Stock Tanks for Gardening Projects

Looking to maximize your gardening potential in a small space? Stock tanks offer a creative solution for urban gardening and container gardens. These durable, galvanized metal tanks provide ample room for planting a variety of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and other plants. Stock tank gardens are also mobile, allowing you to move your garden to chase the sunlight. Read on to discover everything you need to know about gardening with stock tanks.

What are Stock Tanks?

Stock tanks, sometimes called livestock tanks, are large, round containers historically used to provide drinking water for livestock. These days, stock tanks are also popular for raising fish and miniature water gardens. Galvanized steel stock tanks come in a variety of sizes, shapes and depths perfect for converting into raised garden beds.

Benefits of Stock Tank Gardens

Using a stock tank for gardening offers many advantages:

• Great for small spaces and urban gardening
• Mobile and adjustable placement to maximize sunlight
• Good drainage from holes in tank bottom
• Raised beds reduce back strain
• Galvanized steel resists weathering
• Repurpose item otherwise going to waste

Stock tanks enable gardeners to grow fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers even with limited yard space. Their mobility also allows placement anywhere you have sunlight exposure. Stock tank gardens work wonderfully for apartment balconies, patios and decks.

Suitable Garden Types

Stock tanks can facilitate many garden types including:

• Vegetable gardens
• Herb gardens
• Flower gardens
• Water gardens with aquatic plants
• Mini ponds for fish and frogs

From ornamental flowers to lush veggie beds, stock tanks offer enough soil capacity for diverse gardens. Their deep basin shape also suits water gardens. Line tank bottoms and use marginal plants in the shallows with aquatic plants and fish in deeper center areas.

Choosing Your Stock Tank

When selecting a stock tank for gardening, consider the size, material, shape and style:

Size Considerations

Common stock tank sizes include:

• 2-3 feet wide x 1-2 feet deep for miniature gardens
• 4-5 feet wide x 2 feet deep for larger plants
• 6-8 feet wide x 2 feet deep for maximizing planting area

Mini 2 foot tanks suit compact herb spirals, lettuce beds and border flowers. For tomatoes and pole beans, select larger 5-6 foot tanks. And sprawling squash, berry bushes or water gardens need big 8 foot tank diameters. Scale tank size to your available space and desired plants.

Material Options

Stock tanks come in various materials like:

• Galvanized steel - Most popular option, resists corrosion
• Plastic - Affordable but less durable option
• Concrete - Heavier and more permanent

Galvanized steel lasts for decades outdoors while cheaper plastic degrades faster. Concrete provides permanent raised beds but extremely heavy to relocate. For longevity, stick with galvanized steel stock tanks.

Shape and Style Considerations

Stock tanks come in round or oblong shapes. Round tanks maximize planting space. Oblong tanks fit better along walls and fences. Styles include:

• Minimalist smooth walls
• Rustic country style with decorative bands
• Neutral colors like black, gray or galvanized steel

For a focal point, use brightly colored or uniquely shaped stock tanks. Decorate plain galvanized tanks yourself with acrylic paints and stencils. Just avoid lead-based paints. Oblong tanks work for narrow garden spaces.

Setting Up Your Stock Tank Garden

With stock tank selected, it's time to set up your garden. Consider the location, ground prep, drainage and lining:

Location Considerations

Ideal stock tank placement gets lots of sun and good drainage. Avoid areas with:

• Excess shade from trees or buildings
• Poor drainage leading to puddles
• Strong winds that can blow over unsecured tanks

At least 6 hours of direct sun keeps most edible plants happy. For partial shade gardens, 4 hours works. Drainage prevents stagnant soggy soil and root rot issues. Avoid wind tunnels that could topple light tanks.

Leveling and Elevating the Stock Tank

Create a level base for stability using:

• Concrete pavers, bricks or wooden planks
• Stacks of flagstone or gravel under tank edges

Level ground minimizes settling issues over time. Elevate tanks slightly to prevent ground contact and related temperature fluctuations.

Adding Drainage Holes

Prevent soggy soil by drilling extra drainage holes in the tank bottom using a power drill and metal bit. Optional steps include:

• Place mesh screen over holes to minimize clogging
• Elevate tank over gravel or stones to improve drainage

Drill several 1-2 inch drainage holes spaced evenly across the bottom. Line holes with mesh to reduce soil loss and winterize tanks by elevating above ground level.

Lining the Stock Tank

Optional plastic, landscape fabric or rubber pond liners further protect the tank and improve drainage. Just cut liners to fit the tank dimensions first.

For cold climates, insulate tank bottoms with rigid foam panels. Cut panels to fit inside tanks before filling.

Soil for Stock Tank Gardens

Good soil improves drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients for plants. Follow these soil filling guidelines:

Soil Requirements

Use a 50/50 mix of potting soil and compost or garden soil. Avoid pure compost or fertilizer as it may burn plants. Other tips:

• Mix in sand or perlite for better drainage
• Test pH balance - most plants like neutral 6-7 pH soil
• Mix in slow-release granular fertilizer per instructions

Test drainage by watering soil mix before planting. Optimized soil absorbs water without puddling or becoming waterlogged. Most plants prefer slightly acidic soil around 6.5 pH but herbs and vegetables tolerate a wider range.

Filling Stock Tank with Soil

Add soil gradually, tamping down after each layer to prevent settling issues later. Leave 3-5 inches from the tank rim for watering room. Slope soil gently outwards from center for improved drainage.

Use a shovel, trowel or soil scoop to fill tanks, distributing soil evenly. Tamp each 6 inch layer firmly before adding more. The tamped soil should feel spongy, not solid.

Compost and Fertilizer

Replenish nutrients over time by:

• Top-dressing pots with compost or slow-release fertilizer
• Mixing amendments into soil as you turnover beds

Turnover and refresh soil yearly or whenever you notice stunted growth. Fertilize actively growing plants according to package instructions. For organic options, use compost teas or soil inoculants.