Introduction - Raised Bed Gardening - page 42

Figure 29 is another example of repurposing an item to be used as a large planter or a raised
bed.
I have seen livestock water troughs used as large containers or raised beds before. They are
a bit expensive, but look like they should work nicely.
Many people recommend that holes be drilled in the bottom so water can escape, but I think
that would be a mistake in dry climates. Once holes are drilled, they can not be easily un-
done. These troughs have drainage holes. I am sure with a little thought, we could come up
with a better way to drain excess water and still have a reservoir of water in the bottom as
with most indoor planters.
Note: If the soil pH is lower than 5.5, there may be some leaching of metals into the soil.
Fortunately, most plants need soil pH above 5.5.