Source for wire burn barrels (soil, wild, tractor, price)

[MICoastieMom]

No, I am not going to burn in them. I have been researching growing potatoes in a containers, but am very leary of toxins from a plastic garbage can leaching into the soil. Have been discussing alternative ideas on the gardening thread; today I happened to think about the wire burn barrels nearly everyone had back in the 40's and 50's. I think they would do nicely, lined with straw. Problem is, I live in a metropolitan area so I am not likely to find any locally. I tried to google it but all I got were environmental articles about burning dioxins. Do they still make them? Is this the kind of thing a tractor supply store would carry? A small town hardware store? How about an Amish community? I can get to all three within two or three hours, but with the price of gas, I am not looking for a wild goose chase. I'd even be happy if I could order it through catalog. Any advice?

[Off Pavement]

I don't know about burn barrels, but perhaps an old washing machine tub would work. Lot's of folks use them for campfire containers, and seems like it would provide very good drainage for whatever you might want to plant. You could cut the center hub out and part of the top to get better access if necessary, and I'd think most appliance stores that deliver would have them now and then available for free.

[MICoastieMom]

That's a great idea; I wonder if they would be tall enough? Hmmmm, ...... need to do some more research.

[harry chickpea]

You could probably make something similar out of cattle panels or fencing. A 24" x 20' roll of hardware cloth and some twist ties and a couple of stakes would do well too.