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Frugal Gardening

Are plastic containers ok?

18 years ago

This will be my first season in a very long time to have a garden. I plan to start some of my plants from seeds. is it ok to use plastic cups are my seedlings before I transplant them?

Is there any concern regarding the plastic leeching into the soil?

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Comments (3)

duluthinbloomz4
18 years ago
Yes, use them - will you be able to poke drainage holes through the plastic so the soil doesn't saturate and sour?

For plastic drinking ware that does not leach, check the recycling symbol. If it is a #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), or a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), you are fine.
texas_grrl
Original Author
18 years ago
That's great info. Thanks!
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buzzy
18 years ago
What about toilet paper rolls? They work great, plus the seedlings don't experience transplant shock because you plant the cardboard roll directly in the pot or garden when the seedling is ready.

See my message about being frugal with earth resources for more about how to use them. They work great! This has completely changed my gardening, my plants are waaaay healthier, and I don't have to bother poking holes in anything.

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