc.); it doesn’t matter what type. This seven-layer dip of dirt transforms any kind of soil into planting soil.

9. Sixth Layer: Worm Castings

This layer is not for the squeamish, but keep in mind that it might as well be garden gold. For a gross, but amazingly effective way to dramatically improve the nutrient level of your garden, add a thin layer of worm castings.

10. Seventh Layer: Soil (Again)

Our final layer in the seven-layer dip is dirt, again. This container is now the heaven your plants need to thrive.

11. Start Planting

After all these steps, you can finally add the plants.

12. Add Live Worms

Fun last step: sprinkle in a few worms. Let these slimy earth gardeners do their thing and churn the soil.