They make great containers for veggies as most crops enjoy the added heat. If a stem of a vining cucumber or squash hangs over the side and the metal gets too hot, it is easy to slip a section of cardboard or newspaper between the two to act as an insulator - although in cool summer climates this is not necessary. I say go for it and just make sure the soil can drain well. You may even want to add hoops to the sides so you can cover young crops with spun polyester to keep out insects and critters, and seal in warmth at night. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti