Salt Lake IBC

Garden & Planters

Upcycled IBC totes reimagined as raised garden beds, rain barrels, aquaponics systems, and decorative planters. The greenest way to grow.

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From Industry to Garden

Not every IBC tote can be reconditioned for another round of industrial service. Some have cosmetic damage, minor UV degradation, or simply don't meet our strict standards for liquid containment. But that doesn't mean they belong in a landfill.

Our garden and planter line gives these containers a vibrant second life. We cut, clean, and modify retired IBCs into functional garden products that last for years. The food-grade HDPE plastic is safe for growing vegetables, the steel cage provides structural support, and the composite pallet elevates your planting surface to a comfortable working height.

Every garden product we sell is one less IBC in the waste stream. When you grow food in an upcycled IBC, you're practicing sustainability in its purest form: taking something that was headed for disposal and turning it into something that produces life.

100%
Upcycled Materials
Food-Safe
HDPE Plastic
10+ yrs
Expected Lifespan
Zero
Waste to Landfill

Raised Garden Beds

Our most popular garden product. An IBC cut in half horizontally creates two spacious, deep raised beds that are perfect for vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Standard Half-Cut Bed

The IBC bottle is cut horizontally at the midpoint, creating a planting basin approximately 18-20 inches deep. The steel cage is trimmed to match and provides structural reinforcement on all four sides. The composite pallet serves as the base, elevating the bed off the ground for drainage and ergonomic access.

Specifications:

  • Planting area: approximately 48" x 40" (13.3 sq ft)
  • Soil depth: 18-20 inches
  • Soil volume: approximately 10 cubic feet per bed
  • Total height with pallet: approximately 36 inches (waist height)
  • Weight empty: ~60 lbs
  • Drainage: 4 pre-drilled drainage holes in bottom
  • Material: food-grade HDPE, safe for edible plants

What to Grow

The 18-20 inch soil depth accommodates most common garden vegetables and herbs. The white HDPE reflects some sunlight, keeping soil temperatures slightly cooler than dark containers — an advantage in Utah's hot summers.

Perfect for:

  • Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant (full depth)
  • Lettuce, spinach, kale, and chard (shallow roots)
  • Herbs: basil, cilantro, parsley, oregano, thyme
  • Carrots, radishes, and beets (root crops love the depth)
  • Strawberries, bush beans, and peas
  • Cut flowers: zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers
  • Potatoes (plant low, fill soil as they grow)

The elevated height also makes these beds accessible for gardeners with mobility limitations, eliminating the need to bend or kneel.

IBC Garden Planting Guide

Maximize your harvest with these detailed planting recommendations tailored for IBC raised beds. The 13.3 square feet of planting area and 18-20 inch soil depth support a surprisingly productive garden.

Fruiting Vegetables

Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, zucchini

Spacing: 2-3 plants per bed for tomatoes; 4-6 for peppers

Depth needed: Full depth (18-20"). These plants develop extensive root systems.

Tips: Use cage or trellis support for tomatoes. Install it before planting to avoid root disturbance. Indeterminate tomatoes will produce all season. Plant peppers after soil warms to 65°F.

Expected yield: One bed can produce 20-40 lbs of tomatoes or 15-25 lbs of peppers per season.

Leafy Greens

Plants: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, bok choy

Spacing: 9-16 plants per bed in a grid pattern

Depth needed: 8-12" needed. Shallow roots, so you can underlay with coarser material.

Tips: Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Greens prefer cooler weather; plant early spring and again in late summer for a fall crop. The IBC's white walls help keep soil cooler.

Expected yield: Continuous harvest of 1-2 lbs per week through the growing season with succession planting.

Root Vegetables

Plants: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, parsnips

Spacing: 16-25 plants per bed (thin seedlings as they grow)

Depth needed: Full depth recommended. Long carrots need 12"+ of loose, uncompacted soil.

Tips: Use a light, sandy soil mix to prevent forking. Do not use soil with large clumps or rocks. Radishes are ready in 25-30 days and make excellent gap fillers between slower crops.

Expected yield: One bed can produce 50+ carrots, 30+ beets, or 100+ radishes per planting.

Herbs

Plants: Basil, cilantro, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, dill, chives, mint

Spacing: 6-12 plants per bed depending on spread

Depth needed: 6-12" sufficient for most herbs.

Tips: Plant mint in a separate bed or sub-container, as it will aggressively spread. Most herbs prefer well-drained soil. Harvest frequently to promote bushy growth. Many herbs are perennial in Utah (zones 5-7) and will return each spring.

Expected yield: More herbs than most families can use. Dry or freeze excess for year-round cooking.

Vine Crops

Plants: Cucumbers, squash, melons (compact varieties), peas, beans

Spacing: 2-4 plants per bed with vertical support

Depth needed: Full depth. Vine crops are heavy feeders with extensive roots.

Tips: Install a trellis on the north side of the bed so vines climb up without shading other plants. Choose bush or compact varieties of squash and melons for IBC beds. Pole beans and peas can be trained up the steel cage wires.

Expected yield: Expect 10-20 cucumbers per plant and 5-10 lbs of beans per trellis run.

Flowers

Plants: Zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers, cosmos, nasturtiums, petunias

Spacing: Varies by species; follow seed packet spacing

Depth needed: 12-18" sufficient for most annual flowers.

Tips: Mix flowers with vegetables for companion planting benefits. Marigolds repel many garden pests. Nasturtiums attract aphids away from your vegetables. Sunflowers provide shade for heat-sensitive greens in late summer.

Expected yield: Continuous blooms from June through first frost for most annual varieties.

Utah Seasonal Planting Calendar

The Wasatch Front (Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo) sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a-7a, with an average last frost around May 1-10 and first fall frost around October 10-20. Here is when to plant what in your IBC raised beds.

MonthWhat to PlantWhat to HarvestMaintenance Tasks
MarchPeas, spinach, lettuce (cold-hardy, direct sow)Nothing yetFill beds with fresh soil mix. Clean and inspect IBC structure.
AprilMore greens, radishes, beets, carrots, onion setsEarly spinach and radishesTop-dress with compost. Install drip irrigation if using.
MayTomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, herbs (after May 10 frost date)Lettuce, radishes, spinach, peasInstall cages/trellises. Mulch soil surface to retain moisture.
JuneSuccession lettuce, second round of beans, cucumbersGreens, herbs, peas, early beetsBegin regular watering schedule (IBC beds dry faster than ground).
JulyFall crop seeds: broccoli starts, cabbage startsTomatoes begin, peppers, beans, cucumbers, herbsWater deeply and consistently. Watch for pests. Harvest frequently.
AugustFall lettuce, spinach, radishes, kale for fall harvestPeak harvest: tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, herbsContinue watering. Side-dress with fertilizer for heavy feeders.
SeptemberGarlic cloves (for next year)Late tomatoes, peppers, fall greens beginningBegin cleaning spent summer crops. Prep beds for fall planting.
OctoberNothing (too late for new plantings)Kale, chard, late carrots, beets, herbsCover beds with row cover for frost protection. Extend season 2-4 weeks.
Nov - FebPlan next year's gardenKale and chard survive light frostsCover beds or add mulch for overwintering. Repair any cage/pallet damage.

Soil Mix Recommendations

The soil mix you use in your IBC raised bed is the single biggest factor in growing success. Here are our recommended mixes for different plant types, optimized for Utah conditions.

All-Purpose Raised Bed Mix

1/3 compost + 1/3 topsoil + 1/3 perlite or coarse vermiculite

Best for: Most vegetables, herbs, and flowers

This is the classic "Mel's Mix" adapted for Utah. The compost provides nutrients, the topsoil provides body and mineral content, and the perlite provides drainage and aeration. Utah's alkaline water can raise soil pH over time; add sulfur or use acidic compost to counteract.

Volume needed: One IBC half-bed needs approximately 10 cubic feet (about 8 bags of bagged mix, or a cubic yard delivered in bulk will fill 2.5 beds).

Root Crop Mix

1/4 compost + 1/4 sandy loam + 1/4 perlite + 1/4 coconut coir

Best for: Carrots, beets, parsnips, radishes

Root crops need loose, fluffy soil with minimal clumps or rocks. The extra sand and perlite in this mix allows roots to grow straight and long without forking. Avoid fresh manure (causes forking) and heavy clay.

Volume needed: Same volume as all-purpose (10 cubic feet per bed). Worth the extra effort for straight, beautiful root crops.

Herb Garden Mix

1/3 compost + 1/3 coarse sand + 1/3 potting soil

Best for: Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, lavender)

Most culinary herbs are native to dry Mediterranean climates and prefer sharply drained soil. This mix dries out faster than the all-purpose mix, which is exactly what these plants want. Avoid over-watering herbs; they taste better when slightly stressed.

Volume needed: One IBC half-bed needs approximately 10 cubic feet. These herbs are perennial in Utah and will grow for years.

Irrigation Setup

IBC raised beds dry out faster than in-ground gardens because of their elevated position and free-draining design. Here is how to set up efficient watering systems.

Drip Irrigation (Recommended)

The most water-efficient option. Run a 1/2" drip line across the bed with emitters spaced every 6-12 inches. Connect to a garden hose with a battery-powered timer for automated watering. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and keeping foliage dry (which prevents fungal diseases).

Setup Steps

  • Run 1/2" mainline down the center of the bed
  • Add 1/4" branch lines to each plant row
  • Install drip emitters (1-2 GPH) at each plant
  • Connect to hose bib with timer and pressure regulator
  • Set timer for 15-30 min daily in summer, less in spring/fall

Basic kit: $25-50 per bed

Soaker Hose

A simpler alternative to drip. Lay a soaker hose in a serpentine pattern across the bed surface, then cover with mulch. The porous hose walls weep water along their entire length. Less precise than drip but easier to set up and reposition.

Setup Steps

  • Lay soaker hose in S-curves, 6" from bed edges
  • Cover with 2-3" of mulch to reduce evaporation
  • Connect to hose bib with timer
  • Run for 20-45 min depending on soil moisture
  • Check moisture with finger test: soil should be damp 2" down

Basic setup: $15-30 per bed

IBC Rain Barrel Gravity Feed

The ultimate sustainable setup: pair your garden bed with an IBC rain barrel. Connect the rain barrel outlet to a drip system that waters your garden using collected rainwater. Gravity provides enough pressure for drip emitters if the rain barrel is elevated at least 3-4 feet above the garden bed.

Setup Steps

  • Position rain barrel IBC on a raised platform (3-4 ft minimum)
  • Connect 3/4" garden hose to rain barrel spigot
  • Run hose to garden bed drip mainline
  • Install inline filter to prevent emitter clogging
  • Open spigot and let gravity do the work

Rain barrel + drip kit: $100-200 total

Rainwater Collection Systems

Utah law allows residential rainwater collection of up to 2,500 gallons when registered with the Division of Water Rights. An IBC tote is the perfect collection vessel.

Basic Rain Barrel Setup

A standard 275-gallon IBC with the top opening connected to a downspout diverter. We install a mesh screen over the top opening to filter debris, a spigot at the bottom for garden hose connection, and an overflow fitting near the top that diverts excess water away from your foundation. The steel cage is left intact to protect the tank and keep it looking tidy.

  • 275-gallon capacity
  • Downspout diverter included
  • Debris screen filter
  • Garden hose spigot
  • Overflow diverter fitting

Multi-Tank Daisy Chain

For larger collection capacity, we connect multiple IBCs in series using 2" PVC plumbing between the overflow ports. When the first tank fills, water automatically flows to the second, and so on. This system can scale from 550 gallons (2 tanks) to 2,500 gallons (9 tanks) while complying with Utah's residential collection limits.

  • Scalable from 2-9 tanks
  • Automatic overflow routing
  • Single-point dispensing
  • Up to 2,500-gallon capacity
  • Compliant with Utah law

Premium Enclosed System

Our premium setup includes UV-blocking wraps or paint on the bottles to prevent algae growth, first-flush diverters that discard the initial dirty runoff from your roof, fine-mesh filtration at intake, and a small 12V pump for pressurized delivery to drip irrigation systems. Ideal for serious gardeners and homesteaders.

  • UV-blocking wrap or paint
  • First-flush diverter
  • Fine-mesh filtration
  • 12V delivery pump option
  • Drip irrigation compatible

Customer Project Showcases

See how real customers throughout Utah are using IBC garden products to grow food, collect rainwater, and create beautiful outdoor spaces.

The Suburban Micro-Farm

South Jordan, UT

A family of four converted their 20x30 foot backyard patio area into a productive micro-farm using six IBC half-cut raised beds and two rain barrel IBCs. The beds are arranged in a U-shape with a walking path in the center. They grow tomatoes, peppers, squash, lettuce, herbs, and strawberries through the entire growing season. The rain barrels are connected in a daisy chain to a gutter downspout and provide about 60% of the garden's water needs during summer months.

Results: The family estimates they harvest 200+ lbs of produce per season, reducing their grocery bill by approximately $50-70 per month during the growing season. The entire setup cost under $800 including soil and drip irrigation.

The Community Garden Hub

Rose Park, Salt Lake City

A neighborhood association purchased 20 IBC raised beds from Salt Lake IBC to create a community garden on a vacant lot. Each bed is assigned to a different family, and four additional beds are dedicated to growing produce for the local food bank. The beds sit on a gravel pad with landscape fabric underneath. Two rain barrel IBCs collect water from an adjacent building's downspouts.

Results: In its second year, the garden is producing over 1,000 lbs of vegetables per season. Over 300 lbs have been donated to the food bank. The IBC beds require minimal maintenance compared to in-ground plots, and the elevated height has made gardening accessible to several elderly members of the community.

The Backyard Aquaponics Lab

Lehi, UT

A hobbyist built a two-IBC aquaponics system in his backyard using our custom aquaponics kit. One IBC serves as the fish tank (holding 25 tilapia), and the other is split into a grow bed and a sump tank. The system runs on a single 400 GPH pump consuming about 40 watts. He grows lettuce, basil, tomatoes, and peppers year-round using a small greenhouse enclosure built around the system.

Results: The system produces approximately 50 heads of lettuce per month, plus tomatoes and peppers in summer. The tilapia reach harvest size (1-1.5 lbs) in about 8 months. Total operating cost is approximately $8/month in electricity. He has recouped his initial investment in under 18 months through reduced grocery spending and selling surplus lettuce to neighbors.

The Restaurant Herb Garden

Park City, UT

A farm-to-table restaurant in Park City installed four painted IBC half-cut beds on their back patio as a live herb garden. The cages were powder-coated matte black, and the beds were planted with basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, chives, and edible flowers. Kitchen staff harvest herbs daily just steps from the prep station.

Results: The restaurant estimates they save $200-300 per month on herb purchases during the growing season. The garden has become a conversation piece for diners and is featured on the restaurant's social media. The beds are winterized with insulation covers and the perennial herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano, chives) survive through Park City's Zone 5b winters.

Aquaponics Systems

Aquaponics combines fish farming (aquaculture) with soil-free plant growing (hydroponics) in a symbiotic cycle: fish waste fertilizes the plants, and the plants filter the water for the fish. IBCs are the most popular vessel for backyard aquaponics systems because of their volume, food-safe material, and adaptable design.

Our standard aquaponics kit starts with a single IBC cut into two sections. The bottom two-thirds becomes the fish tank (approximately 180 gallons), and the top third becomes the grow bed (approximately 95 gallons of growing media). A small water pump circulates water from the fish tank up to the grow bed, where it percolates through expanded clay pebbles or gravel and drains back to the fish tank via a bell siphon.

This system can support 20-40 tilapia, catfish, or trout, and grow enough lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, and greens to meaningfully supplement a family's diet. It uses approximately 90% less water than conventional gardening because the water is continuously recycled.

Learn about custom aquaponics builds

Fish Tank Section

~180 gallons. Supports tilapia, catfish, trout, or goldfish. Food-grade HDPE is fish-safe. Light-blocking wrap available to reduce algae.

Grow Bed Section

~95 gallons of growing media capacity. Expanded clay pebbles or gravel. Supports lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and more.

Bell Siphon & Plumbing

Automatic flood-and-drain cycle without timers or electronics. Water flows in from the pump, fills the grow bed, then drains automatically through the siphon.

Water Pump

Small submersible pump (400-800 GPH) circulates water from fish tank to grow bed. Low energy consumption: approximately 35-50 watts.

Environmental Impact

Choosing an IBC garden product over conventional options creates measurable environmental benefits at every stage of the lifecycle.

120 lbs
Plastic & Steel Diverted from Landfill per Planter
58 kg
CO2 Emissions Avoided per Upcycled IBC
90%
Less Water Used (Aquaponics vs. Conventional Garden)
0 mi
Food Miles for Your Home-Grown Produce

The Greenest Choice You Can Make

A single IBC planter diverts approximately 120 pounds of plastic and steel from the landfill. It avoids the CO2 emissions of manufacturing a new garden bed from virgin materials. It collects rainwater instead of consuming treated municipal water. And it grows food that doesn't need to be shipped from hundreds of miles away.

Compared to a commercially manufactured raised bed made from cedar ($200-400) or composite lumber ($300-600), an IBC planter costs less, lasts longer (HDPE does not rot), and has a vastly smaller environmental footprint because it uses 100% upcycled materials instead of virgin resources.

When you buy a garden product from Salt Lake IBC, you're closing the loop on industrial waste and opening a new chapter of productive, sustainable reuse. It's the circular economy at its most tangible and beautiful.

Decorative Planters

Who says upcycled has to look industrial? Our decorative planter line transforms IBCs into attractive garden features that fit into any landscape design.

Painted Cage Planters

The steel cage is powder-coated or spray-painted in your choice of color (matte black, forest green, rust brown, or custom colors). The HDPE bottle is cut to desired height and lined with landscape fabric. The result is a clean, modern planter that blends into residential and commercial landscapes.

Wooden Pallet Wrap

Cedar or reclaimed wood slats are attached to the cage exterior, completely hiding the industrial origin. The wood adds warmth and texture, and can be stained or left natural to weather over time. A beautiful option for patios, restaurant outdoor seating areas, and upscale garden settings.

Vertical Garden Towers

An IBC is cut into multiple tiers and stacked vertically, creating a space-efficient vertical garden. Pockets are cut into the sides for planting strawberries, herbs, or trailing flowers. Internal drip irrigation waters all levels from a single water source at the top.

Tiered Cascading Planter

Three IBC sections cut to different heights are arranged in a cascading step pattern. Perfect for slopes, terraces, or creating visual interest in flat spaces. Each tier can hold different plants for a layered garden effect.

Herb Garden Stations

A compact half-IBC divided into labeled sections for different herbs. Includes a built-in drip tray and optional small spigot for integrated watering. Popular with restaurants, community gardens, and cooking enthusiasts.

Custom Designs

Have a creative vision? We can cut, shape, paint, and modify IBCs into virtually any planter configuration you can imagine. Bring us your idea or sketch and we'll make it happen.

Start Your Garden Project

Whether you need a single raised bed or a complete aquaponics system, we'll help you design the perfect solution. Visit our Woods Cross facility to see our garden products in person.

Get StartedCustom Solutions