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David E. Ross · 09-06-2008, 04:54 AM posted to rec.gardens

On 6/8/2008 5:09 PM, wrote:
Hi,

I have a container vegetable garden. One of my containers is an old
wheelbarrow that is rusting badly, and I have tomatoes growing in it.
The container has holes drilled for drainage.

Is there a concern/health issue regarding the soil and the leaching of
rust into the tomatoes?

Thanks,
Raj

Rust is iron oxide. All plants need traces of iron to create
chlorophyll. Few plants will take up more iron from the soil than they
need.

Tomatoes are a good source of iron in our diet. Thus, I think they
might require more iron than some other plants. Therefore, you should
not be concerned. Instead, you will find your tomatoes to be nutritious.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at http://www.rossde.com/garden/