Old Hot water Heater as Container

I've researched the forums but haven't seen anything about using an old water heater as a container for veggies. Plenty of water heaters for RMH, but not as planter. My dad has an old steel water heater, coated in vitreous glass, and it's been cut in half -- making a 5ft long, 18 inch deep container. It's got some rust at the ends, which is no big deal, and I've sanded off the flaking glass, which is like an enamel coating.

Before I fill with soil and plant, I'd thought I'd check with you knowledgeable folks.

Is it safe to grow in a container like this? ...Seems a waste not to, really. Any contamination issues you can think of?

Any stories from people successfully using an old water heater like this to grow lettuce, radishes, etc.?

Thanks!

no personal experience, but this page has some old water heaters as planters.

30 - 40 gal elect water heaters both ends cut out makes a good D.I.Y. foot path culvert , or 3 or 4 wheeler culvert Big Al

Nice idea for recycling. Good luck to you.