Generally, plastic resin is not harmful. Recycled plastics are actually more dangerous, since you don't know what the plastic was holding or in contact with, before it got recycled. Which brings me to my next point, the only potentially harmful substances leeching from your containers to your growing mix/soil is what they were holding before. It's not always possible to know, especially if you're reusing buckets. Plants also have some protection from contaminants, except for heavy metals.
we have a huge tree that fell so we cut off logs and stood them on end to make a troph then I filled that and made a garden bed...being resourseful is better than spending so much money on all the "right" materials. I reckon given your choices Canarsie, buckets was the better way to go, lightweight material and adequately roomy.
@missmetalflower My dad and I used to do that with hollowed logs! I'll do it again too. Thanks for mention that because it brought a happy childhood flashback, wink!
I would think that if properly sterilized containers are used the majority of the potential toxin's would be gone, otherwise there are TONS of different plastic container's that could be used with the same general idea and people could make that extra effort to find toxic free container's if it bother's them that much.
@CanarsieBK My garden is not much to look at but it is not for looking at it's a working garden, I work for it and it works for me. I have invested hundreds of dollars into my garden and will spend thousand's more over my lifetime but in all actuality I save a lot by using upcycled wood and creativity to make planting containers. It can be done cheaply but it's not convenient. lol it takes more work and time to save money in a garden than it does to just spend the moo-la.
Maybe scrap wood would be better , if you could make containers out of that? Course you would need to find the scrap wood maybe old pallets etc and tools to build with hmmm.
@GospelTruth37059 That is definitely a possibility. I actually have a shipping pallet on the balcony to use, but I've heard about the possible detriments of using certain wood.
Well, I don't know. But as you put it, what are we going to do? Buy expensive containers and for what? Well, I support using whatever is available unless there is a solid proof that these things are harmful.
@Gardensandcabins Yes. We can limit our exposure, but need not to waste it.
CanarsieBK 5 months ago
The thicker the plastic the less it leaches out.
@TheScruffyJonesI love the idea of making pots out of logs the only thing is do they get rotten easily?
DjKehmist 7 months ago
Generally, plastic resin is not harmful. Recycled plastics are actually more dangerous, since you don't know what the plastic was holding or in contact with, before it got recycled. Which brings me to my next point, the only potentially harmful substances leeching from your containers to your growing mix/soil is what they were holding before. It's not always possible to know, especially if you're reusing buckets. Plants also have some protection from contaminants, except for heavy metals.
Dragonbeast1038 1 year ago
@Dragonbeast1038 Yea there is so much information out there. Can get to be overwhelming.
CanarsieBK 1 year ago
We have to compromise at times. Your rationalizations are, well, rational!
TheScruffyJones 1 year ago
@TheScruffyJones I do my best to be rational in this irrational world.
CanarsieBK 1 year ago
we have a huge tree that fell so we cut off logs and stood them on end to make a troph then I filled that and made a garden bed...being resourseful is better than spending so much money on all the "right" materials. I reckon given your choices Canarsie, buckets was the better way to go, lightweight material and adequately roomy.
missmetalflower 1 year ago
@missmetalflower Exactly.
CanarsieBK 1 year ago
@missmetalflower My dad and I used to do that with hollowed logs! I'll do it again too. Thanks for mention that because it brought a happy childhood flashback, wink!
TheScruffyJones 1 year ago
I would think that if properly sterilized containers are used the majority of the potential toxin's would be gone, otherwise there are TONS of different plastic container's that could be used with the same general idea and people could make that extra effort to find toxic free container's if it bother's them that much.
PCOStherealdeal 1 year ago
@PCOStherealdeal It's about convenience and affordability. Word.
CanarsieBK 1 year ago
@CanarsieBK My garden is not much to look at but it is not for looking at it's a working garden, I work for it and it works for me. I have invested hundreds of dollars into my garden and will spend thousand's more over my lifetime but in all actuality I save a lot by using upcycled wood and creativity to make planting containers. It can be done cheaply but it's not convenient. lol it takes more work and time to save money in a garden than it does to just spend the moo-la.
PCOStherealdeal 1 year ago
@PCOStherealdeal Very well stated.
CanarsieBK 1 year ago
Maybe scrap wood would be better , if you could make containers out of that? Course you would need to find the scrap wood maybe old pallets etc and tools to build with hmmm.
Just a thought.
GospelTruth37059 1 year ago
@GospelTruth37059 That is definitely a possibility. I actually have a shipping pallet on the balcony to use, but I've heard about the possible detriments of using certain wood.
CanarsieBK 1 year ago
@CanarsieBK Well if you try it Im sure it would come out nice you seem like a crafty
person, (smile). Determents from wood hmm interesting, wonder what that could be..hm
GospelTruth37059 1 year ago
@GospelTruth37059 I forget exactly, but it had something to do if the wood was treated.
CanarsieBK 1 year ago
@CanarsieBK That makes sence
GospelTruth37059 1 year ago
Well, I don't know. But as you put it, what are we going to do? Buy expensive containers and for what? Well, I support using whatever is available unless there is a solid proof that these things are harmful.
kalidabod 1 year ago
@kalidabod I am with you especially since I am reusing and not just using.
CanarsieBK 1 year ago
@kalidabod Agreed.
heavenleiblu 1 year ago