Growing in plastic containers.
General Pittsburgh pa
Would it be harmful to grow vegetables in plastic storage totes. I am concerned about leeching. This is my only option at present. Thanks.
Posted
by: Cathy Ferree
(1 point)
Posted: May 25, 2014
Answers
If you are concerned about BPA and BPS, there is, at this time, no evidence that it is possible for plants to uptake those chemicals in their root system and transport them through the plant tissue. AFAIK, there is no solid evidence against, either, but it is unlikely that most plants have the capacity to uptake such large chemicals.
However, it is theoretically possible that a leafy green plant which rests directly against the plastic might have some leach onto the leaves if you eat them.
Compared to the widespread use of plastic throughout the food distribution system, I would say your chances of plastic contamination are lower from home grown foods. (But I wouldn't worry about the risk either way.)
If this is still a concern for you, you may wish to consider lining the tubs with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. Roots can and will eventually penetrate this, but perhaps not in the first season.
However, it is theoretically possible that a leafy green plant which rests directly against the plastic might have some leach onto the leaves if you eat them.
Compared to the widespread use of plastic throughout the food distribution system, I would say your chances of plastic contamination are lower from home grown foods. (But I wouldn't worry about the risk either way.)
If this is still a concern for you, you may wish to consider lining the tubs with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. Roots can and will eventually penetrate this, but perhaps not in the first season.
Posted
by: Nicole Castle Brookus
(21 points)
Posted: May 25, 2014
There is no problem growing plants in plastic containers. Because they hold water so well make sure you put some holes in the bottom so they don't flood. Too much water will saturate the roots and eventually kill them. I've had no negative experience growing veggies in plastic containers at all.
Posted
by: Kathryn Fiedler
(72 points)
Posted: May 26, 2014
Cathy Ferree commented,
Thank you do much. I thought about holes. Thanks for the reminder! almost 10 years ago.
Thank you do much. I thought about holes. Thanks for the reminder! almost 10 years ago.
When I've grown my own tomato seedlings, I've had some that I planted into the ground and others, from the same batch of seeds, that I planted into plastic tubs. The difference in taste between the ground-grown and the tub-grown plants was noticeable. So while I don't have any scientific proof that the plastic of the tubs affected the plants, I do think it changed the taste of the tomatoes.
That said, if plastic tubs are your only option, I think that fresh grown food eaten at the peak of freshness and grown without the use of pesticides (even if it was grown in tubs) might still be better than store bought food that was sprayed with pesticides and treated with chemical fertilizers.
If you're able to get ceramic or terra cotta pots, that might be a good option. But when buying ceramic, watch for a sticker that says something like "not food safe." That means there's lead in the paint they used. Those pots are only good for decorative plants.
That said, if plastic tubs are your only option, I think that fresh grown food eaten at the peak of freshness and grown without the use of pesticides (even if it was grown in tubs) might still be better than store bought food that was sprayed with pesticides and treated with chemical fertilizers.
If you're able to get ceramic or terra cotta pots, that might be a good option. But when buying ceramic, watch for a sticker that says something like "not food safe." That means there's lead in the paint they used. Those pots are only good for decorative plants.
Posted
by: Meg D
(2 points)
Posted: May 26, 2014
Nicole Castle Brookus commented,
Different growing conditions can affect the taste; containers will have a wider range of soil temperatures and moisture levels. So it's not necessarily the plastic. almost 10 years ago.
Different growing conditions can affect the taste; containers will have a wider range of soil temperatures and moisture levels. So it's not necessarily the plastic. almost 10 years ago.
I agree with growing in food grade plastic. I've been doing it for years. Although that doesn't actually prove or disprove the leeching of chemicals, as I've never tested the plants in a lab, the plastic is supposed to be safe for food. I will say that a great source for food-grade plastic is empty buckets from your local grocery store's bakery. Usually things like icing and batter come in them, and they just throw them out. All you have to do is ask for them and clean them, and they will usually give them to you, along with lids. They also make great rainwater catchment pails. Just note that after several years of weather (4-5), they can become brittle and break if you move them around. Good luck!
Posted
by: Joy
(2 points)
Posted: May 26, 2014
Cathy Ferree commented,
Great news! I will define ask at the store. This will be fun. almost 10 years ago.
Great news! I will define ask at the store. This will be fun. almost 10 years ago.
Welcome to PlantVillage. I really liked that you commented on everyone's answer. Good luck with the growing. You can use our plantjournal to record how your growth is proceeding by taking pictures and storing them almost 10 years ago.