How to Make a Tire Garden

One of the projects that many Peace Corps volunteers undertake is food security. Most of the communities in which we live are agricultural, but the food grown and eaten is often lacking in diversity. Here in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, we have a range of soils and temperatures making it an ideal place to grow a plethora of interesting foods, from tropical fruit to cold-weather veggies like brussel sprouts and spinach.

The sustainable agriculture sector of Peace Corps teaches local farmers to use organic fertilizers and to spice up their planting and eating habits with a variety of foods. One of the coolest things that they do is planting small raised gardens in abandoned tires. Though I’m not an agriculture volunteer, I’ve had some fun of my own growing food I can’t find in the market. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, I want to pass along the how-to. Maybe you have an itch to get your hands in some dirt and a few old tires in need of new life. If so, here’s how…

Step 1: Select a Tire
You are looking for a tire that is really worn out; the softer the better. Tires have wire inside them to help them keep their shape- you want to make sure this wire isn’t sticking out too much or you could end up running to get yourself a tetanus shot. When you kick the tire firmly with your foot, you want it to collapse a little.


Step 2: Cut the Tire
Lay your tire on its side and using a sharp knife cut the rim off, leaving two small handles on opposing sides. Cut loops in the handles so you can use them to lift up the tire later.


Step 3: FLIP!
This is the most physical (and fun) part of the process. Use your knees, feet, shoulders, butt, whatever necessary to flip the sucker inside-out. This creates more area for planting. Usually a good way to start the flip is to place the tire on its side and cave in one side using your foot- then shove your knee in the top and move around the edge of the tire, flipping it inside out with your hands. Have fun!

Step 4: Pause for photos



Step 5: Make a Bottom
Get a bunch of strong sticks and create a nest of sorts over the hole in the bottom of the tire. Then put porous fabric covering the sticks. This prevents your dirt from falling through the hole but allows excess water to escape.


Step 6: Fill it With Dirt
The best dirt is a combination of compost and plain old dirt. It should be moist but not wet and clump together when you squeeze it in your hand. Fill your tires most of the way with your soil mix.


Step 7: Plant
Because the tires have limited depth, some things grow better than others. Leafy greens, radishes, herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes and other above-ground small vegetables grow best. Make sure you pay attention to the depth and spacing suggested on your seed packet.

Step 8: Water
Keep your plants moist and watch out for weeds. If you find that animals are munching on your plants you can make a stick fence around the inside perimeter of the tire to keep them out.

Step 9: Harvest and Eat!