Metal garden beds usually last at least 30 years, assuming they are well maintained. The biggest factor affecting the lifespan of a metal garden bed is the type of soil it is regularly exposed to. Highly acidic soils can break down the zinc layer around metal garden beds, which can shorten the life of the beds themselves over time.
As mentioned above, how long your metal garden bed is likely to last depends largely on the acidity of its surroundings. The biggest concern is the acidity of the soil, which should be of great interest to anyone looking to purchase a metal garden bed in the near future.
How durable are metal garden beds?
Metal garden beds, also known as galvanized steel garden beds, are raised garden beds that are gaining popularity due to their ability to prevent weeds and maintain perfect soil quality.
Galvanized steel is a very popular material, and due to its durability, it is used in a variety of gardening products such as water storage containers, sheds, roofs, and more. They are also very easy to maintain and long lasting, assuming you take steps to minimize the effects of zinc leaching.
Since metal garden beds can be quite expensive, it's in any gardener's best interest to ensure they make the most of the lifespan of their purchase. One of the key ways to do this is to understand what zinc leaching is and how it affects metal garden beds.
When your garden soil is too acidic, it can cause the zinc layer covering your metal garden bed to start to break down. Although the decomposition process is relatively slow, over time, it can reduce the lifespan of metal garden beds. Also, the more acidic the soil, the faster the decomposition rate.
This is why anyone seeking to use a metal garden bed should consider the acidity of the soil first. Garden soils tend to range from pH neutral to slightly acidic, which can have an impact on the durability of metal garden beds. It is recommended to use pH neutral soil or neutralize any acidic soil before using it with metal garden beds.
You may also want to consider using pH neutral water for your plants. Natural water sources, such as faucets or wells, may not be pH neutral and may also contain other substances (such as chloride or calcium) that can affect the acidity of the soil. Avoid highly acidic water sources or any water that has not been treated to neutralize pH, as this can speed up the decomposition of zinc in metal garden beds.
Also, keep in mind the preferred acidity level for plants in your garden. The biggest mistake a gardener can make is assuming that all the plants he grows prefer pH-neutral soil.
While yes, it is true that many plants grow best in pH neutral soil, there are some common exceptions, including rhododendrons, camellias, and hydrangea.
Neutralizing all soil and water to prepare metal garden beds may adversely affect acid plant growth, so be sure to do the proper research beforehand.
