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View Full Version : Is Rust Bad For A Garden?

boo
June 27th, 2005, 10:22 AM
Wasn't sure where to put this but I felt bad this forum was empty. <_<

ANYWAY :rolleyes: I have a thing for creeping little groundcovers and apparently so do critters because they are always scratching at them or tearing them up. I got tired of sticking cages around everything and by accident I found out that if the plant is pinned down ^_^ The animals get frustrated and leave it alone.

I know it sounds cruel to pin plants down but I think being stabbed once is better than being dug up over & over :rolleyes:

I use a landscape pin to tack the middle of the plant to the earth, but leave part of the pin up so they hit it with their paw. The plant still is able to grow but it helps keep the main root in the ground. :mellow: Remember these are groundcovers I'm talking about. :unsure: Does anyone understand what I'm talking about or do I need to run take some pics? :unsure:

Anyway, my question is..when these stakes rust, will the rust hurt my plant?
Ichigo
June 27th, 2005, 12:33 PM
Oh Boo, just take some pics anyway! ;)

I don't about all plants, but i thought I heard some where once that African Violets love a rusty nail every now and then. But as usual,I'm probably wrong. :rolleyes:
mla2ofus
June 27th, 2005, 01:45 PM
I don't think you need to worry about the rust. It isn't like they are going to rust overnight and I doubt if the plants will take up more than they can use. Most metal will rust on the outside really fast but then the outer rust kind of protects it and it slows way down.
pup25
June 27th, 2005, 03:06 PM
Rust might be beneficial to the plants. I don't know details but I have heard that. I dunno if there is iron in the anchoring pins (i think that's what you're talking about).
SilenceOfTheClams
June 27th, 2005, 05:19 PM
Rust = IRON = A GOOD THING! I know Aunt Clara and Uncle Julius usta put old railspikes in the ground around the bases of the trees in the orhard for SOME reason or another! (Probably NOT the place you'd seek cover from a lightening storm tho <_< )
terese
June 27th, 2005, 06:01 PM
Rust = IRON = A GOOD THING! I know Aunt Clara and Uncle Julius usta put old railspikes in the ground around the bases of the trees in the orhard for SOME reason or another! (Probably NOT the place you'd seek cover from a lightening storm tho <_< )
:lol: :lol: :lol:
lighthouseseeker
June 27th, 2005, 06:06 PM
Boo, Sounds like a good answer to your problem. I will have to try it too.
I agree with the others that rust probably won't hurt it.
yellow22
June 27th, 2005, 07:56 PM
They are used all the time that's what there for to hold down at least sod...but there is a problem when there's too much iron in water. I had the worst season with seedlings in an area at work where water was pumped from a near by creek. It really made them almost orange and stunted. I think you'll be safe with the staples....sounds like a good idea. I'll have to remember that one.