Kiddie Pool Raised Beds~anyone done it?

[marimara]

So, I want to make a raised bed, and dh tells me there's a very good chance we're moving in 1.5-2 years. I have a large concrete pad patio outback with almost full sun. I was thinking that I could put 2 kiddie pools (have one currently that is about to be given up as actual pool because of small holes and cracks) on the patio. I saw these links that gave me hope:


This one

And this one

That way, if/when we have to move, there will no bald spots on the lawn since these will be on the patio, and I can just dress existing yard plants with the leftover soil. We have a tiny yard to begin with plus this neighborhood is all about the lawns : Plus that's at least one less kiddie pool in the landfill, hopefully I can get another old one from some other family around here.

Hints, tips, ideas, cheerleaders??? If I do this, I'll post pics and progress if anyone wants to see it.

[lmonter]

I think it's a really neat idea, but couldn't find any of those plastic kiddie pools for less than $35 around here, even in October when snow started flying.

Only problem I think you might run into is only being able to do moderately short-rooted crops - like no 8+ inch carrots and such. But I think it'd be totally doable, and hey, if the cracks are already there for drainage, score!

[marimara]

We have those pools around here for $5 full price and cheaper on clearance! Or free from trash day. I was thinking about the depth. I'm not sure I could even grow carrots here, I'm in zone 9.

[GardenStream]

I did it about 10 years ago. I planted peppers, onions, and I think I did some tomatoes. It was on the patio of my apartment back in college. As I recall, it worked fairly well. The only issue I had was that the pool was pretty brittle and could only be used for a year or two. Lucky for me, that was all the longer I needed them

[Indigo73]

Yep I've done it too... tomatoes, peppers, bush beans, herbs and it's honestly my favorite way to go with greens.

[kcstar]

I have a neighbor that's done two of these. It's an interesting idea.